Havanese vs West Highland White Terrier
Toy · Small vs Terrier · Small
HavaneseSmall
An intelligent, outgoing, funny lapdog — Cuba's national dog with a silky, hypoallergenic coat.
Weight: 7–13 lbsLifespan: 14–16 years
West Highland White TerrierSmall
A loyal, happy, entertaining little terrier — the iconic Cesar dog food face with a snowy coat.
Weight: 15–20 lbsLifespan: 13–15 years
Quick take
- • West Highland White Terrier is the larger breed at 15–20 lbs (males) vs 7–13 lbs for the Havanese.
- • The Havanese typically lives longer (14–16 years).
- • The West Highland White Terrier has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Havanese sheds less.
- • The Havanese is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Havanese | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
Group | Toy | Terrier |
Size | Small | Small |
Origin | Cuba | Scotland |
Height (male) | 8.5–11.5" | 11" |
Height (female) | 8.5–11.5" | 10" |
Weight (male) | 7–13 lbs | 15–20 lbs |
Weight (female) | 7–13 lbs | 15–20 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) | Moderate (3/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
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) | High (4/5) |
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) | High (4/5) |
Good with other dogs | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with strangers | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Very Low (1/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Very High (5/5) | Very High (5/5) |
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 West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier is a loyal, happy, entertaining little terrier — the iconic Cesar dog food face with a snowy coat. Originally from Scotland, this small terrier breed typically weighs 15–20 lbs and lives 13–15 years. Breeders describe them as loyal, happy, entertaining.
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Havanese health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Cataracts
- • Heart problems
West Highland White Terrier health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Skin allergies
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Cataracts
- • Liver disease