English Bulldog vs Havanese
A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.
English Bulldog
The Bulldog, known for its distinctive wrinkled face and stocky build, is a medium-sized breed that is gentle and affectionate, making it a beloved companion. Despite its tough appearance, the Bulldog is friendly and loyal, often forming strong bonds with its family.
Medium
Low
7.2 years yrs
N/A cm
Havanese
Also known as: Havana Silk Dog, Bichon Havanais, Cuban Bichon
The Havanese is a small, sturdy dog breed known for its friendly and affectionate nature, as well as its distinctive silky coat. Originating from Cuba, this breed is highly sociable and adaptable, making it a popular choice for families and urban dwellers alike.
Extra Small
Medium
14-16 yrs
23-28 cm
3.2-5.9 kg
Quick Comparison
| Trait | English Bulldog | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming Needs | ||
| Family Friendly | ||
| Independence |
Key Characteristics
| Good with Kids | ||
| Good with Dogs | ||
| Good with Cats | ||
| Hypoallergenic | ||
| Apartment Friendly | ||
| First-Time Owner OK |
| Detail | English Bulldog | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Extra Small |
| Energy Level | Low | Medium |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Trainability | challenging | Easy |
| Barking Level | Low | Medium |
| Shedding Level | Medium | Low |
| Chew strength | Hard | Light |
| Housing | Apartment | Apartment |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | English Bulldog | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Experienced | Beginner |
| First-Time Owner | ||
| Ideal Owner | Active individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a English Bulldog. | Someone who works from home or has flexible schedule. Willing to commit to grooming maintenance. Patient with housebreaking challenges. Looking for affectionate companion who wants to be with them 24/7. |
English Bulldog Dealbreakers
- Cannot meet 30-40 min daily exercise
- Cannot commit to grooming needs
Havanese Dealbreakers
- Work 8+ hours away from home daily
- Want a dog that lives outside
- Cannot afford professional grooming ($800+/year)
- Want a dog that is instantly potty trained
Surrender Risk
| Factor | English Bulldog | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | Medium | Low |
| Primary Reasons | Underestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of care | Owner lifestyle change (divorce, moving, death), Housebreaking failure - people underestimate potty training commitment |
Temperament & Personality
Behavior Comparison
| Trait | English Bulldog | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | English Bulldog | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | Low | Medium |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | Low | Medium |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | English Bulldog | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Low | Low |
English Bulldog Social Traits
Moderate
Generally friendly
Havanese Social Traits
Low
Low - generally loves other dogs
Training
English Bulldog
- ** Positive reinforcement with high-value food rewards. They are food-motivated but easily bored.
Havanese
- Use their high food drive and social drive for training
- Sensitivity means harsh corrections cause shutdown or submissive urination
- Consistency is key - don't let them get away with bad behavior just because they're small
English Bulldog Considerations
Bulldogs can be possessive over food and toys. Their low center of gravity and jaw strength make this dangerous if not managed early.
They score low on biddability. If a Bulldog does not want to walk, they will simply lie down. This is not a dog for owners who expect instant obedience.
Havanese Considerations
Bred for centuries solely as companions to Cuban aristocracy - genetically wired to be with humans. Leaving them alone 8+ hours results in destructive chewing, excessive barking, and house soiling.
Notoriously slow to potty train. Small bladders and 'sneaky soiling' means they may not be fully reliable until 6-8 months old, sometimes older. Requires consistent positive reinforcement.
Excellent watchdogs who announce every delivery truck, neighbor, and squirrel. In apartments with thin walls, this requires dedicated training to manage.
Unless you learn to groom yourself, expect $60-100 every 4-6 weeks for professional grooming. That's $700-1,200 annually just for haircuts.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | English Bulldog | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Generally safe with proper introduction | Excellent - generally great with cats |
| Small Mammals | Supervision required | Safe - low prey drive makes them one of safest breeds for rabbits and guinea pigs |
| Birds / Reptiles | Caution advised | Safe - generally lacks drive to harm, though always supervise |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | English Bulldog | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Medium | Arrested |
| Biddability | Low | High |
| Noise Sensitivity | Low | Medium |
| Territorial Barking | ||
| Same-Sex Aggression Onset | 18 months | N/A |
Havanese: May 'Eye' and 'Chase' for play but 'Grab-Bite' and 'Kill-Bite' largely absent. Safe with hamsters and birds if supervised. High biddability but can learn bad habits fast (like barking for attention).
First Year & Life Stages
First Year Challenges
| Challenge | English Bulldog | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 6-18 | 4-12 |
| House Training | Moderate | Hard |
| Crate Training | Medium | Medium |
| Adolescent Regression |
English Bulldog: English Bulldog puppies require consistent training and patience.
Havanese: Sweet and generally non-destructive compared to larger breeds. Main challenge is housebreaking frustration - their 'tell' (sign they need to go) is subtle. Adolescent regression at 6-10 months coincides with 'blowing coat' phase where grooming becomes a nightmare.
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | English Bulldog | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 12 months | 12 months |
| Adolescence | 6-18 | 6-18 |
| Adult Years | 2-8 | 2-9 |
| Senior Onset | ~8 years | ~10 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-3 years | 1-3 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | English Bulldog | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Height | N/A cm | 23-28 cm |
| Weight | Not enough data yet | Not enough data yet |
| Size Category | Medium | Extra Small |
| Lifespan | 7 years | 14–16 years |
| Litter Size | 4-8 | 4-6 |
English Bulldog Coat
Havanese Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | English Bulldog | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | Originally bred in England for bull-baiting (13th-19th century), the Bulldog was designed to latch o | Companion dog for Cuban aristocracy - bred to sit on laps, act as bed warmers, and entertain |
| Origin | N/A | Cuba, 18th-19th century (descended from Blanquito de la Habana and Bichon Tenerife) |
Breeding Details
| Detail | English Bulldog | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Varies | Low |
| Whelping Difficulty | Medium | Easy |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Low |
Physical Risks
| Risk | English Bulldog | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | Low | Low |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Low | Low |
| Min Fence Height | 1.5m | 1m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | Low | Low |
Health & Common Conditions
English Bulldog Health Issues
Havanese Health Issues
English Bulldog Suggested Tests
- Respiratory Function Grading Scheme (RFGS)
Havanese Suggested Tests
- Hip Evaluation (OFA)
- Patella Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation (CAER)
- BAER Hearing Test
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | English Bulldog | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Medium | Low |
| Cardiac Risk | Low | Medium |
| Neurological Risk | Low | Low |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Low | Low |
| Vet Burden Tier | Medium | Medium |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | English Bulldog | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Low | Low |
| Food Allergies |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | English Bulldog | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Normal | Normal |
| Eye Care Needs | Low | High |
| Anal Gland Issues | Occasional | Occasional |
Senior Care & Aging
English Bulldog Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis
- Vision decline
- Cognitive changes
Senior care varies by individual health.
Havanese Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Cataracts
- Heart murmurs (Mitral Valve Disease)
- Hearing loss
- Arthritis
Generally stay sharp mentally. Ramps for furniture recommended to protect backs and joints in senior years.
Grooming & Care
English Bulldog
high maintenanceHavanese
high maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
English Bulldog Daily Life
Havanese Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | English Bulldog | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | Under 50lbs | Under 25lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | English Bulldog | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | Medium | Medium |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | English Bulldog | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Good | Excellent |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | English Bulldog | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | Low | Medium |
| Therapy Dog | Low | High |
| Deep Pressure Therapy | ||
| Canicross / Bikejoring | ||
| Apartment Adaptable | ||
| Tactile / Sensory Friendly | ||
| Livestock Guardian | ||
| Medical Alert | Low | Low |
Costs & Expenses
Upfront Costs
| Cost | English Bulldog | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | N/A | $1,500-3,500+ |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,000–$2,500 | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | English Bulldog | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $80–$160 | $100–$200 |
| Yearly Range | $960–$1,920 | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Food / Month | N/A | $20-40 |
| Insurance / Month | N/A | $30-50 |
| Grooming / Session | N/A | $60-100 |
| Vet Routine / Year | N/A | $300-500 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
English Bulldog Lifetime Cost
N/A
Havanese Lifetime Cost
$20,000-35,000
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | English Bulldog | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Occasional | Rare |
| Slobber Level | Low | None |
| Smell When Wet | Moderate | Mild |
| Zoomies Frequency | Occasional | Daily |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | Low | None |
Havanese Quirks
Paper Shredding
Many Havanese love to shred tissues, toilet paper, and napkins - it's a common breed quirk
Perching Like a Cat
Often sit on backs of sofas or look out windows from high vantage points
Run Like Hell (RLH)
The Havanese version of zoomies - they tuck their butts and sprint in circles at high speed
Shadow Dog
Will follow you to the bathroom - they are true velcro dogs
Frequently Asked Questions
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