English Springer Spaniel vs Havanese
A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.
English Springer Spaniel
Also known as: Springer, ESS
The English Springer Spaniel is a versatile and energetic breed known for its friendly and affectionate nature, making it an excellent companion for families and active individuals. Originally bred for hunting, this medium-sized dog is highly trainable and excels in various canine sports and activities. They're called 'Springers' because they literally spring or flush game birds into the air.
Medium
High
12-14 yrs
48-51 cm
18-25 kg
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 Springer Spaniel | 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 Springer Spaniel | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Extra Small |
| Energy Level | High | Medium |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Trainability | Easy | Easy |
| Barking Level | Medium | Medium |
| Shedding Level | Medium | Low |
| Chew strength | Moderate | Light |
| Housing | Yard | Apartment |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | English Springer Spaniel | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Beginner (with active lifestyle) | Beginner |
| First-Time Owner | ||
| Ideal Owner | Active individual or family committed to training and daily exercise. Works from home or can provide midday breaks. Tolerant of mud and moderate shedding. | 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 Springer Spaniel Dealbreakers
- Sedentary lifestyle - do NOT get this breed if you want a couch potato
- Long work hours - not suitable for homes empty 8-10 hours/day
- Fastidious cleaners - they shed, track mud, and drip water from ears/jowls
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 Springer Spaniel | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | Medium | Low |
| Primary Reasons | Energy mismatch - owner underestimated exercise needs, Biting/aggression - often misdiagnosed rage or resource guarding in untrained dogs, Health costs - chronic ear/skin issues | Owner lifestyle change (divorce, moving, death), Housebreaking failure - people underestimate potty training commitment |
Temperament & Personality
Behavior Comparison
| Trait | English Springer Spaniel | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | English Springer Spaniel | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | Medium | Medium |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | Medium | Medium |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | English Springer Spaniel | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Moderate | Low |
English Springer Spaniel Social Traits
Low
Generally dog-friendly, enjoys pack play
Havanese Social Traits
Low
Low - generally loves other dogs
Training
English Springer Spaniel
- They respond best to positive reinforcement - harsh corrections cause shutdown or fearfulness
- Use their high food motivation to your advantage
- Channel their cooperative nature into obedience, agility, or rally
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 Springer Spaniel Considerations
Bred to work cooperatively with humans, Springers don't thrive in isolation. Left alone for 6+ hours, they frequently develop destructive behaviors (chewing, digging) and distress vocalization.
Historically significant idiopathic aggression where the dog enters a trance-like state. Linked primarily to show/bench lines and low serotonin. True rage is distinct from resource guarding.
A bored Springer is a destructive Springer. They require 60-120 minutes of daily exercise. Under-exercised Springers become hyperactive, vocal, and destructive.
If there is mud, they will find it. Their feathering acts as a mop, tracking water and dirt everywhere. Not ideal for pristine households.
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 Springer Spaniel | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Generally good if raised together - may try to 'flush' them playfully | Excellent - generally great with cats |
| Small Mammals | High risk - rabbits and hamsters trigger prey drive | Safe - low prey drive makes them one of safest breeds for rabbits and guinea pigs |
| Birds / Reptiles | High risk - they are bird dogs, poultry are prey | Safe - generally lacks drive to harm, though always supervise |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | English Springer Spaniel | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Arrested | Arrested |
| Biddability | High | High |
| Noise Sensitivity | Low | Medium |
| Territorial Barking | ||
| Same-Sex Aggression Onset | N/A | N/A |
English Springer Spaniel: Predatory sequence: Orient → Eye → Stalk → Chase → Flush (Spring) → Grab-Bite (Soft) → Retrieve. Kill/dissect portion is inhibited - soft mouth for retrieving game. Works *with* you, not just *for* you.
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 Springer Spaniel | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 6-18 | 4-12 |
| House Training | Easy | Hard |
| Crate Training | High | Medium |
| Adolescent Regression |
English Springer Spaniel: High-energy and mouthy puppies. Adolescence (6-24 months) is the 'testing' phase - recall may vanish. Consistency is vital.
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 Springer Spaniel | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 18 months | 12 months |
| Adolescence | 6-24 | 6-18 |
| Adult Years | 2-8 | 2-9 |
| Senior Onset | ~9 years | ~10 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-3 years | 1-3 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | English Springer Spaniel | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 48-51 cm | 23-28 cm |
| Weight | Not enough data yet | Not enough data yet |
| Size Category | Medium | Extra Small |
| Lifespan | 12–14 years | 14–16 years |
| Litter Size | 4-10 | 4-6 |
English Springer Spaniel Coat
Havanese Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | English Springer Spaniel | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | Flushing (springing) and retrieving game birds for hunters | Companion dog for Cuban aristocracy - bred to sit on laps, act as bed warmers, and entertain |
| Origin | England, 1800s (officially separated from Cocker Spaniel in 1902) | Cuba, 18th-19th century (descended from Blanquito de la Habana and Bichon Tenerife) |
Breeding Details
| Detail | English Springer Spaniel | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | 10-20% | Low |
| Whelping Difficulty | Easy to Medium | Easy |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Low |
Physical Risks
| Risk | English Springer Spaniel | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | Medium | Low |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Low | Low |
| Min Fence Height | 1.5m | 1m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | Low | Low |
Health & Common Conditions
English Springer Spaniel Health Issues
Havanese Health Issues
English Springer Spaniel Suggested Tests
- PRA (cord1) DNA test
- PFK deficiency DNA test
- OFA/PennHIP hip evaluation
- OFA elbow evaluation
- Ophthalmologist evaluation
Havanese Suggested Tests
- Hip Evaluation (OFA)
- Patella Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation (CAER)
- BAER Hearing Test
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | English Springer Spaniel | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Medium | Low |
| Cardiac Risk | Low | Medium |
| Neurological Risk | Low | Low |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Medium | Low |
| Vet Burden Tier | Medium | Medium |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | English Springer Spaniel | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Medium | Low |
| Food Allergies | Chicken, Grain |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | English Springer Spaniel | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Normal | Normal |
| Eye Care Needs | Medium | High |
| Anal Gland Issues | Occasional | Occasional |
Senior Care & Aging
English Springer Spaniel Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis/joint stiffness
- Vision/hearing loss
- Cognitive decline
- Hip dysplasia progression
Slow down around 9+ but often remain active. Watch for arthritis and vision/hearing loss.
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 Springer Spaniel
high maintenanceHavanese
high maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
English Springer Spaniel Daily Life
Havanese Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | English Springer Spaniel | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | 25-50lbs | Under 25lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | English Springer Spaniel | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | High | Medium |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | English Springer Spaniel | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Excellent | Excellent |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | English Springer Spaniel | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | Medium | Medium |
| Therapy Dog | High | High |
| Deep Pressure Therapy | ||
| Canicross / Bikejoring | ||
| Apartment Adaptable | ||
| Tactile / Sensory Friendly | ||
| Livestock Guardian | ||
| Medical Alert | Medium | Low |
Costs & Expenses
Upfront Costs
| Cost | English Springer Spaniel | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,000-2,500 | $1,500-3,500+ |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,000–$2,500 | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | English Springer Spaniel | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $120–$200 | $100–$200 |
| Yearly Range | $2,000–$2,500 | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Food / Month | $50-80 | $20-40 |
| Insurance / Month | $35-55 | $30-50 |
| Grooming / Session | $50-100 | $60-100 |
| Vet Routine / Year | $400-800 | $300-500 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
English Springer Spaniel Lifetime Cost
$20,000-35,000
Havanese Lifetime Cost
$20,000-35,000
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | English Springer Spaniel | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Occasional | Rare |
| Slobber Level | Light | None |
| Smell When Wet | Moderate | Mild |
| Zoomies Frequency | Daily | Daily |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | Medium | None |
English Springer Spaniel Quirks
Mud Magnets
If there is mud, they will find it. Their feathering acts as a mop for water and dirt.
The Spring
They literally spring/bounce through tall grass to see over it - this is the behavior they were bred for.
Submissive Urination
Some Springers, especially females, may urinate when overly excited or greeted. Usually fades with age and confidence.
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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