A side-by-side comparison of the Bichon Frise and Havanese across size, temperament, grooming, family fit, and more.
Bichon Frise
Havanese
Overall, Havanese wins more categories — but the right choice still depends on your family's specific needs.
Havanese
1 win
Bichon Frise
0 wins
More family-friendly
These breeds score equally well with families.
Lower maintenance
These breeds require similar grooming effort.
Longer-lived
Havanese typically lives longer on average.
Calmer
These breeds have similar energy levels.
Quieter
These breeds bark about as much as each other.
More trainable
These breeds are equally trainable.
| Breed | Size | Weight | Height | Lifespan | Energy | Shedding | Grooming | Trainable | Affection | Barking | Kids | Dogs | Cats | Apartment | First-timers | Low-allergen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 11–15 lb | 9–11 in | 12 yr | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||||||
| Small | 7–13 lb | 8–12 in | 14–16 yr | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
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The Bichon Frise and Havanese are both popular breeds, but they differ meaningfully in day-to-day life. The verdict above scores them on six key dimensions — use it as a starting point, then factor in your specific home, activity level, and family situation.
Overall, Havanese wins more categories — but the right choice still depends on your family's specific needs.