French Spaniel vs Havanese
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
French Spaniel
Foundation Stock Service
Havanese
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
French Spaniel Overview
French Spaniels are elegant sporting dogs with a distinctive white coat marked by brown patches. Their medium-sized, athletic build features a noble head carriage, pendulous ears, and expressive eyes reflecting their gentle nature. Standing 21.5 to 24 inches at the shoulder, these dogs possess a balanced structure ideal for both field work and companionship, complemented by their intelligent expression and graceful movement.
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: French Spaniels are less energetic than Havaneses, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: French Spaniels require less grooming attention compared to Havaneses.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, French Spaniels tend to be more reserved with strangers than Havaneses.
- Trainability: Havaneses may be slightly easier to train due to their Havanese's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Havaneses adapt better to apartment living, while French Spaniels typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the French Spaniel and Havanese, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | French Spaniel | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 14-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | French Spaniel | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-24 inches 55-61 cm | 9-12 inches 22-29 cm |
| Weight | 50-60 lbs 23-27 kg | 7-13 lbs 3-6 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Unknown | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | French Spaniel | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Gentle, Sociable, Intelligent | Intelligent, Outgoing, Funny |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | French Spaniel | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
French Spaniel Temperament
The French Spaniel is known for being gentle, sociable, intelligent, 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 French Spaniel 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
French Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
Havanese
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
French Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
Havanese
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
French Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Havanese
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
French Spaniel
Rating: 1/5
Havanese
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
French Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Havanese
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
French Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
French Spaniels 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, French Spaniels require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
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
French Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Bloat
- Epilepsy
Havanese Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Chondrodysplasia
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Deafness
- Heart Murmurs
- Cataracts
Pros & Cons
French Spaniel
Pros
- Excellent hunting companion
- Good with families
- Intelligent
- Gentle temperament
Cons
- Needs extensive exercise
- Regular grooming required
- Can be stubborn
- Not suited for apartment living
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 French Spaniel and Havanese, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.