French Bulldog
A playful, adaptable companion with bat-like ears and a charming personality. French Bulldogs thrive in city apartments and make excellent companions for singles and families alike.
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 French Bulldog if you want a great companion. Choose Havanese if you want easier to train and better with kids.
Quick Comparison
French Bulldog
Attribute
Havanese
small
Size
small
8–13 kg (18–29 lbs)
Weight
3–6 kg (7–13 lbs)
28–33 cm (11–13 in)
Height
22–29 cm (9–11 in)
10–12 yrs
Lifespan
13–15 yrsBetter
3/5
Trainability
4/5Better
3/5
Energy
3/5
4/5
Good with Kids
5/5Better
2/5
Shedding
1/5Better
Better1/5
Grooming
4/5
5/5
Apartment
5/5
2/5
Health
4/5Better
$1,500–$5,000
Price
$1,000–$2,500Better
Attribute Comparison
Health & Lifespan
Havanese tends to be the healthier breed overall.
French Bulldog
Havanese
Lifespan (years)
10–12
vs13–15Better
Health Robustness
2/5
vs4/5Better
The lifespan difference is significant. Havaneses live 13–15 years on average, while French Bulldogs live 10–12 years.
Cost of Ownership
Havanese is less expensive to own annually.
French Bulldog
Avg. Purchase$3,250
Annual Food$480
Annual Vet$800
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,380
Havanese
Avg. Purchase$1,750
Annual Food$360
Annual Vet$400
Annual Grooming$400
Annual Total$1,160 ✓
Be prepared for sticker shock: the French Bulldog costs $1,500–$5,000 from a reputable breeder — significantly more than the Havanese's $1,000–$2,500. That's a $1,500 difference just to bring your puppy home.
Grooming & Shedding
French Bulldog sheds more; Havanese is easier to maintain.
French Bulldog
Havanese
Shedding
2/5
vs1/5Better
Grooming Needs
Better1/5
vs4/5
The French Bulldog 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.
French 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.
Temperament & Personality
Both breeds have similar temperaments.
French Bulldog
Havanese
Playfulness
4/5
vs5/5Better
Barking Level
Better2/5
vs3/5
Energy
3/5
vs3/5
When you live with a French Bulldog, you'll notice their playful, adaptable and affectionate character in everything they do. A Havanese, by contrast, shows a cheerful, intelligent and outgoing nature.
Training & Intelligence
Havanese is generally easier to train.
French Bulldog
Havanese
Trainability
3/5
vs4/5Better
Intelligence
3/5
vs4/5Better
The Havanese has a slight training edge (4/5 vs 3/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the Havanese tends to catch on a bit faster.
Size & Appearance
French Bulldog is the larger breed; Havanese is more compact.
French Bulldog
Havanese
Weight (kg)
8–13
vs3–6
Height (cm)
28–33
vs22–29
There's a noticeable but not extreme size difference. The French Bulldog (8–13 kg (18–29 lbs)) is somewhat heftier than the Havanese (3–6 kg (7–13 lbs)).
Exercise & Activity
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
French Bulldog
Havanese
Energy Level
3/5
vs3/5
Exercise Needs
2/5
vs2/5
Apartment Friendly
5/5
vs5/5
Exercise won't be the deciding factor here — both the French Bulldog and Havanese need low daily activity (2/5). Neither breed will overwhelm you with exercise demands.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
On balance, the Havanese has the edge — it's easier to train (4/5 vs 3/5), 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 French Bulldog and Havanese are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Havanese by roughly $200/year.
Choose French Bulldog if...
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Choose Havanese if...
- ✓Long-term health costs concern you — Havaneses are generally more robust (4/5 health score).
- ✓You have other dogs at home — Havaneses tend to get along well with other dogs (5/5).
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, French Bulldog or Havanese?
The Havanese is generally better with children, scoring 5/5 compared to the French Bulldog's 4/5. The Havanese is one of our top-recommended breeds for families.
Is a French Bulldog or Havanese easier to train?
The Havanese is easier to train, scoring 4/5 versus the French Bulldog's 3/5. The Havanese's forgiving nature makes it ideal for beginners.
Which costs more, a French Bulldog or Havanese?
A French Bulldog puppy costs $1,500–$5,000 while a Havanese costs $1,000–$2,500. Annual maintenance runs about $1,380 for the French Bulldog and $1,160 for the Havanese. The French Bulldog is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do French Bulldogs or Havaneses live longer?
The French Bulldog lives 10–12 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 French Bulldog or Havanese live in an apartment?
The French Bulldog is equally suited for apartments (5/5) as the Havanese (5/5). The French Bulldog is one of our top picks for apartment living.