Havanese vs Spanish Water Dog Comparison

Quick Verdict

Who wins in each category?

Overall Winner

Havanese

4/6

categories

Best for Apartments

Havanese

5/5 · Ideal

Easiest Grooming

Spanish Water Dog

2/5 · Low maintenance

Longest Lifespan

Havanese

14-16 years

Easiest to Train

Havanese

3/5 · Moderate

Most Active

Spanish Water Dog

4/5 · Active

Best for First-Time Owners

🤝 Tie

4/6

67%

Havanese

👑 Winner

3/6

50%

Spanish Water Dog

* This summary is based on data from our database. Always make your final decision based on your individual needs.

Basic Info

Origin
Cuba
Spain
Popularity
#23
#148
Common Names & Aliases
Bichon HabaneroBichon HavanaisBichon HavanesHavanese Cuban BichonHavaneserHavanezerBichon Havanese
Perro De Agua Español
Breed Classification
Purebred
Purebred
Size Classification
Small
Medium
Weight Statistics
3-6 kg
Male: 18-22 kg, Female: 14-18 kg
Average Weight
4.5 kg
Male: 20.2 kg, Female: 15.9 kg
Height
21-29 cm
Male: 44-50 cm, Female: 40-46 cm
Average Height
25 cm
Male: 47 cm, Female: 43 cm
Intelligence Rating
3/5
2/5
Watchdog Rating
4/5
4/5
Training Difficulty
5/5
4/5
Territorial Protection
4/5
5/5
Price Range
$900-$1200
$1000-$1200
Availability
5/5
4/5
Personality Traits
AffectionateGentlePlayfulCompanionableIntelligentResponsiveSturdyLivelyAmiableCharming
AffectionateDiligentTrainableAthleticLoyal
Sensitivity Level
4/5
5/5
Impulse to Wander or Roam
2/5
4/5
Prey Drive
4/5
4/5
Affection Level
5/5
5/5
Social Needs
5/5
4/5
Barking Frequency
2/5
3/5
Playful Nature
5/5
4/5
Apartment Adaptability
5/5
2/5
Lifestyle Adaptability
5/5
4/5
Alone Time Tolerance
Very Low
Low
Bite Risk Assessment
Low
Low
Mouthing Tendency
3/5
4/5
Bite Strength Rating
Between 100 and 200 PSI
Between 200 and 400 PSI
Average Lifespan
14-16 years
10-14 years
Climate Tolerance
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Health Concerns
3/5
3/5
Health Problems
CataractsChondrodysplasiaDeafnessElbow DysplasiaHeart MurmursHip DysplasiaLegg-perthes DiseaseMitral Valve DiseasePatellar LuxationPortosystemic Liver Shunt
Addison's DiseaseAllergiesCataractsCherry EyeDistichiasisExocrine Pancreatic InsufficiencyHip DysplasiaHypothyroidismNeuroaxonal DystrophyProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Vet Care Frequency
Average
Average
Energy Rating
3/5
4/5
Sleeping Need
3/5
2/5
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
1/5
4/5
Obesity Tendency
4/5
3/5
Food Consumption
1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.
1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Allergy Friendliness
Yes
Yes
Coat Colors
BlackReddish-BrownFawnWhiteHavana BrownTobacco
ChestnutWhiteBlackBlack & WhiteBrown & White
Grooming Requirements
3/5
2/5
Shedding Level
1/5
1/5
Drooling Tendency
1/5
2/5
Stinkiness Rating
Low
Medium
Coat Characteristics
WoollyLongSoftWavyFlat
CurlyWaterproofGrow into dreadlocksWoollyNo Undercoat
Bathing Needs
3-4 weeks
3-4 weeks
Cat Friendly
5/5
2/5
Child Compatibility
5/5
2/5
Dog Friendly
5/5
3/5
Stranger Friendly
4/5
2/5
Office Friendly
No
No
Senior Citizens Friendly
Highly Recommended
Below Average
Pet Compatibility
Excellent
Below Average
Good For First Time Owners
Yes
Yes
Service Dog Capability
Not really
Not really
Therapy Work Suitability
Not really
Not really
Scent Detection Ability
Not really
Not really
Search & Rescue Potential
Not really
Not really
Maritime Work Ability
Not really
Yes
Draft Work Capability
Not really
Not really
Military Service Background
Not really
Not really
Puppy Litter Size
1-9 puppies, average 4
4-6 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
60-64 days
60-64 days
Breeding Frequency
Once a year.
Once a year.
AKC Classification
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996 as a Toy breed.
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2015 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Water Dogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryAustralian National Kennel CouncilCanadian Kennel ClubContinental Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNational Kennel ClubNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.United Kennel ClubAmerican Canine Association, Inc.Havanese Club of America
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleNational Kennel ClubNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.United Kennel ClubAmerican Canine Association, Inc.
Winner / Best value