Compare breeds
Bichon Frise vs Havanese
Bichon Frise
Curly
Havanese
Long
Choose the Bichon Frise if you want…
- a home with other pets
Choose the Havanese if you want…
- less time spent grooming
Side by side
| Trait | Bichon Frise | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Toy |
| Weight | 5–8 kg (11–18 lb) | 3–6 kg (7–13 lb) |
| Height | 23–30 cm (9–12 in) | 22–29 cm (9–11 in) |
| Life span | 14–15 years | 14–16 years |
| Origin | Mediterranean / France | Cuba |
| Energy | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Trainability | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Good with children | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Good with other pets | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Suits a flat | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Shedding | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Grooming needs | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Barking / vocal | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Quick answers
Which is bigger, the Bichon Frise or the Havanese?
The Bichon Frise — typically about 1.4 times the weight. Bichon Frise: 5–8 kg (11–18 lb); Havanese: 3–6 kg (7–13 lb).
Which lives longer, the Bichon Frise or the Havanese?
Their typical life spans are about the same. Bichon Frise: 14–15 years; Havanese: 14–16 years.
Is the Bichon Frise or the Havanese better with children?
We rate them the same. Both still need supervision with young children.
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