Bulldog
The gentle, courageous Bulldog is a beloved symbol of determination. Despite their muscular build, they are calm and friendly companions who prefer lounging on the couch to long hikes.
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 Bulldog if you want a great companion. Choose Havanese if you want easier to train and better with kids.
Quick Comparison
Bulldog
Attribute
Havanese
medium
Size
small
18–25 kg (40–55 lbs)
Weight
3–6 kg (7–13 lbs)
31–40 cm (12–16 in)
Height
22–29 cm (9–11 in)
8–10 yrs
Lifespan
13–15 yrsBetter
2/5
Trainability
4/5Better
2/5
Energy
3/5
4/5
Good with Kids
5/5Better
3/5
Shedding
1/5Better
Better2/5
Grooming
4/5
5/5
Apartment
5/5
1/5
Health
4/5Better
$1,500–$4,000
Price
$1,000–$2,500Better
Attribute Comparison
Health & Lifespan
Havanese tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Bulldog
Havanese
Lifespan (years)
8–10
vs13–15Better
Health Robustness
1/5
vs4/5Better
Life expectancy favors the Havanese: 13–15 years versus the Bulldog's 8–10 years. For many families, those extra years together are a compelling reason to lean toward the Havanese.
Cost of Ownership
Havanese is less expensive to own annually.
Bulldog
Avg. Purchase$2,750
Annual Food$600
Annual Vet$900
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,600
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: $1,500–$4,000 for a Bulldog and $1,000–$2,500 for a Havanese. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.
Temperament & Personality
Bulldog is calmer; Havanese is more energetic.
Bulldog
Havanese
Playfulness
3/5
vs5/5Better
Barking Level
Better2/5
vs3/5
Energy
2/5
vs3/5
Bulldogs from the Non-Sporting group carry a docile, willful and friendly personality, shaped by their heritage as non-sporting dogs. Havaneses, belonging to the Toy group, are cheerful, intelligent and outgoing — reflecting their own distinct breeding history.
Grooming & Shedding
Bulldog sheds more; Havanese is easier to maintain.
Bulldog
Havanese
Shedding
3/5
vs1/5Better
Grooming Needs
Better2/5
vs4/5
If you hate vacuuming, this matters. The Bulldog's 3/5 shedding level means daily fur management is part of life.
Training & Intelligence
Havanese is generally easier to train.
Bulldog
Havanese
Trainability
2/5
vs4/5Better
Intelligence
2/5
vs4/5Better
If you're a first-time dog owner, this is critical. The Havanese's trainability score of 4/5 means it responds well to basic positive reinforcement and learns household rules fast.
Family & Social Life
Havanese is better suited for families with children.
Bulldog
Havanese
Good with Kids
4/5
vs5/5Better
Good with Dogs
3/5
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
Bulldog is the larger breed; Havanese is more compact.
Bulldog
Havanese
Weight (kg)
18–25
vs3–6
Height (cm)
31–40
vs22–29
You'll notice the size difference immediately. The Bulldog stands 31–40 cm (12–16 in) tall and weighs 18–25 kg (40–55 lbs), making it considerably larger than the Havanese at 22–29 cm (9–11 in) and 3–6 kg (7–13 lbs).
Exercise & Activity
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
Bulldog
Havanese
Energy Level
2/5
vs3/5
Exercise Needs
2/5
vs2/5
Apartment Friendly
5/5
vs5/5
Both breeds share identical exercise needs (2/5) and similar energy levels (Bulldog: 2/5, Havanese: 3/5). Your daily exercise routine will look the same regardless of which breed you choose — a daily walk and some playtime covers both breeds' needs.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
On balance, the Havanese has the edge — it's easier to train (4/5 vs 2/5), better with children (5/5), less shedding (1/5). For most families, the Havanese is the more practical choice, particularly if you value an easy-to-train companion.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Bulldog and Havanese are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Bulldog sheds considerably more, Havanese is notably easier to train. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Havanese by roughly $400/year.
Choose Bulldog if...
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Choose Havanese if...
- ✓Budget matters to you — Havaneses cost roughly $400 less per year in food, vet, and grooming.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Bulldog or Havanese?
The Havanese is generally better with children, scoring 5/5 compared to the Bulldog's 4/5. The Havanese is one of our top-recommended breeds for families.
Is a Bulldog or Havanese easier to train?
The Havanese is easier to train, scoring 4/5 versus the Bulldog's 2/5. The Havanese's forgiving nature makes it ideal for beginners.
Which costs more, a Bulldog or Havanese?
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 is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do Bulldogs or Havaneses live longer?
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.
Can a Bulldog or Havanese live in an apartment?
The Bulldog is equally suited for apartments (5/5) as the Havanese (5/5). The Bulldog is one of our top picks for apartment living.