Living
Which is the better all-around pick?
The Havanese scores higher on training, sociability, and first-time-owner fit, but the Dachshund needs far less grooming -- the right call depends on which trade-off matters more.
Dachshund vs Havanese: Which Suits Your Home?
Dachshund or Havanese? On paper they differ most on grooming need, and on the scales Dachshund is the heavier at 11–32 lbs. Here is how the two compare on everything that shapes an ordinary week.
This is for someone already down to Dachshund and Havanese and deciding between them. For this pair the decision usually turns on grooming need and good for first-time owners, so those are covered first and in most detail. Both rate 5/5 for flats, so housing does not settle this one. It is written for the decision rather than the breed history.
Quick verdict
Between Dachshund and Havanese, grooming need is what separates them, and Havanese is the lower-effort dog of the two to keep.
Choose dachshund if...
Choose Dachshund if you do not want a standing grooming appointment, you want a dog that can keep up with an active routine and you want a dog that is more watchful with visitors.
Choose havanese if...
Choose Havanese if this is your first dog, your walking routine is modest and there are young children at home.
Head-to-head comparison
| Feature | dachshund | havanese | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size class | small | small | Equal |
| Weight | 11–32 lbs | 7–13 lbs | Equal |
| Height | 5–9 in | 8–11 in | Equal |
| Lifespan | 12–16 years | 13–16 years | havanese |
| Exercise need | Moderate (3/5) | Low (2/5) | havanese |
| Grooming need | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) | dachshund |
| Shedding | Low (2/5) | Low (2/5) | Equal |
| Energy level | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) | Equal |
| Barking | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) | havanese |
| Apartment suitability | Very high (5/5) | Very high (5/5) | Equal |
| Good for first-time owners | Moderate (3/5) | Very high (5/5) | havanese |
| Tolerates being alone | Very low (1/5) | Very low (1/5) | Equal |
| Trainability | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) | havanese |
| Good with kids | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) | havanese |
| Good with other dogs | Moderate (3/5) | Very high (5/5) | havanese |
| Friendly to strangers | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) | havanese |
| Cost level | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) | dachshund |
| Coat | Short, wirehaired, or longhaired | Long, silky | Equal |
| Origin | Germany | Cuba | Equal |
| Typical monthly cost | $80–$150 | $80–$160 | Equal |
| Typical first-year cost | $1,200–$2,500 | $1,200–$2,300 | Equal |
Deep dive
Size and build
Both breeds are classified small, but the numbers flip depending which measure you look at: a Havanese is lighter (7 to 13 lbs vs the Dachshund's 11 to 32) yet taller at the shoulder (8 to 11 inches vs 5 to 9). In practice, a Havanese looks like a compact, upright toy dog, while a Dachshund is longer and lower to the ground -- different silhouettes entirely, even at similar overall size.
Energy and exercise
The Havanese needs less daily exercise -- low (2/5) against the Dachshund's moderate (3/5) -- while both tie on general energy level at 3/5. That's a fairly small gap by this comparison's standards; neither breed is going to demand a serious daily workout.
Grooming and shedding
This is the Dachshund's clearest advantage: low (2/5) grooming need against the Havanese's high (4/5), even though both breeds tie on shedding at a low 2/5. The Havanese's long, silky coat mats without regular brushing and often needs professional trims -- upkeep the Dachshund's short or wire coat never asks for.
Apartment living, noise and time alone
Both breeds tie at a very high 5/5 for apartment suitability, and both tie at a very low 1/5 for tolerating time alone -- neither does well left by itself for long stretches. The Dachshund barks more, though, at 4/5 against the Havanese's 3/5, which matters more in shared-wall buildings.
Training and owner experience
The Havanese rates higher on both first-time-owner suitability (5/5 vs 3/5) and trainability (4/5 vs 3/5). Its intelligent, adaptable temperament backs that up -- this is a breed that tends to pick up house manners and basic obedience faster than a Dachshund's more independent streak allows.
Kids, other dogs and visitors
The Havanese outscores the Dachshund on every social measure: good with kids (4/5 vs 3/5), good with other dogs (5/5 vs 3/5), and friendly to strangers (4/5 vs 2/5). Its affectionate, lively nature makes it a more natural fit for a busy household with regular visitors.
Health and lifespan
The Havanese has a longer expected lifespan -- 13 to 16 years versus the Dachshund's 12 to 16 -- and shares two conditions with it, hip dysplasia and patellar luxation. Its other risks run toward hypothyroidism, cataracts, and liver shunts, a different profile from the Dachshund's back-and-spine-heavy list.
Cost to keep
The cost-level rating favors the Dachshund -- moderate (3/5) against the Havanese's high (4/5) -- even though the dollar ranges sit close together: $80-$150 monthly for the Dachshund versus $80-$160 for the Havanese, and $1,200-$2,500 versus $1,200-$2,300 in year one. The likely explanation is recurring grooming costs, which add up over the dog's lifetime beyond a simple first-year estimate.
Dachshund vs Havanese at a glance
Dachshund weighs 11–32 lbs and lives 12–16 years; Havanese weighs 7–13 lbs and lives 13–16 years. The two diverge most on grooming need, good for first-time owners and good with other dogs and 1 other rated axes. They are level on tolerates being alone, apartment suitability and energy level, so those cannot decide it. In the table, a "winner" means easier for an ordinary household — not better. Size, coat and origin are recorded without a verdict. Because both breeds are scored the same way, the gaps are reliable even where the absolute numbers are rough.
Frequently asked questions
Which breed is actually smaller?
It depends on the measure. The Havanese is lighter (7-13 lbs vs 11-32) but taller (8-11 in vs 5-9 in) than the Dachshund. Overall silhouette differs more than raw size.
Which needs less grooming?
The Dachshund, clearly -- a low 2/5 grooming need against the Havanese's high 4/5. The Havanese's long silky coat needs regular brushing and professional trims.
Which is the better first dog?
The Havanese, rated very high (5/5) for first-time owners against the Dachshund's moderate (3/5), and it trains faster too (4/5 vs 3/5).
How do they do in apartments?
Both tie at a very high 5/5 apartment suitability score, though the Dachshund barks more (4/5 vs 3/5).
Do they share health risks?
Two: hip dysplasia and patellar luxation appear on both lists. Beyond that the Havanese's risks skew toward hypothyroidism, cataracts, and liver shunts.
Which lives longer?
The Havanese, at 13 to 16 years against the Dachshund's 12 to 16 -- a modest but real edge.
Which costs more to keep?
The Havanese is rated a higher cost level (4/5 vs 3/5) despite similar dollar ranges, likely due to ongoing grooming expenses the Dachshund's coat doesn't require.
Quick answers
View more answersCosts
What's the monthly cost?
$80-150 for a Dachshund, $80-160 for a Havanese -- nearly identical.
Behavior
Which needs less exercise?
The Havanese, rated low (2/5) against the Dachshund's moderate (3/5).
Health
Which lives longer?
The Havanese, 13-16 years, versus the Dachshund's 12-16.
Related DogBreedCompass guides
- Dachshund breed guide – Readers comparing the two usually want the full profile of Dachshund before deciding.
- Havanese breed guide – The same for Havanese, so the comparison can be checked against the detail.
- Dachshund vs Brussels Griffon – Brussels Griffon is the closest breed to Dachshund on the measured axes, so it is the natural next comparison.
- Havanese vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – Cavalier King Charles Spaniel sits closest to Havanese, which makes it the alternative worth ruling out.
- What Dachshund costs to keep – Anyone weighing these two is usually also pricing them, and the cost pages carry city-level figures.
- Havanese health problems – The health pages set out what each breed is actually screened for.
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Important reminder
Health information here is general and is not veterinary advice. If your dog shows pain, sudden behaviour change, or worsening symptoms, consult a licensed veterinarian.
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