Havanese vs Labrador Retriever: Complete Comparison

Side-by-side breed comparison with ratings, health data, and recommendations

Quick Verdict

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Best for Families: Labrador Retriever — higher family compatibility scores overall

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Best for Apartments: Havanese — lower energy and better suited to small spaces

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Best for First-Time Owners: Labrador Retriever — easier to train with lower maintenance needs

Breed Ratings Comparison

Havanese	Category	Labrador Retriever
Poor (1/5)	Shedding	Good (4/5)
Good (4/5)	Grooming	Below Average (2/5)
Average (3/5)	Exercise	Excellent (5/5)
Good (4/5)	Trainability	Excellent (5/5)
Excellent (5/5)	Good w/ Kids	Excellent (5/5)
Excellent (5/5)	Good w/ Dogs	Excellent (5/5)
Average (3/5)	Barking	Below Average (2/5)
Average (3/5)	Energy	Excellent (5/5)

Size Comparison

Havanese	Metric	Labrador Retriever
7-13 lbs	Weight	65-80 lbs
8.5-11.5 in	Height	21.5-24.5 in
Small	Size Category	Large

Lifespan Comparison

Havanese	Metric	Labrador Retriever
14-16 years	Lifespan	11-13 years
#24	Popularity Rank	#1

Temperament Comparison

Havanese

Intelligent, Outgoing, Funny

Labrador Retriever

Friendly, Active, Outgoing

Coat & Grooming Comparison

Havanese	Feature	Labrador Retriever
Double coat	Coat Type	Double coat
Long silky	Coat Length	Short
1/5	Shedding	4/5
4/5	Grooming	2/5

Health Issues Comparison

Havanese

ModeratePatellar luxation
ModerateHeart disease
ModerateLiver disease
ModerateEye problems
ModerateDeafness

Labrador Retriever

ModerateHip dysplasia
ModerateElbow dysplasia
ModerateProgressive retinal atrophy
ModerateExercise-induced collapse

Origin Comparison

Havanese	Detail	Labrador Retriever
Cuba	Origin	Canada
Toy	Breed Group	Sporting

Which Breed Is Right for You?

Choose Havanese if you:

Have children and need a kid-friendly breed
Want a highly trainable dog that learns commands quickly
Want minimal shedding around the house
Are looking for a small toy breed from Cuba

Choose Labrador Retriever if you:

Lead an active lifestyle and want a high-energy companion
Have children and need a kid-friendly breed
Want a highly trainable dog that learns commands quickly
Prefer a low-maintenance coat that requires minimal grooming
Are looking for a large sporting breed from Canada

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is bigger, Havanese or Labrador Retriever?

Labrador Retriever is typically the larger breed. Havanese weighs 7-13 lbs and stands 8.5-11.5 inches tall, while Labrador Retriever weighs 65-80 lbs and stands 21.5-24.5 inches tall.

Which lives longer, Havanese or Labrador Retriever?

Havanese tends to live longer. Havanese has a typical lifespan of 14-16 years, while Labrador Retriever lives 11-13 years.

Which is better with kids, Havanese or Labrador Retriever?

Both breeds rate equally well with children at 5/5. Either can be a great family dog with proper socialization.

Which sheds more, Havanese or Labrador Retriever?

Labrador Retriever sheds more. Havanese has a shedding level of 1/5 compared to Labrador Retriever at 4/5. Havanese is the better choice if shedding is a concern.

Which is easier to train, Havanese or Labrador Retriever?

Labrador Retriever is generally easier to train with a trainability rating of 5/5. Havanese scores 4/5 and Labrador Retriever scores 5/5 for trainability. Labrador Retriever may be a better choice for first-time dog owners.

Breed Ratings Comparison

Havanese

Choose Havanese if you:

Have children and need a kid-friendly breed
Want a highly trainable dog that learns commands quickly
Want minimal shedding around the house
Are looking for a small toy breed from Cuba

Choose Labrador Retriever if you:

Lead an active lifestyle and want a high-energy companion
Have children and need a kid-friendly breed
Want a highly trainable dog that learns commands quickly
Prefer a low-maintenance coat that requires minimal grooming
Are looking for a large sporting breed from Canada

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is bigger, Havanese or Labrador Retriever?

Labrador Retriever is typically the larger breed. Havanese weighs 7-13 lbs and stands 8.5-11.5 inches tall, while Labrador Retriever weighs 65-80 lbs and stands 21.5-24.5 inches tall.

Which lives longer, Havanese or Labrador Retriever?

Havanese tends to live longer. Havanese has a typical lifespan of 14-16 years, while Labrador Retriever lives 11-13 years.

Which is better with kids, Havanese or Labrador Retriever?

Both breeds rate equally well with children at 5/5. Either can be a great family dog with proper socialization.

Which sheds more, Havanese or Labrador Retriever?

Labrador Retriever sheds more. Havanese has a shedding level of 1/5 compared to Labrador Retriever at 4/5. Havanese is the better choice if shedding is a concern.

Which is easier to train, Havanese or Labrador Retriever?