Havanese vs Morkie
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
Morkie
The Morkie combines the Maltese's gentle, affectionate nature with the Yorkshire Terrier's spirited confidence. These tiny dogs are known for their beautiful silky coats and sweet expressions. Morkies thrive on human companionship and make devoted lapdogs who love nothing more than cuddling with their owners while still having bursts of playful energy.
Extra Small
Medium
12-15+ years yrs
15-23 cm cm
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Havanese | Morkie |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Morkie |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Extra Small | Extra Small |
| Energy Level | Medium | Medium |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Trainability | Easy | challenging |
| Barking Level | Medium | High |
| Shedding Level | Low | Low |
| Chew strength | Light | N/A |
| Housing | Apartment | Apartment |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Havanese | Morkie |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Beginner | Experienced |
| 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. | Active individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a Morkie. |
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
Morkie Dealbreakers
- Cannot meet 45-60 min daily exercise
- Cannot commit to grooming needs
Surrender Risk
| Factor | Havanese | Morkie |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | Low | Medium |
| Primary Reasons | Owner lifestyle change (divorce, moving, death), Housebreaking failure - people underestimate potty training commitment | Underestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of care |
Temperament & Personality
Behavior Comparison
| Trait | Havanese | Morkie |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Havanese | Morkie |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | Medium | High |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | Medium | Low |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Havanese | Morkie |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Low | Low |
Havanese Social Traits
Low
Low - generally loves other dogs
Morkie Social Traits
Moderate
Selective
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
Morkie
- ** Positive reinforcement only. Morkies are sensitive; harsh corrections will cause them to shut down or snap defensively [cite: 16].
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.
Morkie Considerations
This is the single most common behavioral failure mode for Morkies. They are "Velcro dogs" in the truest sense. They do not tolerate isolation well. Owners who work 8 hours a day away from home often find their Morkie develops destructive behaviors, self-mutilation (licking paws raw), or incessant howling.
Morkies inherit the alert barking of the Maltese and the territorial tenacity of the Yorkshire Terrier. They are highly noise-sensitive and will bark at doorbells, hallway footsteps, and leaves blowing across the yard. In apartment settings, this is a frequent cause of neighbor complaints and eviction notices.
Like many toy breeds, Morkies have tiny bladders and a high metabolism. They are notoriously difficult to housebreak. "Accidents" indoors may persist well into adulthood, especially in cold or wet weather which they detest. Many owners resort to lifelong use of puppy pads.
Because of their size, owners often tolerate behaviors in Morkies (growling, snapping, resource guarding) that would be unacceptable in larger dogs. This can lead to a dog that rules the household and may bite when handled for grooming or vet visits.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | Havanese | Morkie |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Excellent - generally great with cats | Caution - may chase |
| Small Mammals | Safe - low prey drive makes them one of safest breeds for rabbits and guinea pigs | Supervision required |
| Birds / Reptiles | Safe - generally lacks drive to harm, though always supervise | Caution advised |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | Havanese | Morkie |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Arrested | Medium |
| 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).
First Year & Life Stages
First Year Challenges
| Challenge | Havanese | Morkie |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 4-12 | 6-12 |
| House Training | Hard | Moderate |
| 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.
Morkie: Morkie puppies require consistent training and patience.
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | Havanese | Morkie |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 12 months | 12 months |
| Adolescence | 6-18 | 6-18 |
| Adult Years | 2-9 | 2-8 |
| Senior Onset | ~10 years | ~8 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-3 years | 1-3 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | Havanese | Morkie |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-28 cm | 15-23 cm cm |
| Weight | Not enough data yet | Not enough data yet |
| Size Category | Extra Small | Extra Small |
| Lifespan | 14–16 years | N/A |
| Litter Size | 4-6 | 4-8 |
Havanese Coat
Morkie Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Havanese | Morkie |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | Companion dog for Cuban aristocracy - bred to sit on laps, act as bed warmers, and entertain | * Maltese: An ancient breed (2000+ years) bred strictly for companionship and being a lapdog for n |
| Origin | Cuba, 18th-19th century (descended from Blanquito de la Habana and Bichon Tenerife) | N/A |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Havanese | Morkie |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Low | Varies |
| Whelping Difficulty | Easy | Medium |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Low |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Havanese | Morkie |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | Low | Low |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Low | Low |
| Min Fence Height | 1m | 1.5m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | Low | Low |
Health & Common Conditions
Havanese Health Issues
Morkie Health Issues
Havanese Suggested Tests
- Hip Evaluation (OFA)
- Patella Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation (CAER)
- BAER Hearing Test
Morkie Suggested Tests
- Patellar Luxation (OFA)
- Eye Disorders (CERF)
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | Havanese | Morkie |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Low | Medium |
| Cardiac Risk | Medium | Low |
| Neurological Risk | Low | Low |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Low | Low |
| Vet Burden Tier | Medium | Medium |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | Havanese | Morkie |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Low | Low |
| Food Allergies |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | Havanese | Morkie |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Normal | Normal |
| Eye Care Needs | High | Low |
| 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.
Morkie Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis
- Vision decline
- Cognitive changes
Senior care varies by individual health.
Grooming & Care
Havanese
high maintenanceMorkie
high maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Havanese Daily Life
Morkie Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Havanese | Morkie |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | Under 25lbs | Under 50lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Havanese | Morkie |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | Medium | Medium |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Havanese | Morkie |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Excellent | Good |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Havanese | Morkie |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | Medium | Low |
| Therapy Dog | High | Low |
| Deep Pressure Therapy | ||
| Canicross / Bikejoring | ||
| Apartment Adaptable | ||
| Tactile / Sensory Friendly | ||
| Livestock Guardian | ||
| Medical Alert | Low | Low |
Costs & Expenses
Upfront Costs
| Cost | Havanese | Morkie |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,500-3,500+ | N/A |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,500–$3,500 | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | Havanese | Morkie |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $100–$200 | $80–$160 |
| Yearly Range | $1,500–$2,500 | $960–$1,920 |
| Food / Month | $20-40 | N/A |
| Insurance / Month | $30-50 | N/A |
| Grooming / Session | $60-100 | $50-100 |
| Vet Routine / Year | $300-500 | $50-100 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Havanese Lifetime Cost
$20,000-35,000
Morkie Lifetime Cost
N/A
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Havanese | Morkie |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Rare | Occasional |
| Slobber Level | None | Low |
| Smell When Wet | Mild | Moderate |
| Zoomies Frequency | Daily | Occasional |
| 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
Frequently Asked Questions
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Compare with Other Breeds
Based on comprehensive breed research data.