Golden Retriever
Friendly, reliable, and devoted, the Golden Retriever is one of the most popular family dogs in the world. They are eager to please and excel in obedience, agility, and as therapy 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 Golden Retriever if you want easier to train. Choose Havanese if you want more apartment-friendly and less shedding.
Quick Comparison
Golden Retriever
Attribute
Havanese
large
Size
small
25–34 kg (55–75 lbs)
Weight
3–6 kg (7–13 lbs)
51–61 cm (20–24 in)
Height
22–29 cm (9–11 in)
10–12 yrs
Lifespan
13–15 yrsBetter
Better5/5
Trainability
4/5
4/5
Energy
3/5
5/5
Good with Kids
5/5
5/5
Shedding
1/5Better
4/5
Grooming
4/5
2/5
Apartment
5/5Better
3/5
Health
4/5Better
Better$800–$2,500
Price
$1,000–$2,500
Attribute Comparison
Exercise & Activity
Golden Retriever needs more exercise; Havanese is lower-maintenance.
Golden Retriever
Havanese
Energy Level
4/5
vs3/5
Exercise Needs
4/5
vs2/5
Apartment Friendly
2/5
vs5/5Better
Activity needs are dramatically different here. The Golden Retriever has high energy (4/5) and needs high exercise (4/5) — think long runs, hiking, or agility courses.
Size & Appearance
Golden Retriever is the larger breed; Havanese is more compact.
Golden Retriever
Havanese
Weight (kg)
25–34
vs3–6
Height (cm)
51–61
vs22–29
These two breeds look nothing alike. The Golden Retriever is a large breed at 25–34 kg (55–75 lbs) and 51–61 cm (20–24 in), while the Havanese is a small breed at just 3–6 kg (7–13 lbs) and 22–29 cm (9–11 in).
Health & Lifespan
Havanese tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Golden Retriever
Havanese
Lifespan (years)
10–12
vs13–15Better
Health Robustness
3/5
vs4/5Better
The lifespan difference is significant. Havaneses live 13–15 years on average, while Golden Retrievers live 10–12 years.
Grooming & Shedding
Golden Retriever sheds more; Havanese is easier to maintain.
Golden Retriever
Havanese
Shedding
5/5
vs1/5Better
Grooming Needs
4/5
vs4/5
Shedding is a major differentiator. The Golden Retriever is a prolific shedder (5/5) — expect fur on your clothes, furniture, and car seats year-round.
Training & Intelligence
Golden Retriever is generally easier to train.
Golden Retriever
Havanese
Trainability
Better5/5
vs4/5
Intelligence
Better5/5
vs4/5
The Golden Retriever has a slight training edge (5/5 vs 4/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the Golden Retriever tends to catch on a bit faster.
Cost of Ownership
Havanese is less expensive to own annually.
Golden Retriever
Avg. Purchase$1,650
Annual Food$720
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$200
Annual Total$1,420
Havanese
Avg. Purchase$1,750
Annual Food$360
Annual Vet$400
Annual Grooming$400
Annual Total$1,160 ✓
Both breeds cost a similar amount upfront — $800–$2,500 for a Golden Retriever versus $1,000–$2,500 for a Havanese. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
Temperament & Personality
Havanese is calmer; Golden Retriever is more energetic.
Golden Retriever
Havanese
Playfulness
5/5
vs5/5
Barking Level
3/5
vs3/5
Energy
4/5
vs3/5
The Golden Retriever and Havanese bring very different personalities to the table. Golden Retrievers are friendly, intelligent and devoted, while Havaneses tend to be cheerful, intelligent and outgoing.
Family & Social Life
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Golden Retriever
Havanese
Good with Kids
5/5
vs5/5
Good with Dogs
5/5
vs5/5
Strangers
5/5
vs5/5
Both breeds score 5/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
On balance, the Havanese has the edge — it's more apartment-friendly (5/5), lower exercise needs (2/5), less shedding (1/5). For most families, the Havanese is the more practical choice, particularly if you value low-maintenance ownership.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Golden Retriever and Havanese are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Golden Retriever sheds considerably more, Havanese is considerably better suited to apartment living. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Havanese by roughly $300/year.
Choose Golden Retriever if...
- ✓You have other dogs at home — Golden Retrievers 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.
Choose Havanese if...
- ✓You live in an apartment or don't have a yard — Havaneses adapt much better to smaller spaces (5/5 vs 2/5 apartment rating).
- ✓You hate vacuuming or have allergies — Havaneses shed dramatically less (1/5 vs 5/5 shedding score).
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Golden Retriever or Havanese?
The Golden Retriever scores 5/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Havanese at 5/5. The Golden Retriever is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Golden Retriever or Havanese easier to train?
The Golden Retriever is easier to train with a score of 5/5, compared to the Havanese's 4/5. The Golden Retriever is recommended for first-time owners thanks to its cooperative nature.
Which costs more, a Golden Retriever or Havanese?
A Golden Retriever puppy costs $800–$2,500 while a Havanese costs $1,000–$2,500. Annual maintenance runs about $1,420 for the Golden Retriever and $1,160 for the Havanese. The Golden Retriever is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do Golden Retrievers or Havaneses live longer?
The Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever or Havanese live in an apartment?
The Havanese adapts better to apartment living (5/5) than the Golden Retriever (2/5). The Havanese ranks among our best apartment breeds.