Boston Terrier vs Havanese
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
Boston Terrier
Nicknamed 'The American Gentleman' for their tuxedo-like markings, Boston Terriers are friendly, lively, and endlessly entertaining. They are compact, well-mannered city dogs.
VS
Havanese
Cuba's national treasure, the Havanese is a cheerful, silky-coated companion that wins hearts everywhere. They are outgoing, funny, and thrive on human attention.
Quick Answer
Choose Boston Terrier if you want a great companion. Choose Havanese if you want less shedding and better health.
Quick Comparison
Boston Terrier
Attribute
Havanese
small
Size
small
5–11 kg (11–24 lbs)
Weight
3–6 kg (7–13 lbs)
38–43 cm (15–17 in)
Height
22–29 cm (9–11 in)
11–15 yrs
Lifespan
13–15 yrsBetter
4/5
Trainability
4/5
3/5
Energy
3/5
5/5
Good with Kids
5/5
2/5
Shedding
1/5Better
Better1/5
Grooming
4/5
5/5
Apartment
5/5
3/5
Health
4/5Better
Better$600–$2,000
Price
$1,000–$2,500
Attribute Comparison
Grooming and Shedding: Boston Terrier vs Havanese
Boston Terrier sheds more; Havanese is easier to maintain.
Boston Terrier
Havanese
Shedding
2/5
vs1/5Better
Grooming Needs
Better1/5
vs4/5
The Boston Terrier sheds a bit more (2/5) than the Havanese (1/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the Havanese has a slight edge.
Health and Lifespan: Boston Terrier vs Havanese
Havanese tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Boston Terrier
Havanese
Lifespan (years)
11–15
vs13–15Better
Health Robustness
3/5
vs4/5Better
Lifespan is a near-tie: the Boston Terrier lives roughly 11–15 years while the Havanese averages 13–15 years. Neither breed has a clear longevity advantage, so other factors should drive your choice.
Boston Terrier vs Havanese: Temperament Compared
Both breeds have similar temperaments.
Boston Terrier
Havanese
Playfulness
4/5
vs5/5Better
Barking Level
Better2/5
vs3/5
Energy
3/5
vs3/5
Personality is where these two breeds diverge most visibly. The Boston Terrier — an American breed — has a friendly, lively and intelligent disposition.
Total Cost of Ownership: Boston Terrier and Havanese
Boston Terrier is less expensive to own annually.
Boston Terrier
Avg. Purchase$1,300
Annual Food$420
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,020 ✓
Havanese
Avg. Purchase$1,750
Annual Food$360
Annual Vet$400
Annual Grooming$400
Annual Total$1,160
Purchase prices are in the same ballpark: $600–$2,000 for a Boston Terrier and $1,000–$2,500 for a Havanese. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.
Boston Terrier vs Havanese: Daily Exercise Demands
Boston Terrier needs more exercise; Havanese is lower-maintenance.
Boston Terrier
Havanese
Energy Level
3/5
vs3/5
Exercise Needs
3/5
vs2/5
Apartment Friendly
5/5
vs5/5
The Boston Terrier needs slightly more exercise (3/5) than the Havanese (2/5), but neither breed is at an extreme. Both have moderate to moderate energy levels, so the difference in your daily routine will be modest — perhaps an extra 15-20 minutes of activity for the Boston Terrier.
Family Life: Boston Terrier vs Havanese
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Boston Terrier
Havanese
Good with Kids
5/5
vs5/5
Good with Dogs
4/5
vs5/5Better
Strangers
5/5
vs5/5
Both breeds score 5/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Size Differences: Boston Terrier vs Havanese
Boston Terrier is the larger breed; Havanese is more compact.
Boston Terrier
Havanese
Weight (kg)
5–11
vs3–6
Height (cm)
38–43
vs22–29
The Boston Terrier stands 38–43 cm (15–17 in) and weighs 5–11 kg (11–24 lbs), while the Havanese measures 22–29 cm (9–11 in) and 3–6 kg (7–13 lbs). The Boston Terrier is the larger of the two, though not by a dramatic margin.
Training Differences: Boston Terrier and Havanese
Both breeds are equally trainable.
Boston Terrier
Havanese
Trainability
4/5
vs4/5
Intelligence
4/5
vs4/5
Both breeds score 4/5 for trainability — you'll have a similar experience training either one. Both are cooperative, eager learners.
Boston Terrier vs Havanese: Summary and Verdict
On balance, the Havanese has the edge — it's lower exercise needs (2/5), less shedding (1/5), better health profile (4/5). For most families, the Havanese is the more practical choice, particularly if you value low-maintenance ownership.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Boston Terrier and Havanese are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. Annual ownership costs are broadly similar for both breeds.
Choose Boston Terrier if...
- ✓You have other dogs at home — Boston Terriers tend to get along well with other dogs (4/5).
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Choose Havanese if...
- ✓Long-term health costs concern you — Havaneses are generally more robust (4/5 health score).
- ✓You have other dogs at home — Havaneses tend to get along well with other dogs (5/5).
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Boston Terrier or Havanese?
The Boston Terrier scores 5/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Havanese at 5/5. The Boston Terrier is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Boston Terrier or Havanese easier to train?
The Boston Terrier is equally easy to train with a score of 4/5, matching the Havanese. The Boston Terrier is recommended for first-time owners thanks to its cooperative nature.
Which costs more, a Boston Terrier or Havanese?
A Boston Terrier puppy costs $600–$2,000 while a Havanese costs $1,000–$2,500. Annual maintenance runs about $1,020 for the Boston Terrier and $1,160 for the Havanese. The Havanese costs more to maintain annually.
Do Boston Terriers or Havaneses live longer?
The Boston Terrier lives 11–15 years on average, while the Havanese lives 13–15 years. The Havanese tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Boston Terrier or Havanese live in an apartment?
The Boston Terrier is equally suited for apartments (5/5) as the Havanese (5/5). The Boston Terrier is one of our top picks for apartment living.