Bichon Frise vs Havanese: Which Is Right for You?

Two small, affectionate companion breeds: this guide compares temperament, grooming, health, exercise, apartment suitability and costs to help you choose.

Quick Comparison Table

Overview: two companion breeds with similar strengths

Bichon Frise and Havanese are both small, social breeds bred to be companion dogs. They share a fluffy, non-shedding (or low-shedding) coat type and a friendly, people-oriented temperament. That makes both excellent choices for apartment dwellers, first-time owners who want a cuddly pet, and households that like to include dogs in daily life.

That said, there are meaningful differences in grooming demands, noise level, typical health issues, and subtle temperament cues. This guide walks through the factors that most influence day-to-day ownership so you can match a breed to your lifestyle.

Side-by-side analysis of key factors

Temperament

• Bichon Frise: Cheerful, alert, affectionate and generally people-focused. Bichons are known for being playful and often very friendly with visitors and children. They are sensitive and respond well to positive-reinforcement training. They can be somewhat independent at times but typically seek human company and enjoy lap time.

• Havanese: Equally affectionate but often described as more “velcro”—they bond strongly and may follow you around the house. Havanese are intelligent, curious and sometimes a touch more mischievous. They can be slightly more vocal than Bichons; with early training many Havanese become quiet companions.

Exercise needs

• Bichon Frise: 30–60 minutes/day. A couple of short walks plus indoor play is usually enough. They enjoy games and sniffing time but are not high-energy athletes.

• Havanese: 30–60 minutes/day. Similar needs to the Bichon — brisk walks, training sessions, and playtime will satisfy mental and physical needs.

Grooming and coat care

Both breeds have hair that grows continuously and sheds less than many other breeds, but “low-shedding” does not equal “no maintenance.”

• Bichon Frise

• Havanese

Grooming time is an important lifestyle consideration: expect 15–30 minutes daily of brushing and periodic professional grooming costs (roughly $50–$100 per visit in many areas).

Hypoallergenic qualities

Neither breed is truly hypoallergenic (no dog is), but both are often better tolerated by people with mild to moderate allergies because they shed less and produce less loose hair-dander in the environment than many double-coated breeds.

Key points:

• Allergenic reaction depends on dander and saliva proteins, not just visible shedding.
• If allergies are a concern, spend time with the breed, ideally with the dog you’ll adopt, before committing. Consider allergy testing and an air-filtration plan at home.

Health and lifespan

• Lifespan

• Common health issues

Recommended health screenings for responsible breeders/owners - Patella evaluation and certification - Hip evaluation (OFA or equivalent) — especially for active or breeding dogs - Ophthalmologist eye exam (annual or pre-breeding) for inherited eye disease - Cardiac auscultation/echocardiogram if indicated

Choosing a puppy from a breeder who provides health clearances (OFA, PennHIP, breed-club testing) reduces but does not eliminate risk. Rescue or shelter dogs may not have full health histories, so plan for a veterinary check and baseline tests.[2][3]

Cost (purchase and ongoing)

• Purchase/adoption price: Reputable breeder price ranges widely by region and bloodlines. Typical range: $1,500–$3,000 for a Bichon or Havanese puppy from a reputable breeder; adoption fees are typically $150–$600 through rescues/shelters.
• Initial supplies: $200–$600 (crate, bed, toys, grooming tools, collar/lead).
• Annual care (food, routine vet, insurance, grooming): $1,200–$2,500+ depending on insurance, medical needs and grooming frequency.
• Grooming: $50–$100 per professional grooming session on average.

Apartment suitability and noise

Both breeds are excellent apartment dogs due to size and moderate exercise needs. Differences:

• Bichon: Generally quiet to moderately vocal. They can be alert and bark for a reason (visitor at door) but usually calm quickly with training.
• Havanese: Tend to be more vocal and may alert-bark or “talk” more. Training and socialization reduce nuisance barking.

Which Breed Is Right For You? (Lifestyle scenarios)

• You want a cuddly lap dog who’s friendly with strangers and children: Both are great choices. Consider Bichon if you want a slightly more outgoing charm; consider Havanese if you want a more clingy companion.

• You work long hours away from home: Neither breed loves long solitary periods. If long absences are unavoidable, plan for doggy daycare, a dog walker, or a household member to check in. Bichons may tolerate short absences slightly better; Havanese can be more prone to separation anxiety.

• You live in an apartment and want low shedding: Both breeds fit well. If you prefer quieter neighbors, the Bichon may be slightly less vocal on average.

• You want minimal grooming fuss: Neither breed is low-effort—both need daily brushing. If you want fewer professional grooming trips, keep a Havanese in a shorter “puppy cut” to reduce matting time.

• You have mild allergies but still want a dog: Meet and spend time with individual dogs of each breed. Both are often tolerated by people with allergies, but individual reactions vary.

• You want a highly social family dog that plays with kids: Both breeds are family-friendly. Bichons are often very patient; Havanese are bright and playful but supervise interactions with very young children because of the Havanese’s small size.

Pros and Cons

Bichon Frise

• Pros:

• Cons:

Havanese

• Pros:

• Cons:

Key Takeaways

• Both Bichon Frise and Havanese are excellent companion dogs for apartment dwellers and families; both have low-shedding coats that may suit people with mild allergies, but neither is fully hypoallergenic.
• Expect daily grooming commitment (15–30 minutes) and professional grooming every 4–8 weeks depending on coat length and style.
• Plan on 30–60 minutes of daily exercise for both breeds — short walks and play sessions are usually sufficient.
• Health-screened puppies from responsible breeders reduce risk; common concerns include patellar luxation, eye issues and dental disease. Lifespans are similar (Bichon ~12–15 years, Havanese ~14–16 years).
• Choose a Bichon if you want a slightly more outgoing, often quieter companion. Choose a Havanese if you prefer an ultra-attachment style dog who may be more vocal but intensely devoted.

If you want, I can: provide a printable checklist for first 6 months of care, compare grooming costs in your city, or help you evaluate breeders/rescue options near you.

References

[1] American Kennel Club — Bichon Frise and Havanese breed profiles: https://www.akc.org

[2] Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) breed statistics and recommended clearances: https://www.ofa.org

[3] Havanese Club of America — Health & Genetics: https://www.havanese.org

Frequently Asked Questions