English Setter vs Havanese

Which dog breed is right for you?

English Setter

Size
45–80 lbs, 23–27 in
Lifespan
12 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Gentle Friendly Mellow Graceful

Havanese

Size
7–13 lbs, 9–12 in
Lifespan
14–16 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
High
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Outgoing Funny Intelligent Affectionate

About the English Setter

The English Setter is one of the oldest gun dog breeds — developed in England over 400 years ago to locate game birds by crouching or "setting" to indicate their position. Standing 23–27 inches tall and weighing 45–80 pounds, these graceful dogs are renowned for their beautiful feathered coat in distinctive "belton" patterns — blue belton, orange belton, tricolor, lemon belton, and liver belton. Their elegant appearance, with long, silky ears and a gently flowing coat, has earned them the title of the most beautiful sporting breed.

Temperament & Personality

English Setters are gentle, sweet-natured dogs with a calm indoor demeanor that belies their energetic field abilities. They are exceptionally good with children — patient and tolerant even with rough toddler play — and generally accepting of other dogs and household pets. Their affectionate, people-oriented nature makes them poor kennel dogs; they need to live as part of the family to thrive emotionally.

Pros

  • One of the gentlest sporting breeds — excellent with children of all ages and other pets
  • Calm and quiet indoors when given adequate outdoor exercise
  • Friendly toward strangers — makes a welcoming family dog without guarding tendencies
  • Versatile field dog that transitions beautifully from hunting companion to couch cuddler

Cons

  • Feathered coat requires regular grooming — brushing 3–4 times weekly to prevent tangles
  • Prone to elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and congenital deafness
  • Strong hunting instincts — will bolt after birds and small animals if not in a secure area
  • Can be slow to mature mentally — puppy-like behavior often persists until age 3 or beyond

Discover the beauty and gentleness of the English Setter — find one waiting for a home on Puplister.

About the Havanese

The Havanese — Cuba's only native breed — descended from the now-extinct Blanquito de la Habana and was the cherished lapdog of Havana's aristocracy for centuries before Cuban refugees brought them to America in the 1960s. Standing 8.5–11.5 inches tall and weighing 7–13 pounds, these small but sturdy dogs have a long, silky, lightweight coat that comes in every color imaginable — including white, cream, gold, black, silver, chocolate, and various parti-color combinations. Their coat is designed to insulate against tropical heat rather than cold, giving it a uniquely airy, flowing quality.

Temperament & Personality

Havanese are cheerful, outgoing, and deeply people-oriented — natural entertainers who thrive on being the center of attention. They are remarkably adaptable and sociable, getting along effortlessly with children, other dogs, cats, and even strangers who receive a warm, tail-wagging welcome. Their playful, clownish nature and expressive faces make them exceptional companion dogs — they're sometimes called "velcro dogs" for their habit of following their owners everywhere.

Pros

  • Low-shedding coat is well-suited for allergy-sensitive households
  • Excellent with children and other pets — gentle, patient, and playful
  • Highly trainable and eager to please — respond well to positive reinforcement
  • Adaptable to any living situation — equally happy in apartments or homes with yards

Cons

  • Long coat requires daily brushing and regular professional grooming to prevent matting
  • Prone to severe separation anxiety — can become destructive or develop excessive barking when left alone
  • Susceptible to patellar luxation, cataracts, and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
  • Can be difficult to housebreak — small bladder and sensitive temperament complicate training

Bring the sunshine of Havana into your home — find Havanese dogs waiting for families on Puplister.

Available for Adoption

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a English Setter and a Havanese?
The English Setter is 45–80 lbs, 23–27 in sized while the Havanese is 7–13 lbs, 9–12 in sized. They differ in size (45–80 lbs, 23–27 in vs 7–13 lbs, 9–12 in), lifespan (12 years vs 14–16 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, English Setter or Havanese?
English Setter is generally good with kids. Havanese is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, English Setter or Havanese?
The English Setter has a lifespan of 12 years while the Havanese has a lifespan of 14–16 years.

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