Havanese vs Labrador Retriever

Which dog breed is right for you?

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

Labrador Retriever

Size
55–80 lbs, 21–25 in
Lifespan
10–12 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Friendly Outgoing Active Gentle

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.

About the Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever has been America's most popular dog breed for over three decades — and for good reason. Originally bred in Newfoundland, Canada, during the early 19th century to help fishermen haul nets and retrieve catch from the icy North Atlantic, the breed was refined in England into the versatile sporting dog we know today. Labs stand 21.5–24.5 inches tall and weigh 55–80 pounds, with a short, dense, water-resistant double coat in three recognized colors: black, yellow (ranging from fox-red to pale cream), and chocolate.

Temperament & Personality

Labrador Retrievers are friendly, outgoing, and high-spirited — they greet nearly every person, dog, and situation with unbridled enthusiasm and a wagging tail. They are exceptionally patient and gentle with children, making them one of the most trusted family dogs in the world. Labs are also remarkably intelligent and eager to please, which is why they dominate as guide dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, therapy dogs, and detection dogs across dozens of working disciplines.

Pros

  • Outstanding family dog — patient, gentle, and naturally good with children of all ages
  • Highly trainable and eager to please — consistently ranks among the most obedient breeds
  • Versatile and adaptable — equally at home on the couch, in the field, or in the water
  • Friendly and social temperament — gets along well with other dogs, cats, and strangers

Cons

  • Heavy shedding year-round with major seasonal blowouts — not suited for allergy sufferers
  • Prone to obesity — Labs are notoriously food-motivated and will eat anything not locked away
  • High energy in the first 2–3 years — requires substantial daily exercise to prevent destructive behavior
  • Susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, exercise-induced collapse, and progressive retinal atrophy

There's a reason the Lab is the world's favorite dog — discover adoptable Labrador Retrievers on Puplister today.

Available for Adoption

4

Havaneses

Browse

303

Labrador Retrievers

Browse

Related Articles

All Articles →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Havanese and a Labrador Retriever?
The Havanese is 7–13 lbs, 9–12 in sized while the Labrador Retriever is 55–80 lbs, 21–25 in sized. They differ in size (7–13 lbs, 9–12 in vs 55–80 lbs, 21–25 in), lifespan (14–16 years vs 10–12 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Havanese or Labrador Retriever?
Havanese is generally good with kids. Labrador Retriever is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Havanese or Labrador Retriever?
The Havanese has a lifespan of 14–16 years while the Labrador Retriever has a lifespan of 10–12 years.

Find Your Perfect Pet

Browse thousands of adoptable pets from shelters near you.

Browse Dogs