Bichon Frise vs Havanese
Size Category
Small
Ideal For
Families, Multi-pet Homes
Maintenance Level
High
Decision Helper
Quick Decision Guide
Bichon Frise might be better if you:
- Want a dog great with children
- Have other pets at home
- Want an easily trainable dog
- Lead an active lifestyle
- Often have visitors or socialize frequently
- Want a smaller dog that's easy to carry
- Want a breed known for longevity
Havanese might be better if you:
- Want a dog great with children
- Have other pets at home
- Want an easily trainable dog
- Often have visitors or socialize frequently
- Want a smaller dog that's easy to carry
- Want a breed known for longevity
Find Your Match
Quick Match Quiz
Question 1 of 7
What best describes your lifestyle?
Breed Overview
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small, cheerful dog known for its fluffy white coat and lively personality. Standing about 9.5 to 11.5 inches tall and weighing between 12 to 18 pounds, these dogs have a compact build with a rounded head and a distinctive curly coat that requires regular grooming. Their eyes are dark and expressive, and they often have a playful, inquisitive look. Bichon Frises are known for their friendly and outgoing nature, making them excellent companions. They are adaptable to various living situations, including apartments, and thrive on human interaction, often forming strong bonds with their families. This breed is intelligent and eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train, though they can sometimes exhibit a stubborn streak. Overall, the Bichon Frise is affectionate, playful, and sociable, often getting along well with children and other pets.
Havanese
The Havanese is a small, sturdy toy breed known for its friendly disposition and charming personality. They typically weigh between 7 to 13 pounds and stand about 8.5 to 11.5 inches tall at the shoulder. The breed has a long, flowing double coat that is soft and silky, with colors ranging from white, cream, and gold to chocolate and black. Havanese are known for their intelligence and adaptability, making them excellent companions in various living situations. They are social dogs that thrive on human interaction and are generally good with children and other pets. Their playful and affectionate nature makes them a popular choice for families and individuals alike.
Key Statistics
Life Expectancy
Height (Male)
Weight (Male)
Breed Characteristics
Good with Children
Excellent with children
Excellent with children
Good with Other Dogs
Very social with other dogs
Very social with other dogs
Shedding
Light shedding level
Light shedding level
Grooming Needs
High grooming needs
Moderate grooming needs
Trainability
Highly trainable
Highly trainable
Energy Level
Very energetic breed
Moderately energetic breed
Barking Tendency
Moderate barking tendency
Frequent barking tendency
Care Requirements
Care Requirements
Bichon Frise
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Brush their coat at least 2-3 times a week to prevent matting.
Feeding
Balanced diet required
Health Care
Regular vet check-ups recommended
Havanese
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Brush their coat daily to prevent matting.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet appropriate for their age and weight.
Health Care
Check and clean their ears regularly to prevent infections.
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Brush their coat at least 2-3 times a week to prevent matting.
Grooming
Brush their coat daily to prevent matting.
Feeding
Balanced diet required
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet appropriate for their age and weight.
Health Care
Regular vet check-ups recommended
Health Care
Check and clean their ears regularly to prevent infections.
Additional Care Notes
Bichon Frise
- •Provide dental care with regular brushing or dental chews.
Havanese
- •Provide a balanced diet appropriate for their age and weight.
Training & Exercise
Training & Exercise Guide
Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise. Consistency and patience are key, as they can be somewhat stubborn. Socialization with other dogs and people is crucial to prevent behavioral issues.
Training Challenges
- •stubbornness
- •separation anxiety
- •barking excessively
- •potty training difficulties
Havanese
Havanese dogs are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise to encourage good behavior. Consistency is key, so establish a regular training schedule and practice in short sessions to maintain their attention.
Training Challenges
- •Stubbornness or selective listening, especially if they don’t see the value in the command
- •Separation anxiety, which can lead to unwanted behaviors if not addressed during training
- •Housebreaking difficulties if not established with a consistent routine
- •Overexcitement or hyperactivity during play or training sessions
- •Distractibility in new environments, requiring additional focus training
Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise. Consistency and patience are key, as they can be somewhat stubborn. Socialization with other dogs and people is crucial to prevent behavioral issues.
Training Challenges
- •stubbornness
- •separation anxiety
- •barking excessively
- •potty training difficulties
Havanese
Havanese dogs are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise to encourage good behavior. Consistency is key, so establish a regular training schedule and practice in short sessions to maintain their attention.
Training Challenges
- •Stubbornness or selective listening, especially if they don’t see the value in the command
- •Separation anxiety, which can lead to unwanted behaviors if not addressed during training
- •Housebreaking difficulties if not established with a consistent routine
- •Overexcitement or hyperactivity during play or training sessions
- •Distractibility in new environments, requiring additional focus training
Training Resources
Bichon Frise Training Guide
Havanese Training Guide
Find Breeders
Find Bichon Frise Breeders
Find Havanese Breeders
Local Search Tips
When looking for a reputable breeder in your area, consider these approaches:
- 1.
Contact local veterinarians for breeder recommendations - They often know reputable breeders who prioritize health testing and proper care.
- 2.
Join breed-specific clubs in your area - These communities can provide valuable connections and insights about responsible breeders.
- 3.
Attend local dog shows to meet breeders - This gives you the opportunity to see their dogs and discuss breeding practices in person.