Havanese vs Yorkshire 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
Yorkshire Terrier
Also known as: Yorkie, Yorkshire
The Yorkshire Terrier is often mischaracterized as a mere lapdog accessory. In reality, this is a **terrier** first and a companion second. While affectionate and portable, their genetic heritage as vermin exterminators in textile mills drives a personality that is tenacious, vocal, and surprisingly intense. Often called 'the Yorkie', this breed packs big-dog attitude into a tiny frame.
Extra Small
Medium
13.56 yrs
17-20 cm
Up to 3.2kg (often larger in pet lines: 4-5kg) kg
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Havanese | Yorkshire 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 | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Extra Small | Extra Small |
| Energy Level | Medium | Medium |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Trainability | Easy | Moderate |
| Barking Level | Medium | High |
| Shedding Level | Low | Low |
| Chew strength | Light | Light |
| Housing | Apartment | Apartment |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Havanese | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Beginner | Intermediate |
| 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. | Diligent owner with patience for house training and consistent grooming routine. Works from home or can provide frequent bathroom breaks. Understands this is a high-maintenance dog in a small package. |
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
Yorkshire Terrier Dealbreakers
- Families with toddlers - fragility makes this unsafe
- Full-time workers away 8+ hours - bladder cannot hold it
- Anyone wanting a 'low maintenance' dog
- Noise-sensitive neighbors in apartments
Surrender Risk
| Factor | Havanese | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | Low | Medium |
| Primary Reasons | Owner lifestyle change (divorce, moving, death), Housebreaking failure - people underestimate potty training commitment | It won't stop peeing in the house (house training failure), It snapped at the baby (resource guarding/fear), The barking is driving neighbors crazy |
Temperament & Personality
Behavior Comparison
| Trait | Havanese | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Havanese | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | Medium | High |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | Medium | Medium |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Havanese | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Yorkshire Terrier Social Traits
High - naturally suspicious, early socialization required to prevent fear biting
Often reactive to larger dogs - usually fear-based, not dominance
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
Yorkshire Terrier
- Keep sessions SHORT (5 minutes max) - they bore easily
- High-value treats essential - they won't work just to please you
- Indoor pee pad system may be necessary permanent solution
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.
Yorkshire Terrier Considerations
This is the single most cited failure mode for the breed. Due to tiny bladders and terrier stubbornness, Yorkies are notoriously difficult to housebreak. Many owners report accidents persisting well into adulthood, and some never become 100% reliable without indoor pads.
The 'watchdog' trait is hardwired. They will announce every delivery driver, neighbor, and squirrel with sharp, high-pitched barking. This can lead to neighbor complaints and eviction notices in apartments.
Yorkies often don't perceive their small size, leading to 'Napoleonic' aggression toward much larger dogs. This is usually fear-based reactivity, not actual courage, but can be dangerous.
A toddler falling on a Yorkie can kill the dog. They can be fatally injured by being dropped, stepped on, or sat upon. Not suitable for homes with young children.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | Havanese | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Excellent - generally great with cats | Generally safe if raised together - but may harass a cat that runs |
| Small Mammals | Safe - low prey drive makes them one of safest breeds for rabbits and guinea pigs | UNSAFE - the ratting instinct is alive. Dangerous to hamsters, gerbils, birds. |
| Birds / Reptiles | Safe - generally lacks drive to harm, though always supervise | Unsafe - predatory drift will trigger chase/kill |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | Havanese | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Arrested | Full |
| Biddability | High | Moderate |
| Noise Sensitivity | Medium | Medium |
| Territorial Barking | ||
| Same-Sex Aggression Onset | N/A | 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).
Yorkshire Terrier: Unlike a Cavalier where the sequence is eroded, the Yorkie retains the Kill-Bite part of the sequence for small vermin. High intelligence but asks 'Why?' before 'How high?' - less eager to please than a Poodle.
First Year & Life Stages
First Year Challenges
| Challenge | Havanese | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 4-12 | 6-12 |
| House Training | Hard | Very Hard |
| 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.
Yorkshire Terrier: Unlike larger breeds, you cannot simply 'crate and wait' - their bladders are too small. Expect accidents for the first year. The combination of extreme fragility, house training difficulty, and hypoglycemia risks makes Yorkie puppies very demanding.
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | Havanese | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 12 months | 10 months |
| Adolescence | 6-18 | 4-10 |
| Adult Years | 2-9 | 1.5-8 |
| Senior Onset | ~10 years | ~9 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-3 years | 1-4 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | Havanese | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-28 cm | 17-20 cm |
| Weight | Not enough data yet | Not enough data yet |
| Size Category | Extra Small | Extra Small |
| Lifespan | 14–16 years | 14 years |
| Litter Size | 4-6 | 2-4 |
Havanese Coat
Yorkshire Terrier Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Havanese | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | Companion dog for Cuban aristocracy - bred to sit on laps, act as bed warmers, and entertain | Vermin extermination in textile mills and coal mines |
| Origin | Cuba, 18th-19th century (descended from Blanquito de la Habana and Bichon Tenerife) | Yorkshire, England, mid-19th century |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Havanese | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Low | High |
| Whelping Difficulty | Easy | Hard |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Higher than average - fading puppy syndrome and hypoglycemia |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Havanese | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | Low | Low |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Low | Medium |
| Min Fence Height | 1m | 0.9m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | Low | Low |
Health & Common Conditions
Havanese Health Issues
Yorkshire Terrier Health Issues
Havanese Suggested Tests
- Hip Evaluation (OFA)
- Patella Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation (CAER)
- BAER Hearing Test
Yorkshire Terrier Suggested Tests
- Bile Acid Test (for Liver Shunt) - critical for puppies
- OFA Patella evaluation for breeding stock
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | Havanese | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Low | Low |
| Cardiac Risk | Medium | Low |
| Neurological Risk | Low | Low |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Low | Low |
| Vet Burden Tier | Medium | Medium-High |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | Havanese | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Low | Medium |
| Food Allergies | Chicken, Grains |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | Havanese | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Normal | Fast |
| Eye Care Needs | High | Medium |
| Anal Gland Issues | Occasional | Common - scooting indicates need for expression |
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.
Yorkshire Terrier Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Cognitive dysfunction (dementia)
- Blindness (cataracts)
- Kidney failure
- Dental disease progression
Often sharp decline after 12 years. Long-lived breed (median 13.56 years) but quality of life compromised by dental and cognitive issues.
Grooming & Care
Havanese
high maintenanceYorkshire Terrier
high maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Havanese Daily Life
Yorkshire Terrier Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Havanese | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | Under 25lbs | Under 25lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Havanese | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | Medium | Low |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Havanese | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Excellent | Good |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Havanese | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,500-3,500+ | $1,500-3,000 |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,500–$3,500 | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | Havanese | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $100–$200 | $100–$200 |
| Yearly Range | $1,500–$2,500 | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Food / Month | $20-40 | $20-40 |
| Insurance / Month | $30-50 | $35-60 |
| Grooming / Session | $60-100 | $50-100 |
| Vet Routine / Year | $300-500 | $300-600 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Havanese Lifetime Cost
$20,000-35,000
Yorkshire Terrier Lifetime Cost
$15,000-30,000
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Havanese | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Rare | Rare |
| Slobber Level | None | None |
| Smell When Wet | Mild | None - hair doesn't hold oil/odor like double-coated breeds |
| Zoomies Frequency | Daily | Weekly |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | None | Low-Medium |
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
Yorkshire Terrier Quirks
Reverse Sneezing
A spasm of the throat/soft palate that sounds like a goose honking. Scary for owners but usually harmless.
The Yorkie Shake
Will violently shake toys - this is the motor pattern for breaking a rat's neck, their genetic heritage
Weather Diva
Often refuses to go outside in rain or cold - may require indoor pee pad system year-round
Velcro Mode
Will follow you to the bathroom, sit on your feet while you cook, and attempt to sleep on your head
Frequently Asked Questions
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