Havanese vs Papillon: Which Suits Your Home?

These are two of the smallest breeds on this site, and the numbers stay close throughout: 7-13 lbs for the Havanese against 5-10 lbs for the Papillon, with both standing 8-11 inches at the shoulder. The Papillon is the lighter of the two but not by much — if raw size is your filter, this comparison won't do the deciding for you.

The Papillon wants more activity — Moderate (3/5) exercise need against the Havanese's Low (2/5) — and matches that with a High (4/5) energy level versus the Havanese's Moderate (3/5). Neither is a demanding breed by large-dog standards, but between the two, the Papillon is the one more likely to pester you for a game of fetch.

Grooming splits clearly: High (4/5) for the Havanese's long silky coat against Low (2/5) for the Papillon, whose fringed coat sheds cleanly without matting the way the Havanese's does. Shedding itself ties at Low (2/5) for both, so the real difference here is brushing time, not hair on the floor.

Both breeds tie at Very High (5/5) for apartment suitability, so space isn't the deciding factor. Barking favors the Havanese at Moderate (3/5) against the Papillon's High (4/5) — the Papillon's alert temperament tends to show up as reactivity to sounds. Alone-time tolerance is close but low for both: Very Low (1/5) for the Havanese, Low (2/5) for the Papillon.

The Papillon edges out the Havanese on trainability, Very High (5/5) against High (4/5) — it's one of the more food- and praise-motivated toy breeds, and its quick-witted temperament backs that up. For first-time owners specifically, though, the Havanese rates slightly higher at Very High (5/5) versus the Papillon's High (4/5).

The Havanese leads with kids, High (4/5) against the Papillon's Moderate (3/5) — Papillons can be less tolerant of rough handling from small children. Both breeds tie on friendliness to strangers at High (4/5), and the Havanese edges ahead with other dogs, Very High (5/5) against High (4/5).

The Papillon actually lives slightly longer on average — 14-16 years against the Havanese's 13-16, both toward the long end for any dog breed. Patellar luxation is the one condition both lists share. The Papillon's remaining risks, including collapsing trachea and open fontanel, are largely toy-breed-specific issues tied to its small skull and jaw structure.

Cost level favors the Papillon, Low (2/5) against the Havanese's High (4/5), though the monthly and first-year dollar ranges are close enough to call ties: $80-150 versus $80-160 monthly, and $1,100-2,300 versus $1,200-2,300 in year one. The Havanese's grooming needs are the likely reason its cost rating sits higher despite similar totals.