Boston TerrierVSHavanese

The Boston Terrier is known for being friendly, lively, intelligent, while the Havanese is typically described as cheerful, intelligent, outgoing. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

The Havanese tends to be more playful, scoring 5/5 versus the Boston Terrier's 4/5. Expect the Havanese to be more eager for playtime and interactive games.

Noise-wise, the Havanese is more vocal with a barking level of 3/5, while the Boston Terrier is quieter at 2/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the Boston Terrier may be the better choice.

The Boston Terrier is a small breed standing 38–43 cm (15–17 in) tall and weighing 5–11 kg (11–24 lbs). In comparison, the Havanese is a small breed at 22–29 cm (9–11 in) and 3–6 kg (7–13 lbs).

The Boston Terrier is somewhat larger, though the difference isn't dramatic. Both breeds are manageable for most owners, but the size gap does affect food portions and space requirements.

The Boston Terrier has a short coat available in black and white, brindle and white, seal and white, while the Havanese sports a long coat in white, black, havana brown, fawn, tobacco. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The Boston Terrier has moderate energy (3/5) with moderate exercise needs (3/5). The Havanese has moderate energy (3/5) and low exercise needs (2/5).

The Boston Terrier requires more daily activity to stay happy and healthy. Without enough exercise, they may develop destructive behaviors. The Havanese is more adaptable and can get by with shorter walks and play sessions.

When it comes to shedding, the Boston Terrier drops more fur with a shedding level of 2/5, while the Havanese is lighter at 1/5. If pet hair on furniture is a concern, the Havanese will be easier to live with.

Grooming-wise, the Havanese needs more upkeep (4/5) than the Boston Terrier (1/5). The Havanese's long coat demands regular professional grooming to stay in top shape.

Annual grooming costs average around $100 for the Boston Terrier and $400 for the Havanese. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Boston Terrier has a lifespan of 11–15 years, while the Havanese lives 13–15 years. The Havanese generally has a longer lifespan.

The Havanese is generally the healthier breed, scoring 4/5 for health robustness versus the Boston Terrier's 3/5. This often translates to fewer vet visits and lower medical costs.

Common health issues for the Boston Terrier include brachycephalic syndrome, patellar luxation, cataracts, deafness. The Havanese is prone to patellar luxation, cataracts, deafness, heart murmurs. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $500 for the Boston Terrier and $400 for the Havanese. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

Both breeds are equally trainable at 4/5. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well with either breed.

Both breeds match in intelligence at 4/5, so expect similar learning speeds and mental stimulation needs from either choice.

Regardless of which breed you choose, early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are key to raising a well-behaved dog. Puppy classes are a great investment for either breed.

Both breeds score 5/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed can be a wonderful addition to a household with kids.

If you have other pets, the Havanese tends to get along better with other dogs (5/5) than the Boston Terrier (4/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the Havanese is naturally more sociable with canine companions.

The initial purchase price for a Boston Terrier ranges from $600–$2,000, while a Havanese typically costs $1,000–$2,500. The Havanese is the more expensive breed to purchase.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,020 for the Boston Terrier and $1,160 for the Havanese. The Havanese costs more annually, largely because of grooming expenses.

Monthly food costs run about $35 for the Boston Terrier and $30 for the Havanese. Over a typical lifespan, the total cost of ownership can differ by thousands of dollars, so it's worth factoring in the long-term financial commitment.