Havanese vs Papillon
Toy · Small vs Toy · Toy
HavaneseSmall
An intelligent, outgoing, funny lapdog — Cuba's national dog with a silky, hypoallergenic coat.
Weight: 7–13 lbsLifespan: 14–16 years
PapillonToy
A friendly, alert, happy butterfly-eared toy — the most trainable toy breed, fixture in agility podiums.
Weight: 5–10 lbsLifespan: 14–16 years
Quick take
- • Havanese is the larger breed at 7–13 lbs (males) vs 5–10 lbs for the Papillon.
- • The Papillon has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Havanese sheds less.
- • The Papillon is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Havanese | Papillon |
|---|---|---|
Group | Toy | Toy |
Size | Small | Toy |
Origin | Cuba | France |
Height (male) | 8.5–11.5" | 8–11" |
Height (female) | 8.5–11.5" | 8–11" |
Weight (male) | 7–13 lbs | 5–10 lbs |
Weight (female) | 7–13 lbs | 5–10 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 14–16 years | 14–16 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
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) | Moderate (3/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Very Low (1/5) | Low (2/5) |
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) | High (4/5) |
Good with kids | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with other dogs | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with strangers | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Very Low (1/5) | Low (2/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Very High (5/5) | Very High (5/5) |
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 Papillon
The Papillon is a friendly, alert, happy butterfly-eared toy — the most trainable toy breed, fixture in agility podiums. Originally from France, this toy toy breed typically weighs 5–10 lbs and lives 14–16 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, alert, happy.
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Havanese health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Cataracts
- • Heart problems
Papillon health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Dental issues
- • Progressive retinal atrophy