Havanese vs Whippet
Toy · Small vs Hound · Medium
HavaneseSmall
An intelligent, outgoing, funny lapdog — Cuba's national dog with a silky, hypoallergenic coat.
Weight: 7–13 lbsLifespan: 14–16 years
WhippetMedium
An affectionate, playful, calm small sighthound — looks like a mini Greyhound, sprints like one too.
Weight: 25–40 lbsLifespan: 12–15 years
Quick take
- • Whippet is the larger breed at 25–40 lbs (males) vs 7–13 lbs for the Havanese.
- • The Havanese typically lives longer (14–16 years).
- • The Whippet has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Havanese sheds less.
- • The Havanese is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Havanese | Whippet |
|---|---|---|
Group | Toy | Hound |
Size | Small | Medium |
Origin | Cuba | England |
Height (male) | 8.5–11.5" | 19–22" |
Height (female) | 8.5–11.5" | 18–21" |
Weight (male) | 7–13 lbs | 25–40 lbs |
Weight (female) | 7–13 lbs | 25–40 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 14–16 years | 12–15 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) | High (4/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Very Low (1/5) | Low (2/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | High (4/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Moderate (3/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Good with kids | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with other dogs | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with strangers | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
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 Whippet
The Whippet is an affectionate, playful, calm small sighthound — looks like a mini Greyhound, sprints like one too. Originally from England, this medium hound breed typically weighs 25–40 lbs and lives 12–15 years. Breeders describe them as affectionate, playful, calm.
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Havanese health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Cataracts
- • Heart problems
Whippet health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Heart disease
- • Eye conditions
- • Anesthesia sensitivity