Havanese vs Irish Setter
Toy · Small vs Sporting · Large
HavaneseSmall
An intelligent, outgoing, funny lapdog — Cuba's national dog with a silky, hypoallergenic coat.
Weight: 7–13 lbsLifespan: 14–16 years
Irish SetterLarge
An active, outgoing, sweet-tempered gundog with a famous mahogany coat — exuberant and a little goofy.
Weight: 70 lbsLifespan: 12–15 years
Quick take
- • Irish Setter is the larger breed at 70 lbs (males) vs 7–13 lbs for the Havanese.
- • The Havanese typically lives longer (14–16 years).
- • The Irish Setter has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Havanese sheds less.
- • The Havanese is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Havanese | Irish Setter |
|---|---|---|
Group | Toy | Sporting |
Size | Small | Large |
Origin | Cuba | Ireland |
Height (male) | 8.5–11.5" | 27" |
Height (female) | 8.5–11.5" | 25" |
Weight (male) | 7–13 lbs | 70 lbs |
Weight (female) | 7–13 lbs | 60 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 14–16 years | 12–15 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Very Low (1/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with kids | Very High (5/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with other dogs | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with strangers | Very High (5/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Very Low (1/5) | Low (2/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | long | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | Yes | No |
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About the Havanese
The Havanese is an intelligent, outgoing, funny lapdog — Cuba's national dog with a silky, hypoallergenic coat. Originally from Cuba, this small toy breed typically weighs 7–13 lbs and lives 14–16 years. Breeders describe them as intelligent, outgoing, funny.
About the Irish Setter
The Irish Setter is an active, outgoing, sweet-tempered gundog with a famous mahogany coat — exuberant and a little goofy. Originally from Ireland, this large sporting breed typically weighs 70 lbs and lives 12–15 years. Breeders describe them as active, outgoing, sweet-tempered.
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Havanese health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Cataracts
- • Heart problems
Irish Setter health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Bloat
- • Epilepsy
- • Eye disorders