Havanese vs Bull Terrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Havanese
Toy Group
Bull Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
Bull Terrier Overview
Bull Terriers feature a distinctive egg-shaped head and muscular build, combining strength with agility. Their unique profile, small triangular eyes, and robust body structure create an unmistakable silhouette. Known for their short, glossy white coat, these athletic dogs possess a graceful gait and powerful shoulders, embodying both elegance and strength in their physical form.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Havaneses are less energetic than Bull Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Havaneses require more grooming attention compared to Bull Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Havaneses tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Bull Terriers.
- Trainability: Bull Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Bull Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Havaneses adapt better to apartment living, while Bull Terriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Havanese and Bull Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Havanese | Bull Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 14-16 years | 12-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Havanese | Bull Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 9-12 inches 22-29 cm | 21-22 inches 53-56 cm |
| Weight | 7-13 lbs 3-6 kg | 50-70 lbs 23-32 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Havanese | Bull Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Intelligent, Outgoing, Funny | Playful, Charming, Mischievous |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Havanese | Bull Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Havanese Temperament
The Havanese is known for being intelligent, outgoing, funny, 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.
Bull Terrier Temperament
The Bull Terrier is characterized by being playful, charming, mischievous, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Havanese and Bull Terrier, 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
Havanese
Rating: 5/5
Bull Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Havanese
Rating: 5/5
Bull Terrier
Rating: 1/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Havanese
Rating: 3/5
Bull Terrier
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Havanese
Rating: 1/5
Bull Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Havanese
Rating: 4/5
Bull Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Havanese Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Havaneses 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, Havaneses require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Bull Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bull Terriers need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Bull Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Havanese Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Chondrodysplasia
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Deafness
- Heart Murmurs
- Cataracts
Bull Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Heart Disease
- Deafness
- Kidney Disease
- Lens Luxation
- Patella Issues
Pros & Cons
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
Bull Terrier
Pros
- Loyal and affectionate
- Excellent guard dogs
- Low grooming needs
- Good with families
Cons
- Strong-willed personality
- High exercise needs
- Can be stubborn
- May not get along with other pets
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Havanese and Bull Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.