Bichon Frise vs Havanese: full comparison
| Trait | Bichon Frise | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Small |
| Energy level | Medium | Medium |
| Trainability | Medium | High |
| Friendliness | Very High | Very High |
| Good with children | Very High | Very High |
| Grooming needs | Very High | Very High |
| Shedding | Very Low | Low |
| Barking | Medium | Medium |
| Protectiveness | Low | Low |
| Adaptability | Very High | Very High |
| Typical lifespan | 15 years | 15 years |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes | Yes |
Size and living space
The Bichon Frise is a small dog that lives comfortably in an apartment and asks for very little space. By comparison, the Havanese is a small dog that lives comfortably in an apartment and asks for very little space. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.
Exercise and energy needs
The Bichon Frise wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. The Havanese wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.
Grooming and shedding
The Bichon Frise is high-maintenance to groom, needing regular professional grooming and daily brushing and barely sheds, keeping your home and clothes clean. The Havanese is high-maintenance to groom, needing regular professional grooming and daily brushing and sheds very little. Both are considered hypoallergenic, so either works well for allergy-conscious homes. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.
Temperament, training and family life
The Bichon Frise trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. The Havanese learns quickly and enjoys the training process, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. On guarding instinct, Bichon Frise is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly, whereas Havanese is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly.
Which is better for…
- For apartment or apartment living, Bichon Frise and Havanese are an even match — either can work well.
- For families with young children, Bichon Frise and Havanese are an even match — either can work well.
- For first-time dog owners, Havanese has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
- For being left alone during the workday, Bichon Frise and Havanese are an even match — either can work well.
- For allergy sufferers, Bichon Frise has the edge, as it is hypoallergenic and lower-shedding.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Bichon Frise if you want less shedding around the home.
Choose the Havanese if you want an easier dog to train.
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Bichon Frise or the Havanese better for families with children?
- Both the Bichon Frise and the Havanese are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
- Which sheds more, the Bichon Frise or the Havanese?
- The Havanese sheds more than the Bichon Frise. If shedding is a concern, the Bichon Frise is the lower-maintenance choice.
- Which is easier to train, the Bichon Frise or the Havanese?
- The Havanese is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
- Is Bichon Frise or Havanese bigger?
- Bichon Frise and Havanese are a similar size (Small).
- Which barks more, Bichon Frise or Havanese?
- Both bark a similar amount (medium).
- Which is better for apartment living, Bichon Frise or Havanese?
- For apartment or apartment living, Bichon Frise and Havanese are an even match — either can work well.