Havanese vs Jack Russell Terrier

Toy · Small vs Terrier · Small

Quick take
  • Jack Russell Terrier is the larger breed at 13–17 lbs (males) vs 7–13 lbs for the Havanese.
  • The Jack Russell Terrier typically lives longer (13–18 years).
  • The Jack Russell Terrier has higher daily energy needs.
  • The Havanese sheds less.
  • The Havanese is generally more trainable.

Side-by-side traits

TraitHavaneseJack Russell Terrier
Group
ToyTerrier
Size
SmallSmall
Origin
CubaEngland
Height (male)
8.5–11.5"10–15"
Height (female)
8.5–11.5"10–15"
Weight (male)
7–13 lbs13–17 lbs
Weight (female)
7–13 lbs13–17 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
14–16 years13–18 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)Very High (5/5)
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)Low (2/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Very Low (1/5)Very Low (1/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Moderate (3/5)Very High (5/5)
Good with kids
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with other dogs
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with strangers
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Very Low (1/5)Moderate (3/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Coat length
longshort
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
YesNo
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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 Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell Terrier is a fearless, vocal, athletic small fox terrier — Eddie from Frasier, ten pounds of pure energy. Originally from England, this small terrier breed typically weighs 13–17 lbs and lives 13–18 years. Breeders describe them as fearless, vocal, athletic.

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Havanese health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Patellar luxation
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Cataracts
  • Heart problems

Jack Russell Terrier health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Patellar luxation
  • Eye disorders
  • Deafness