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.
VS
Poodle
One of the most intelligent dog breeds, the Poodle combines elegance with athleticism. Their hypoallergenic curly coat and keen mind make them ideal for allergy sufferers who want a trainable companion.
Quick Answer
Choose Havanese if you want better with kids and more apartment-friendly. Choose Poodle if you want easier to train.
Quick Comparison
Havanese
Attribute
Poodle
small
Size
medium
3–6 kg (7–13 lbs)
Weight
18–32 kg (40–71 lbs)
22–29 cm (9–11 in)
Height
38–61 cm (15–24 in)
13–15 yrs
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
4/5
Trainability
5/5Better
3/5
Energy
4/5
Better5/5
Good with Kids
4/5
1/5
Shedding
1/5
Better4/5
Grooming
5/5
Better5/5
Apartment
3/5
4/5
Health
4/5
Better$1,000–$2,500
Price
$1,000–$3,000
Attribute Comparison
Exercise & Activity
Poodle needs more exercise; Havanese is lower-maintenance.
Havanese
Poodle
Energy Level
3/5
vs4/5
Exercise Needs
2/5
vs4/5
Apartment Friendly
Better5/5
vs3/5
Activity needs are dramatically different here. The Poodle has high energy (4/5) and needs high exercise (4/5) — think long runs, hiking, or agility courses.
Size & Appearance
Poodle is the larger breed; Havanese is more compact.
Havanese
Poodle
Weight (kg)
3–6
vs18–32
Height (cm)
22–29
vs38–61
Size is one of the most obvious contrasts between these breeds. The Poodle tips the scales at 18–32 kg (40–71 lbs), dwarfing the Havanese's 3–6 kg (7–13 lbs).
Family & Social Life
Havanese is better suited for families with children.
Havanese
Poodle
Good with Kids
Better5/5
vs4/5
Good with Dogs
Better5/5
vs4/5
Strangers
Better5/5
vs4/5
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.
Cost of Ownership
Havanese is less expensive to own annually.
Havanese
Avg. Purchase$1,750
Annual Food$360
Annual Vet$400
Annual Grooming$400
Annual Total$1,160 ✓
Poodle
Avg. Purchase$2,000
Annual Food$600
Annual Vet$450
Annual Grooming$600
Annual Total$1,650
Purchase prices are in the same ballpark: $1,000–$2,500 for a Havanese and $1,000–$3,000 for a Poodle. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.
Training & Intelligence
Poodle is generally easier to train.
Havanese
Poodle
Trainability
4/5
vs5/5Better
Intelligence
4/5
vs5/5Better
The Poodle has a slight training edge (5/5 vs 4/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the Poodle tends to catch on a bit faster.
Temperament & Personality
Havanese is calmer; Poodle is more energetic.
Havanese
Poodle
Playfulness
5/5
vs5/5
Barking Level
3/5
vs3/5
Energy
3/5
vs4/5
One of the most important factors in choosing between these two breeds is temperament. The Havanese is typically cheerful, intelligent and outgoing, making them well suited for apartment living, families, seniors, first-time owners and allergy sufferers.
Grooming & Shedding
Both breeds have similar grooming needs.
Havanese
Poodle
Shedding
1/5
vs1/5
Grooming Needs
Better4/5
vs5/5
Both breeds shed at the same rate (1/5), so fur management will be identical for either choice. Neither breed will leave much hair around the house.
Health & Lifespan
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Havanese
Poodle
Lifespan (years)
13–15
vs12–15
Health Robustness
4/5
vs4/5
Lifespan is a near-tie: the Havanese lives roughly 13–15 years while the Poodle averages 12–15 years. Neither breed has a clear longevity advantage, so other factors should drive your choice.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
The Havanese comes out ahead in most categories — it's better with children (5/5), more apartment-friendly (5/5), lower exercise needs (2/5). If you can meet its low exercise needs and don't mind regular grooming, the Havanese is the more versatile choice for most households.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Havanese and Poodle are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Havanese is considerably better suited to apartment living. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Havanese by roughly $500/year.
Choose Havanese if...
- ✓You live in an apartment or don't have a yard — Havaneses adapt much better to smaller spaces (5/5 vs 3/5 apartment rating).
- ✓Budget matters to you — Havaneses cost roughly $500 less per year in food, vet, and grooming.
Choose Poodle if...
- ✓You have other dogs at home — Poodles tend to get along well with other dogs (4/5).
- ✓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, Havanese or Poodle?
The Havanese scores 5/5 for being good with kids, making it the better family choice compared to the Poodle's 4/5. The Havanese is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Havanese or Poodle easier to train?
The Poodle is easier to train, scoring 5/5 versus the Havanese's 4/5. The Poodle's eagerness to please makes training sessions more productive.
Which costs more, a Havanese or Poodle?
A Havanese puppy costs $1,000–$2,500 while a Poodle costs $1,000–$3,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,160 for the Havanese and $1,650 for the Poodle. The Poodle costs more to maintain annually.
Do Havaneses or Poodles live longer?
The Havanese lives 13–15 years on average, while the Poodle lives 12–15 years. The Havanese generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Havanese or Poodle live in an apartment?
The Havanese is better suited for apartments (5/5) compared to the Poodle (3/5). The Havanese is one of our top picks for apartment living.