Havanese vs Labrador Retriever
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
Labrador RetrieverLarge
America's most popular dog — a friendly, outgoing, athletic retriever bred to fetch waterfowl.
Weight: 65–80 lbsLifespan: 11–13 years
Quick take
- • Labrador Retriever is the larger breed at 65–80 lbs (males) vs 7–13 lbs for the Havanese.
- • The Havanese typically lives longer (14–16 years).
- • The Labrador Retriever has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Havanese sheds less.
- • The Labrador Retriever is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Havanese | Labrador Retriever |
|---|---|---|
Group | Toy | Sporting |
Size | Small | Large |
Origin | Cuba | Canada |
Height (male) | 8.5–11.5" | 22.5–24.5" |
Height (female) | 8.5–11.5" | 21.5–23.5" |
Weight (male) | 7–13 lbs | 65–80 lbs |
Weight (female) | 7–13 lbs | 55–70 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 14–16 years | 11–13 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
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) | High (4/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | High (4/5) | Low (2/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Low (2/5) |
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) | Very High (5/5) |
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) | High (4/5) |
Coat length | long | short |
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 Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is america's most popular dog — a friendly, outgoing, athletic retriever bred to fetch waterfowl. Originally from Canada, this large sporting breed typically weighs 65–80 lbs and lives 11–13 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, active, outgoing, even-tempered.
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Havanese health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Cataracts
- • Heart problems
Labrador Retriever health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Elbow dysplasia
- • Obesity
- • Progressive retinal atrophy