Is the Coton de Tulear or the Havanese better for families with children?

The Havanese tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

Which sheds more, the Coton de Tulear or the Havanese?

The Coton de Tulear and Havanese shed a similar amount (low).

Which is easier to train, the Coton de Tulear or the Havanese?

The Havanese is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Coton de Tulear or Havanese bigger?

Coton de Tulear and Havanese are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Coton de Tulear or Havanese?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Coton de Tulear or Havanese?

For apartment or apartment living, Coton de Tulear and Havanese are an even match — either can work well.

Coton de Tulear vs Havanese: Which Trains Easier?

Coton de Tulear vs Havanese: full comparison

Trait	Coton de Tulear	Havanese
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	Medium	Medium
Trainability	Medium	High
Friendliness	Very High	Very High
Good with children	High	Very High
Grooming needs	Very High	Very High
Shedding	Low	Low
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	High	Very High
Typical lifespan	15 years	15 years
Hypoallergenic	Yes	Yes

Size and living space

The Coton de Tulear is a compact little dog that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. By comparison, the Havanese is a compact little dog that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor 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 Coton de Tulear needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. The Havanese needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Coton de Tulear is a serious grooming commitment, with daily brushing and regular salon visits and sheds very little. The Havanese is a serious grooming commitment, with daily brushing and regular salon visits and sheds very little. Both are considered hypoallergenic, so either works well for allergy-conscious homes. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Coton de Tulear trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. The Havanese learns quickly and enjoys the training process, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. On guarding instinct, Coton de Tulear shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers, whereas Havanese shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Coton de Tulear and Havanese are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Havanese has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
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, Coton de Tulear and Havanese are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Coton de Tulear and Havanese are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Coton de Tulear if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Havanese on temperament, size and care.

Choose the Havanese if you want the more child-friendly companion, you want an easier dog to train, or you want a more adaptable dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Coton de Tulear or the Havanese better for families with children?: The Havanese tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the Coton de Tulear or the Havanese?: The Coton de Tulear and Havanese shed a similar amount (low).
Which is easier to train, the Coton de Tulear or the Havanese?: The Havanese is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Coton de Tulear or Havanese bigger?: Coton de Tulear and Havanese are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Coton de Tulear or Havanese?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Coton de Tulear or Havanese?: For apartment or apartment living, Coton de Tulear and Havanese are an even match — either can work well.

Coton de Tulear vs Havanese