Chihuahua vs Havanese: Which small companion will win your heart?
If you are looking for a loyal, small-breed dog, you will eventually face an exciting decision. Two of the most popular companion dogs are competing for the hearts of dog lovers worldwide. In the debate of Chihuahua vs Havanese, two fascinating yet fundamentally different worlds collide. On one side, there is the brave, often cheeky Mexican who thinks they are a giant. On the other, the cheerful, shaggy Cuban who wraps entire families around their paw with charm.
Choosing your future four-legged family member is a lifelong decision. While both breeds belong to the FCI Group 9 (Companion and Toy Dogs), the similarities essentially end there. In this honest and detailed breed comparison, we will take you into the world of these two wonderful dogs. Whether you live in a small city apartment, have a family with children, or are a single person looking for a constant companion – we will show you which dog truly fits your daily routine, personality, and lifestyle.
The Big Overview: Facts and figures in our Chihuahua and Havanese comparison
Before we dive deep into character traits and care requirements, a sober look at the hard facts is helpful. If you are asking yourself: Chihuahua or Havanese?, the following table provides a first indication of the most important breed characteristics.
| Feature | Chihuahua | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Mexico | Cuba |
| Temperament | Charming, graceful, cheeky | Intelligent, outgoing, playful |
| Size | Small (18–23 cm height) | Medium (23–27 cm height) |
| Weight (Male) | 1–3 kg | 5–8 kg |
| Life Expectancy | 14–17 years | 13–15 years |
| Trainability | 3 out of 5 | 5 out of 5 |
| Family-Friendly | 3 out of 5 | 5 out of 5 |
| Grooming Needs | 2 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 |
| Price Range | 1,000 – 2,500 EUR | 1,800 – 3,000 EUR |
As this initial Havanese comparison and Chihuahua comparison shows, these dogs differ not only in weight—a Havanese can weigh nearly three times as much as a delicate Chihuahua—but also in trainability and family compatibility. You can find more details on each breed in our detailed Chihuahua breed profile and our comprehensive Havanese breed profile.
Character & Temperament: Two small dogs, two huge personalities
A dog's nature is often the deciding factor when buying a puppy. This is where the biggest differences between the two breeds become apparent. Both are affectionate and human-oriented, but they express their love in very different ways.
The Chihuahua: A lion in a tiny body
Don't be fooled by their size: the Chihuahua is not just a stuffed toy waiting to be carried around in a handbag. They are brave, extremely confident, and have the heart of a lion. They often seem to forget how tiny they actually are. This slightly "cheeky" and graceful nature makes them a highly entertaining companion.
A particularly striking trait of the Chihuahua is their deep loyalty. They tend to bond extremely strongly to one primary caregiver (a "one-person dog"). They would go through fire for that person. Consequently, they are often reserved or even skeptical toward strangers. If pampered too much without consistent training, their protective instinct can turn into territorial behavior. Consistency, paired with love, is the key here.
The Havanese: The cheerful clown for everyone
The Havanese is the exact opposite of a one-person dog. Their temperament is described as intelligent, outgoing, and very funny. This shaggy Cuban simply loves everyone—their family, the mail carrier, visitors, and usually other dogs too. They are true companion dogs who love to be the center of attention and make their humans laugh with little clownish antics.
Thanks to their high intelligence (trainability 5/5), the Havanese learns extremely quickly. They have a strong "will to please," making them excellent for learning tricks or even light dog sports like dog dancing or agility for small breeds. Their open nature makes them fantastic companions for people who host guests often or want to bring their dog everywhere.
Grooming & Care: Effort, space, and exercise
Although both dogs are perfectly suited for city living (urban suitability 5/5), daily life with them differs significantly—especially regarding grooming.
Grooming: Minimalism vs. Wellness Oasis
In terms of grooming needs, the Chihuahua scores a relaxed 2/5. They come in two varieties: short-haired and long-haired. The short-haired (smooth and soft) requires only occasional brushing to remove loose hair. The long-haired variety (soft with undercoat) is also surprisingly easy to care for and only needs to be brushed a few times a week to prevent tangles. Shedding is moderate (3/5), meaning you will likely find a few hairs on the sofa.
The Havanese, however, demands real dedication to grooming (grooming needs 4/5). They have long, soft, silky topcoats and very little undercoat. The special feature: The Havanese hardly sheds at all (shedding 1/5). This makes them attractive to many people with mild allergies. But that long hair matts very easily. Daily brushing down to the skin is a must! Many owners opt for a professional groomer to keep the coat in a sporty "puppy cut" to minimize the effort. The German Kennel Club (VDH) advises owners of long-haired breeds to get the puppy used to the comb and brush playfully from the very first week.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Neither breed requires marathon runs, but regular exercise is essential for their physical and mental health.
- Chihuahua (energy level 2/5): They are agile and like to play, but are also content with several shorter walks a day. Mental stimulation, such as scent games in the living room, is great fun for them.
- Havanese (energy level 3/5): They have a bit more stamina. They are enthusiastic participants in long weekend walks or hikes (with breaks). Due to their intelligence, they also require more mental stimulation than the Chihuahua.
Health & Life Expectancy: A long dog life
Small dogs generally have a higher life expectancy than larger breeds, and our two candidates are no exception. A Chihuahua can reach a proud age of 14 to 17 years, while the Havanese remains a long-time companion at 13 to 15 years.
Nevertheless, there are breed-specific health aspects to watch out for. For toy breeds like the Chihuahua, dental health is of utmost importance. Teeth are often crowded in their small jaws, which promotes tartar formation. The Federal Chamber of Veterinarians recommends daily brushing with special dog toothpaste for small dogs. Furthermore, the Chihuahua is prone to patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps) and sometimes tracheal collapse (breathing issues).
The Havanese is considered a robust breed, but they can also suffer from patellar luxation. Additionally, they can develop hereditary eye diseases such as cataracts. Since their thick hair falls over their eyes, good eye care is important to avoid irritation and inflammation.
Costs: How much does a Chihuahua or Havanese cost?
Acquiring a purebred dog always involves costs, which differ significantly between these two breeds.
Purchase costs from a breeder
The price range for a Chihuahua from a reputable breeder is currently around 1,000 to 2,500 EUR. The price depends heavily on the lineage, coat variety, and the breeder's reputation. It is immensely important not to buy "Teacup Chihuahuas" from irresponsible backyard breeders, as these dogs often suffer from severe health issues due to unethical breeding. If you choose this breed, take a look at our verified breeders: Find Chihuahua puppies.
The Havanese is noticeably more expensive to acquire. Prices range between 1,800 and 3,000 EUR. This high cost results from the extremely high demand for allergy-friendly family dogs and the intensive care the breeder must provide during the first few weeks of life. We are happy to help you connect with responsible breeders: Find Havanese puppies.
Ongoing daily costs
In terms of maintenance, there is not much difference, as both are small dogs that eat little. However, with a Havanese, you must account for significantly higher costs for regular professional grooming visits (every 6 to 8 weeks) unless you cut the coat yourself. In return, you save on lint rollers, which are used more frequently with the Chihuahua.
Which breed is right for whom?
The choice between "Chihuahua or Havanese" often becomes clear when you honestly reflect on your own lifestyle.
The Chihuahua is your perfect match if...
- You live alone or with a partner and are looking for a dog that bonds intensely with only you.
- You don't have space for a large dog, but want a big dog personality.
- You don't want to spend half an hour every day on elaborate grooming.
- Your household does not include small, boisterous children (child-friendliness: 2/5), as the delicate Chihuahua can easily be injured by clumsy play.
- You are looking for a dog that will cuddle with you, but also isn't afraid to voice its opinion loudly.
The Havanese is your perfect match if...
- You are a family with children. The Havanese is extremely tolerant, robust for their size, and loves to play (family-friendliness: 5/5, child-friendliness: 5/5).
- You are a first-time dog owner. With a trainability of 5/5, they are more forgiving of training mistakes and love to learn quickly.
- It is important to you that your dog gets along well with other dogs (sociability: 4/5).
- You don't mind daily brushing and even see it as soothing bonding time.
- You are looking for a dog that barely sheds hair in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
To make your final decision easier, we have answered the most common questions from our community about Chihuahua vs Havanese.
Do Chihuahuas or Havanese bark more?
Generally, the Chihuahua is more prone to barking. They have a strong protective instinct and will alert you to every unfamiliar noise in the hallway. While the Havanese will also bark briefly when the doorbell rings, they usually calm down much faster and are generally less "talkative."
Can I leave these dogs alone?
Both breeds are "companion dogs"; they were bred over centuries to provide company to humans. Neither the Chihuahua nor the Havanese likes being left alone for long periods. They can quickly develop separation anxiety without proper training. For people who work full-time in an office and cannot take their dog with them, neither breed is ideal.
Are Havanese really suitable for allergy sufferers?
The Havanese hardly sheds and produces less dander, which is why they are often called "allergy-friendly." However, there is no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog. If you have allergies, you should definitely spend several hours with Havanese at a breeder before buying to test whether your body reacts.
Which of the two dogs gets cold faster in winter?
The Chihuahua—especially the short-haired variety—has almost no undercoat and very little body fat. They get cold very quickly in damp and chilly weather and almost always require a well-fitting dog coat in winter. The Havanese is slightly better protected against the cold due to their thick hair, though thick ice clumps often form in their belly hair in snow, which is also uncomfortable.
Conclusion: Your perfect companion is waiting for you
After this detailed breed comparison, one thing is certain: in the debate of Chihuahua vs Havanese, there is no objective winner. There is no "better dog," only the dog that best fits your life.
Are you looking for an intrepid, charming companion who feels unconditional love for you and is low-maintenance? Then the Mexican Chihuahua will enrich your life. On the other hand, do you desire an outgoing, easily trainable, and always cheerful clown who enchants your entire family and doesn't leave hair on the sofa? Then the Cuban Havanese is just right for you.
Regardless of your decision, the most important thing is a healthy start to a dog's life. Buying a puppy requires trust, transparency, and responsibility. At HonestDog.com, we have made it our mission to accompany you safely on this journey. On our platform, you will exclusively find verified, reputable, and loving breeders who care about the well-being of the animals just as much as you do. Get informed now, visit our breed profiles, and find the puppy that completes your life!