Havanese vs West Highland White Terrier
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
West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier, often referred to as the \\\"Westie,\\\" is a small, sturdy dog breed known for its distinctive white coat and lively personality. Bred in Scotland for hunting small game, Westies are intelligent, confident, and friendly, making them popular companions and family pets.
Small
High
10-12 yrs
25-28 cm cm
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Havanese | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Extra Small | Small |
| Energy Level | Medium | High |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Trainability | Easy | challenging |
| Barking Level | Medium | High |
| Shedding Level | Low | Low |
| Chew strength | Light | Light |
| Housing | Apartment | Yard |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Havanese | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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 West Highland White Terrier. |
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
West Highland White Terrier Dealbreakers
- Cannot meet 45-70 min daily exercise
- Cannot commit to grooming needs
Surrender Risk
| Factor | Havanese | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Havanese | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | Medium | High |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | Medium | Low |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Havanese | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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
West Highland White Terrier Social Traits
Moderate
Generally friendly
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
West Highland White Terrier
- Keep training sessions short and varied
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.
West Highland White Terrier Considerations
This is a true working terrier. They possess a high level of self-esteem and independence. Unlike a Golden Retriever that asks, "What can I do for you?", a Westie asks, "What's in it for me?".
Westies are vocal watchdogs. They will bark at doorbells, squirrels, leaves blowing in the wind, and delivery trucks. This is not a "quiet" apartment dog; their bark is piercing and persistent.
They were bred to kill vermin. They cannot be trusted with hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs, or birds. This is a genetic kill-switch, not a training issue.
Westies generally do not tolerate rough handling. They are known to snap if pestered, pulled, or startled, making them a risky choice for families with toddlers who lack boundaries.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | Havanese | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 4-12 | 6-18 |
| 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.
West Highland White Terrier: West Highland White Terrier puppies require consistent training and patience.
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | Havanese | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-28 cm | 25-28 cm cm |
| Weight | Not enough data yet | Not enough data yet |
| Size Category | Extra Small | Small |
| Lifespan | 14–16 years | 10–12 years |
| Litter Size | 4-6 | 4-8 |
Havanese Coat
West Highland White Terrier Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Havanese | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | Companion dog for Cuban aristocracy - bred to sit on laps, act as bed warmers, and entertain | The Westie was bred in Scotland to hunt vermin (rats, badgers, foxes, otters) in rocky cairns |
| Origin | Cuba, 18th-19th century (descended from Blanquito de la Habana and Bichon Tenerife) | N/A |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Havanese | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Low | Varies |
| Whelping Difficulty | Easy | Medium |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Low |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Havanese | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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
West Highland White Terrier Health Issues
Havanese Suggested Tests
- Hip Evaluation (OFA)
- Patella Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation (CAER)
- BAER Hearing Test
West Highland White Terrier Suggested Tests
- CMO (Craniomandibular Osteopathy) testing
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | Havanese | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Low | Low |
| Food Allergies |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | Havanese | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
West Highland White Terrier Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis
- Vision decline
- Cognitive changes
Senior care varies by individual health.
Grooming & Care
Havanese
high maintenanceWest Highland White Terrier
high maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Havanese Daily Life
West Highland White Terrier Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Havanese | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | Under 25lbs | Under 50lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Havanese | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | Medium | Medium |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Havanese | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Excellent | Good |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Havanese | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $100–$200 | $75–$130 |
| Yearly Range | $1,500–$2,500 | $900–$1,560 |
| Food / Month | $20-40 | $30-50 |
| Insurance / Month | $30-50 | $45-80 |
| Grooming / Session | $60-100 | $30-50 |
| Vet Routine / Year | $300-500 | $50-200 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Havanese Lifetime Cost
$20,000-35,000
West Highland White Terrier Lifetime Cost
N/A
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Havanese | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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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