Havanese vs Irish Terrier
Toy · Small vs Terrier · Medium
HavaneseSmall
An intelligent, outgoing, funny lapdog — Cuba's national dog with a silky, hypoallergenic coat.
Weight: 7–13 lbsLifespan: 14–16 years
Irish TerrierMedium
A bold, dashing, tenderhearted Irish 'daredevil' — fiery red-coated farm dog and WWI message-runner.
Weight: 27 lbsLifespan: 13–15 years
Quick take
- • Irish Terrier is the larger breed at 27 lbs (males) vs 7–13 lbs for the Havanese.
- • The Havanese typically lives longer (14–16 years).
- • The Irish Terrier has higher daily energy needs.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Havanese | Irish Terrier |
|---|---|---|
Group | Toy | Terrier |
Size | Small | Medium |
Origin | Cuba | Ireland |
Height (male) | 8.5–11.5" | 18" |
Height (female) | 8.5–11.5" | 18" |
Weight (male) | 7–13 lbs | 27 lbs |
Weight (female) | 7–13 lbs | 25 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 14–16 years | 13–15 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
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) | High (4/5) |
Good with other dogs | Very High (5/5) | Low (2/5) |
Good with strangers | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Very Low (1/5) | High (4/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Coat length | long | wirehaired |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | Yes | Yes |
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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 Terrier
The Irish Terrier is a bold, dashing, tenderhearted Irish 'daredevil' — fiery red-coated farm dog and WWI message-runner. Originally from Ireland, this medium terrier breed typically weighs 27 lbs and lives 13–15 years. Breeders describe them as bold, dashing, tenderhearted.
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Havanese health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Cataracts
- • Heart problems
Irish Terrier health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Hyperkeratosis
- • Eye disorders