A detailed side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right breed for your lifestyle.
| Attribute | Bulldog | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Size | medium | small |
| Weight | 18–25 kg (40–55 lbs) | 3–6 kg (7–13 lbs) |
| Height | 31–40 cm (12–16 in) | 22–29 cm (9–11 in) |
| Lifespan | 8–10 yrs | 13–15 yrs |
| Trainability | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Energy Level | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Good with Kids | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Shedding | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Grooming | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Apartment Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Health | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Price | $1,500–$4,000 | $1,000–$2,500 |
The Bulldog is known for being docile, willful, friendly, while the Havanese is typically described as cheerful, intelligent, outgoing. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.
The Havanese tends to be more playful, scoring 5/5 versus the Bulldog's 3/5. Expect the Havanese to be more eager for playtime and interactive games.
Noise-wise, the Havanese is more vocal with a barking level of 3/5, while the Bulldog is quieter at 2/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the Bulldog may be the better choice.
The Bulldog is a medium breed standing 31–40 cm (12–16 in) tall and weighing 18–25 kg (40–55 lbs). In comparison, the Havanese is a small breed at 22–29 cm (9–11 in) and 3–6 kg (7–13 lbs).
There's a significant size difference between these two breeds. The Bulldog is considerably heavier, which means higher food costs and the need for more physical space. The Havanese's smaller frame makes it easier to handle and transport.
The Bulldog has a short coat available in brindle, white, fawn, red, piebald, while the Havanese sports a long coat in white, black, havana brown, fawn, tobacco. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.
The Bulldog has low energy (2/5) with low exercise needs (2/5). The Havanese has moderate energy (3/5) and low exercise needs (2/5).
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements, so your daily activity routine won't change much regardless of which you choose. Plan for regular walks and play sessions to keep either breed content.
When it comes to shedding, the Bulldog drops more fur with a shedding level of 3/5, while the Havanese is lighter at 1/5. If pet hair on furniture is a concern, the Havanese will be easier to live with.
Grooming-wise, the Havanese needs more upkeep (4/5) than the Bulldog (2/5). The Havanese's long coat demands regular professional grooming to stay in top shape.
Annual grooming costs average around $100 for the Bulldog and $400 for the Havanese. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.
The Bulldog has a lifespan of 8–10 years, while the Havanese lives 13–15 years. The Havanese generally has a longer lifespan.
The Havanese is generally the healthier breed, scoring 4/5 for health robustness versus the Bulldog's 1/5. This often translates to fewer vet visits and lower medical costs.
Common health issues for the Bulldog include brachycephalic syndrome, hip dysplasia, cherry eye, skin infections. The Havanese is prone to patellar luxation, cataracts, deafness, heart murmurs. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.
Annual vet costs average $900 for the Bulldog and $400 for the Havanese. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.
Training comes more naturally with the Havanese, which scores 4/5 for trainability. The Bulldog's score of 2/5 means you may need more patience and consistency to see results.
The Havanese ranks higher in intelligence (4/5 vs 2/5), which can be both a blessing and a challenge. Smarter dogs learn commands faster but also get bored more easily and may develop behavioral issues without mental stimulation.
Regardless of which breed you choose, early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are key to raising a well-behaved dog. Puppy classes are a great investment for either breed.
The Havanese edges ahead as a family dog, scoring 5/5 with children versus the Bulldog's 4/5. The Havanese's cheerful temperament makes it especially patient around kids.
If you have other pets, the Havanese tends to get along better with other dogs (5/5) than the Bulldog (3/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the Havanese is naturally more sociable with canine companions.
The Havanese is more welcoming to strangers (5/5), while the Bulldog tends to be more reserved (4/5). If you frequently have guests, the Havanese's sociable nature will make entertaining easier.
The initial purchase price for a Bulldog ranges from $1,500–$4,000, while a Havanese typically costs $1,000–$2,500. The Bulldog has a higher upfront cost.
Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,600 for the Bulldog and $1,160 for the Havanese. The Bulldog is more expensive to maintain year over year, mainly due to higher food costs.
Monthly food costs run about $50 for the Bulldog and $30 for the Havanese. Over a typical lifespan, the total cost of ownership can differ by thousands of dollars, so it's worth factoring in the long-term financial commitment.
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Havanese is generally better with children, scoring 5/5 compared to the Bulldog's 4/5. However, individual temperament varies, and proper socialization is key for any breed.
The Havanese is easier to train, scoring 4/5 versus the Bulldog's 2/5. The Havanese's eagerness to please makes training sessions more productive.
A Bulldog puppy costs $1,500–$4,000 while a Havanese costs $1,000–$2,500. Annual maintenance runs about $1,600 for the Bulldog and $1,160 for the Havanese.
The Bulldog lives 8–10 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.
The Bulldog is equally suited for apartments (5/5) as the Havanese (5/5). It adapts well to smaller spaces.