Havanese vs Mastiff
A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.
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
Mastiff
Also known as: English Mastiff, Old English Mastiff
The Mastiff (English Mastiff) is a giant guardian breed of immense dignity, courage, and docility. With ancestors depicted in Assyrian bas-reliefs from 2500 BC, these ancient war dogs and estate guardians have been bred down to gentle family companions. But the reality of living with a dog that can exceed 200lbs is often romanticized - between the short 6-10 year lifespan, potential for bone cancer, and costs that dwarf most breeds, they're called a 'heartbreak breed' for good reason.
Extra Large
Low
6-10 yrs
70-76+ cm
70-104+ kg
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Havanese | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Havanese | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Extra Small | Extra Large |
| Energy Level | Medium | Low |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Trainability | Easy | challenging |
| Barking Level | Medium | Medium |
| Shedding Level | Low | Medium |
| Chew strength | Light | Hard |
| Housing | Apartment | Yard |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Havanese | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Beginner | Advanced |
| First-Time Owner | ||
| Ideal Owner | 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. | Experienced large breed owner with house and yard. Works from home or can be home most of the day. Financially prepared for $3,000+ annual costs and $5,000+ emergency fund. Physically able to manage 200lb dog. Psychologically prepared for 6-10 year lifespan and likely cancer diagnosis. |
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
Mastiff Dealbreakers
- Apartment living (unless ground floor and extremely dedicated)
- Fastidious cleaners (drool/hair is unmanageable)
- Tight budget (one vet bill can bankrupt you)
- Physically frail owners (cannot hold 200lb dog on leash)
- Cannot emotionally handle short lifespan
Surrender Risk
| Factor | Havanese | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | Low | Medium |
| Primary Reasons | Owner lifestyle change (divorce, moving, death), Housebreaking failure - people underestimate potty training commitment | 'Moving/Housing Restrictions' - landlords evict due to size/breed, Cost - giant breed vet bills shock unprepared owners, Cute puppy becomes 150lb adolescent they can't afford to feed or vet |
Temperament & Personality
Behavior Comparison
| Trait | Havanese | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Havanese | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | Medium | Medium |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | Medium | Low |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Havanese | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Low | Moderate |
Havanese Social Traits
Low
Low - generally loves other dogs
Mastiff Social Traits
High
Same-sex aggression can develop around 18-24 months. Socialization critical to prevent wariness becoming fear-aggression.
Training
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
Mastiff
- Ask once, then lure/help them succeed
- Train for partnership, not just obedience
- Start leash manners EARLY before they're physically unmanageable
- Use high-value treats - they are food motivated
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.
Mastiff Considerations
Average lifespan is only 6-10 years, with 8 being the median. Owners must be psychologically prepared to lose their companion just as they enter their senior years. Bone cancer is the leading cause of death.
Unlike eager-to-please breeds, Mastiffs often ask 'Why?' before complying. When they decide not to cooperate, they simply flatten themselves to the floor - physically unmanageable at 200lbs. Harsh training causes complete shutdown.
Mature Mastiffs can develop intolerance toward dogs of the same sex, typically emerging around 18-24 months. Difficult to manage due to sheer power differential between owner and dog.
$150-300/month for food alone. Insurance $100-200+/month. All medications priced by weight (3-4x cost of Labrador). A single emergency can exceed $5,000. If this would bankrupt you, do not get this breed.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | Havanese | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Excellent - generally great with cats | Generally safe if raised together - low prey drive |
| Small Mammals | Safe - low prey drive makes them one of safest breeds for rabbits and guinea pigs | Generally safe - no terrier-like kill instinct |
| Birds / Reptiles | Safe - generally lacks drive to harm, though always supervise | Generally neutral |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | Havanese | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Arrested | Arrested |
| Biddability | High | Low |
| Noise Sensitivity | Medium | Low |
| Territorial Barking | ||
| Same-Sex Aggression Onset | N/A | 18 months |
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).
Mastiff: Predatory sequence arrested: Orient -> Eye -> (Stalk/Chase/Grab/Kill inhibited). They may chase out of territorial instinct but lack 'kill bite' of terriers. High adaptive intelligence (problem-solving), low working intelligence (obedience repetition). They work for partnership, not just kibble.
First Year & Life Stages
First Year Challenges
| Challenge | Havanese | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 4-12 | 6-18 |
| House Training | Hard | Medium |
| Crate Training | Medium | Medium |
| Adolescent Regression |
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.
Mastiff: Calmer than sporting/herding breeds but 6-month puppy can weigh 80lbs with baby brain. They are clumsy, mouthy, and accidentally knock over children/furniture. Teething Mastiff can chew through solid wood door frames. A rebellious 150lb teenager pulling on leash is a safety hazard.
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | Havanese | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 12 months | 18 months |
| Adolescence | 6-18 | 18-36 |
| Adult Years | 2-9 | 3-6 |
| Senior Onset | ~10 years | ~6 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-3 years | 1-2 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | Havanese | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-28 cm | 70-76+ cm |
| Weight | Not enough data yet | Not enough data yet |
| Size Category | Extra Small | Extra Large |
| Lifespan | 14–16 years | 6–10 years |
| Litter Size | 4-6 | 8-10 |
Havanese Coat
Mastiff Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Havanese | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | Companion dog for Cuban aristocracy - bred to sit on laps, act as bed warmers, and entertain | War dogs, guardians, and hunters of large game (lions, bears, wolves). In England, estate guardians protecting from poachers. Job was to seize and hold intruders using sheer mass. |
| Origin | Cuba, 18th-19th century (descended from Blanquito de la Habana and Bichon Tenerife) | Ancient breed - ancestors depicted in Assyrian bas-reliefs from 2500 BC |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Havanese | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Low | High |
| Whelping Difficulty | Easy | High |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Moderate |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Havanese | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | Low | High |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Low | High |
| Min Fence Height | 1m | 1.8m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | Low | Low |
Health & Common Conditions
Havanese Health Issues
Mastiff Health Issues
Havanese Suggested Tests
- Hip Evaluation (OFA)
- Patella Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation (CAER)
- BAER Hearing Test
Mastiff Suggested Tests
- PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
- Cystinuria DNA test
- DM (Degenerative Myelopathy)
- OFA or PennHIP for hips and elbows
- Cardiac evaluation
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | Havanese | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Low | Very High |
| Cardiac Risk | Medium | Medium |
| Neurological Risk | Low | Low |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Low | High |
| Vet Burden Tier | Medium | Very High |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | Havanese | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Low | Medium |
| Food Allergies |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | Havanese | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Normal | Fast |
| Eye Care Needs | High | Medium |
| Anal Gland Issues | Occasional | Occasional |
Senior Care & Aging
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.
Mastiff Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Bone cancer (osteosarcoma)
- Arthritis (almost guaranteed)
- Heart issues
Rapid decline often starts around 6 years. May need 'Help 'Em Up' harness to assist standing. Euthanasia at home recommended if possible - transporting non-ambulatory 200lb dog to vet clinic is physically impossible for most owners without stretcher and team.
Grooming & Care
Havanese
high maintenanceMastiff
high maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Havanese Daily Life
Mastiff Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Havanese | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | Under 25lbs | Over 50lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Havanese | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | Medium | Low |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Havanese | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Excellent | Good |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Havanese | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | Medium | Low |
| Therapy Dog | High | Medium |
| Deep Pressure Therapy | ||
| Canicross / Bikejoring | ||
| Apartment Adaptable | ||
| Tactile / Sensory Friendly | ||
| Livestock Guardian | ||
| Medical Alert | Low | Low |
Costs & Expenses
Upfront Costs
| Cost | Havanese | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,500-3,500+ | $1,500-4,000 |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,500–$3,500 | $1,500–$4,000 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | Havanese | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $100–$200 | $300–$600 |
| Yearly Range | $1,500–$2,500 | $3,600–$7,200 |
| Food / Month | $20-40 | $150-300 |
| Insurance / Month | $30-50 | $100-200+ |
| Grooming / Session | $60-100 | $75-125 |
| Vet Routine / Year | $300-500 | $450-600 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Havanese Lifetime Cost
$20,000-35,000
Mastiff Lifetime Cost
$25,000-60,000
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Havanese | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Rare | Frequent |
| Slobber Level | None | Heavy |
| Smell When Wet | Mild | Strong |
| Zoomies Frequency | Daily | Rare |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | None | Low |
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
Mastiff Quirks
The Mastiff Lean
Will lean their full weight (up to 200lbs) against your legs. Fall risk for children and elderly.
Ceiling Slobber
Not just when eating - they shake heads and 'fling' slime. It will be on clothes, walls, and TV.
Passive Resistance
When they don't want to do something, they simply flatten to the floor. Physically impossible to move a 200lb dog that doesn't want to move.
Room-Clearing Gas
Flatulence is frequent and potent, often clearing a room.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Compare with Other Breeds
Based on comprehensive breed research data.