Havanese vs Poodle
Discover the differences between Havanese and Poodle to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Havanese
A cheerful, affectionate, and playful breed with a silky, flowing coat. Thrives as a loving companion and brings joy with a gentle, outgoing personality.
Poodle
Elegant, intelligent, and highly trainable, this breed stands out for its lively spirit and loyal companionship. Their hypoallergenic coat and playful personality make them ideal family pets.
Quick comparison
Small
4.5–7.3 kg
Long, silky
14–16 years
3.6–6.8 kg
Moderately active
Medium
20–32 kg
Curly, dense
12–15 years
18–27 kg
High energy
Personality & behavior
Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.
Havanese
Affectionate with people and other animals
Learns commands and routines quickly
Moderate activity needs, enjoys daily walks
Loves games and interactive activities
Adjusts well to new environments and changes
Poodle
Warm and sociable with family and guests
Highly intelligent and quick to learn commands
Needs regular activity and enjoys exercise
Loves games and interactive playtime
Easily adjusts to new environments and routines
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Havanese
Cataracts, patellar luxation
Poodle
Hip dysplasia, Addison’s disease
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Havanese
Great choice
Easygoing nature and adaptability make Havanese manageable for new dog owners
Perfect fit
Small size and moderate energy suit apartments with limited space
Moderately suitable
Enjoys play but may tire quickly during intense activities
Excellent companion
Affectionate and gentle, making them safe playmates for young children
Very friendly
Generally sociable and gets along well with other pets
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone for long periods and can develop separation issues
Poodle
Great choice
Intelligent and eager to please, Poodles are easy for beginners to train and manage.
Highly suitable
Poodles adapt well to apartment life if given daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Perfect fit
Their energy and love for activity make them great companions for active households.
Very friendly
Poodles are gentle and patient with children when socialized from a young age.
Gets along well
Poodles usually coexist peacefully with other pets, especially if socialized early.
Prone to anxiety
Poodles can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods regularly.
Breed strengths
What each breed excels at and their best qualities
Havanese
- Affectionate with family and children
- Adapts well to apartment living
- Generally sociable with other dogs
- Highly trainable and eager to please
- Low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat
Poodle
- Highly intelligent and easy to train
- Hypoallergenic coat reduces shedding
- Strong bond with family members
- Adaptable to various living environments
- Excellent performance in canine sports
Challenges & considerations
Potential challenges and considerations for each breed
Havanese
- Prone to separation anxiety when left alone
- Requires frequent grooming and coat care
- Can be shy around unfamiliar people
- Sensitive to harsh training methods
- May develop nuisance barking if bored
Poodle
- Requires regular professional grooming
- Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
- Needs daily mental and physical stimulation
- Can be reserved with unfamiliar people
- Susceptible to certain genetic health issues
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