Bichon Frise vs Havanese
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Bichon Frise
Non-Sporting Group
Havanese
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Bichon Frise Overview
Graceful and compact, the Bichon Frise showcases a white powder-puff appearance with a soft, dense coat that forms a rounded silhouette. Their dark, inquisitive eyes and black nose create an endearing expression, while their plumed tail curves gracefully over their back. Naturally cheerful and gentle-natured, these dogs combine aristocratic bearing with a merry, playful disposition.
Havanese Overview
Havanese dogs captivate with their silky, flowing coats and expressive dark eyes. Standing 8.5-11.5 inches tall with a sturdy yet compact frame, these charming companions showcase a distinctive springy gait. Their coat comes in various colors, featuring a soft texture and slight wave. Alert and spirited, they carry themselves with a gentle, intelligent expression that perfectly matches their affectionate nature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Bichon Frises are less energetic than Havaneses, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Bichon Frises require more grooming attention compared to Havaneses.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Bichon Frises tend to be more reserved with strangers than Havaneses.
- Trainability: Bichon Frises may be slightly easier to train due to their Bichon Frise's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Bichon Frises adapt better to apartment living, while Havaneses typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Bichon Frise and Havanese, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Bichon Frise | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 14-15 years | 14-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Bichon Frise | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-12 inches 24-29 cm | 9-12 inches 22-29 cm |
| Weight | 12-18 lbs 5-8 kg | 7-13 lbs 3-6 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Bichon Frise | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Playful, Curious, Peppy | Intelligent, Outgoing, Funny |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Bichon Frise | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Bichon Frise Temperament
The Bichon Frise is known for being playful, curious, peppy, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Havanese Temperament
The Havanese is characterized by being intelligent, outgoing, funny, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Bichon Frise and Havanese, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Bichon Frise
Rating: 5/5
Havanese
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Bichon Frise
Rating: 5/5
Havanese
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Bichon Frise
Rating: 3/5
Havanese
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Bichon Frise
Rating: 2/5
Havanese
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Bichon Frise
Rating: 5/5
Havanese
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Bichon Frise Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bichon Frises require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Bichon Frises require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Havanese Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Havaneses need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Havaneses require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Bichon Frise Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Allergies
- Patellar luxation
- Bladder stones
- Eye problems
- Dental disease
Havanese Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Chondrodysplasia
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Deafness
- Heart Murmurs
- Cataracts
Pros & Cons
Bichon Frise
Pros
- Hypoallergenic coat
- Excellent companion dog
- Good with children
- Adaptable to different living situations
- Long lifespan
- Cheerful personality
Cons
- High grooming maintenance
- Can be expensive to maintain
- Prone to separation anxiety
- Regular professional grooming required
- May be difficult to housebreak
Havanese
Pros
- Excellent companion dog
- Good with children
- Highly adaptable
- Low shedding
- Intelligent
- Social nature
Cons
- Regular grooming needed
- Separation anxiety prone
- Can be vocal
- Frequent brushing required
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Bichon Frise and Havanese, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.