Brittany
A versatile, energetic bird dog with a sweet disposition. Brittanys are quick, agile, and eager to please, making them excellent hunting companions and active family dogs.
VS
Havanese
Cuba's national treasure, the Havanese is a cheerful, silky-coated companion that wins hearts everywhere. They are outgoing, funny, and thrive on human attention.
Quick Answer
Choose Brittany if you want easier to train. Choose Havanese if you want better with kids and more apartment-friendly.
Quick Comparison
Brittany
Attribute
Havanese
medium
Size
small
14–18 kg (31–40 lbs)
Weight
3–6 kg (7–13 lbs)
44–52 cm (17–20 in)
Height
22–29 cm (9–11 in)
12–14 yrs
Lifespan
13–15 yrsBetter
Better5/5
Trainability
4/5
5/5
Energy
3/5
4/5
Good with Kids
5/5Better
2/5
Shedding
1/5Better
Better2/5
Grooming
4/5
1/5
Apartment
5/5Better
4/5
Health
4/5
Better$700–$1,500
Price
$1,000–$2,500
Attribute Comparison
Exercise & Activity
Brittany needs more exercise; Havanese is lower-maintenance.
Brittany
Havanese
Energy Level
5/5
vs3/5
Exercise Needs
5/5
vs2/5
Apartment Friendly
1/5
vs5/5Better
If your daily schedule is packed, pay close attention here. The Brittany demands serious physical activity — we're talking 60-90+ minutes of vigorous exercise daily (5/5).
Temperament & Personality
Havanese is calmer; Brittany is more energetic.
Brittany
Havanese
Playfulness
5/5
vs5/5
Barking Level
Better2/5
vs3/5
Energy
5/5
vs3/5
One of the most important factors in choosing between these two breeds is temperament. The Brittany is typically bright, eager and fun-loving, making them well suited for active lifestyles and houses with yards.
Grooming & Shedding
Brittany sheds more; Havanese is easier to maintain.
Brittany
Havanese
Shedding
2/5
vs1/5Better
Grooming Needs
Better2/5
vs4/5
The Brittany sheds a bit more (2/5) than the Havanese (1/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the Havanese has a slight edge.
Family & Social Life
Havanese is better suited for families with children.
Brittany
Havanese
Good with Kids
4/5
vs5/5Better
Good with Dogs
4/5
vs5/5Better
Strangers
4/5
vs5/5Better
The Havanese has a slight edge with children (5/5 vs 4/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the Havanese's cheerful temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.
Size & Appearance
Brittany is the larger breed; Havanese is more compact.
Brittany
Havanese
Weight (kg)
14–18
vs3–6
Height (cm)
44–52
vs22–29
These two breeds look nothing alike. The Brittany is a medium breed at 14–18 kg (31–40 lbs) and 44–52 cm (17–20 in), while the Havanese is a small breed at just 3–6 kg (7–13 lbs) and 22–29 cm (9–11 in).
Training & Intelligence
Brittany is generally easier to train.
Brittany
Havanese
Trainability
Better5/5
vs4/5
Intelligence
Better5/5
vs4/5
The Brittany has a slight training edge (5/5 vs 4/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the Brittany tends to catch on a bit faster.
Cost of Ownership
Both breeds cost about the same to own.
Brittany
Avg. Purchase$1,100
Annual Food$540
Annual Vet$400
Annual Grooming$150
Annual Total$1,090 ✓
Havanese
Avg. Purchase$1,750
Annual Food$360
Annual Vet$400
Annual Grooming$400
Annual Total$1,160
Purchase prices are in the same ballpark: $700–$1,500 for a Brittany and $1,000–$2,500 for a Havanese. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.
Health & Lifespan
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Brittany
Havanese
Lifespan (years)
12–14
vs13–15Better
Health Robustness
4/5
vs4/5
Lifespan is a near-tie: the Brittany lives roughly 12–14 years while the Havanese averages 13–15 years. Neither breed has a clear longevity advantage, so other factors should drive your choice.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
On balance, the Havanese has the edge — it's better with children (5/5), more apartment-friendly (5/5), lower exercise needs (2/5). For most families, the Havanese is the more practical choice, particularly if you value a kid-friendly dog.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Brittany and Havanese are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Brittany needs significantly more daily exercise than Havanese, Havanese is considerably better suited to apartment living. Annual ownership costs are broadly similar for both breeds.
Choose Brittany if...
- ✓You have other dogs at home — Brittanys tend to get along well with other dogs (4/5).
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Choose Havanese if...
- ✓You live in an apartment or don't have a yard — Havaneses adapt much better to smaller spaces (5/5 vs 1/5 apartment rating).
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Brittany or Havanese?
The Havanese is generally better with children, scoring 5/5 compared to the Brittany's 4/5. The Havanese is one of our top-recommended breeds for families.
Is a Brittany or Havanese easier to train?
The Brittany is easier to train with a score of 5/5, compared to the Havanese's 4/5. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well.
Which costs more, a Brittany or Havanese?
A Brittany puppy costs $700–$1,500 while a Havanese costs $1,000–$2,500. Annual maintenance runs about $1,090 for the Brittany and $1,160 for the Havanese. The Havanese costs more to maintain annually.
Do Brittanys or Havaneses live longer?
The Brittany lives 12–14 years on average, while the Havanese lives 13–15 years. The Havanese tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Brittany or Havanese live in an apartment?
The Havanese adapts better to apartment living (5/5) than the Brittany (1/5). The Havanese ranks among our best apartment breeds.