English Springer SpanielVSHavanese

The English Springer Spaniel is known for being friendly, playful, obedient, while the Havanese is typically described as cheerful, intelligent, outgoing. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

Both breeds share a similar playfulness level at 5/5, so you can expect comparable levels of fun and games from either one.

The English Springer Spaniel is a medium breed standing 46–51 cm (18–20 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 English Springer Spaniel 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 English Springer Spaniel has a medium coat available in liver and white, black and white, tricolor, 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 English Springer Spaniel has very high energy (5/5) with very high exercise needs (5/5). The Havanese has moderate energy (3/5) and low exercise needs (2/5).

The English Springer Spaniel requires more daily activity to stay happy and healthy. Without enough exercise, they may develop destructive behaviors. The Havanese is more adaptable and can get by with shorter walks and play sessions.

For apartment dwellers, the Havanese is the stronger choice with an apartment-friendliness score of 5/5, compared to the English Springer Spaniel's 2/5. The English Springer Spaniel generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.

When it comes to shedding, the English Springer Spaniel 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 English Springer Spaniel (3/5). The Havanese's long coat demands regular professional grooming to stay in top shape.

Annual grooming costs average around $250 for the English Springer Spaniel and $400 for the Havanese. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The English Springer Spaniel has a lifespan of 12–14 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 English Springer Spaniel's 3/5. This often translates to fewer vet visits and lower medical costs.

Common health issues for the English Springer Spaniel include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, elbow dysplasia, ear 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 $450 for the English Springer Spaniel and $400 for the Havanese. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

The English Springer Spaniel is easier to train with a trainability score of 5/5, making it more suitable for first-time dog owners. The Havanese scores 4/5 and may require more patience and experience during training sessions.

The English Springer Spaniel ranks higher in intelligence (5/5 vs 4/5), 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.

In terms of raw intelligence, the English Springer Spaniel outranks the Havanese with a score of 5/5 compared to 4/5. The English Springer Spaniel tends to learn new commands in fewer repetitions and shows stronger problem-solving ability in novel situations. However, higher intelligence doesn't always mean an easier dog to own — smarter breeds often demand more mental stimulation to avoid boredom-driven destructive behavior.

Both breeds share a similar intelligence profile rooted in adaptive intelligence. Both are skilled at reading human emotions, adapting to new environments, and solving everyday problems on their own.

The English Springer Spaniel's higher intelligence translates directly into better trainability (5/5 vs 4/5), making them both the quicker learner and the easier breed to train. This combination is ideal for owners who want a responsive, obedient companion.

For either breed, mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle feeders, training sessions, scent work, and interactive toys keep intelligent dogs engaged and prevent the boredom that leads to chewing, digging, or excessive barking.

Both breeds score 5/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed can be a wonderful addition to a household with kids.

If you have other pets, the Havanese tends to get along better with other dogs (5/5) than the English Springer Spaniel (4/5). 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 English Springer Spaniel 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 English Springer Spaniel ranges from $800–$2,000, while a Havanese typically costs $1,000–$2,500. The Havanese is the more expensive breed to purchase.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,300 for the English Springer Spaniel and $1,160 for the Havanese. The English Springer Spaniel is more expensive to maintain year over year, mainly due to higher food costs.

Monthly food costs run about $50 for the English Springer Spaniel 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.