BrittanyVSHavanese

The Brittany is known for being bright, eager, fun-loving, while the Havanese is typically described as cheerful, intelligent, outgoing. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

Both breeds share a similar playfulness level at 5/5, so you can expect comparable levels of fun and games from either one.

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

The Brittany is a medium breed standing 44–52 cm (17–20 in) tall and weighing 14–18 kg (31–40 lbs). In comparison, the Havanese is a small breed at 22–29 cm (9–11 in) and 3–6 kg (7–13 lbs).

There's a significant size difference between these two breeds. The Brittany is considerably heavier, which means higher food costs and the need for more physical space. The Havanese's smaller frame makes it easier to handle and transport.

The Brittany has a medium coat available in orange and white, liver and white, roan, 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 Brittany has very high energy (5/5) with very high exercise needs (5/5). The Havanese has moderate energy (3/5) and low exercise needs (2/5).

The Brittany 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.

For apartment dwellers, the Havanese is the stronger choice with an apartment-friendliness score of 5/5, compared to the Brittany's 1/5. The Brittany generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.

When it comes to shedding, the Brittany 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 Brittany (2/5). The Havanese's long coat demands regular professional grooming to stay in top shape.

Annual grooming costs average around $150 for the Brittany and $400 for the Havanese. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Brittany has a lifespan of 12–14 years, while the Havanese lives 13–15 years. The Havanese generally has a longer lifespan.

Both breeds score 4/5 for health robustness, meaning they share similar overall health profiles.

Common health issues for the Brittany include hip dysplasia, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, canine discoid lupus. 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 $400 for the Brittany and $400 for the Havanese. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

The Brittany is easier to train with a trainability score of 5/5, making it more suitable for first-time dog owners. The Havanese scores 4/5 and may require more patience and experience during training sessions.

The Brittany ranks higher in intelligence (5/5 vs 4/5), which can be both a blessing and a challenge. Smarter dogs learn commands faster but also get bored more easily and may develop behavioral issues without mental stimulation.

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.

The Havanese edges ahead as a family dog, scoring 5/5 with children versus the Brittany's 4/5. The Havanese's cheerful temperament makes it especially patient around kids.

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

The Havanese is more welcoming to strangers (5/5), while the Brittany tends to be more reserved (4/5). If you frequently have guests, the Havanese's sociable nature will make entertaining easier.

The initial purchase price for a Brittany ranges from $700–$1,500, 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 $1,090 for the Brittany and $1,160 for the Havanese. The Havanese costs more annually, largely because of grooming expenses.

Monthly food costs run about $45 for the Brittany 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.