Coton de Tulear vs Havanese
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
Coton de Tulear
A charming, cotton-coated companion from Madagascar, known for its clownish personality and habit of walking on hind legs. Cotons are happy, easy-going dogs that thrive on human companionship.
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 Coton de Tulear if you want a great companion. Choose Havanese if you want a great companion.
Quick Comparison
Coton de Tulear
Attribute
Havanese
small
Size
small
4–6 kg (9–13 lbs)
Weight
3–6 kg (7–13 lbs)
23–28 cm (9–11 in)
Height
22–29 cm (9–11 in)
Better15–19 yrs
Lifespan
13–15 yrs
4/5
Trainability
4/5
3/5
Energy
3/5
5/5
Good with Kids
5/5
1/5
Shedding
1/5
4/5
Grooming
4/5
5/5
Apartment
5/5
4/5
Health
4/5
$2,000–$4,000
Price
$1,000–$2,500Better
Attribute Comparison
Total Cost of Ownership: Coton de Tulear and Havanese
Coton de Tulear is less expensive to own annually.
Coton de Tulear
Avg. Purchase$3,000
Annual Food$300
Annual Vet$400
Annual Grooming$300
Annual Total$1,000 ✓
Havanese
Avg. Purchase$1,750
Annual Food$360
Annual Vet$400
Annual Grooming$400
Annual Total$1,160
The upfront cost gap is substantial. A Coton de Tulear puppy runs $2,000–$4,000, while a Havanese is $1,000–$2,500.
Health and Lifespan: Coton de Tulear vs Havanese
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Coton de Tulear
Havanese
Lifespan (years)
Better15–19
vs13–15
Health Robustness
4/5
vs4/5
Life expectancy favors the Coton de Tulear: 15–19 years versus the Havanese's 13–15 years. For many families, those extra years together are a compelling reason to lean toward the Coton de Tulear.
Coton de Tulear vs Havanese: Temperament Compared
Both breeds have similar temperaments.
Coton de Tulear
Havanese
Playfulness
5/5
vs5/5
Barking Level
Better2/5
vs3/5
Energy
3/5
vs3/5
Personality is where these two breeds diverge most visibly. The Coton de Tulear — originally from France — has a happy, charming and gentle disposition.
Family Life: Coton de Tulear vs Havanese
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Coton de Tulear
Havanese
Good with Kids
5/5
vs5/5
Good with Dogs
5/5
vs5/5
Strangers
4/5
vs5/5Better
Both breeds score 5/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Size Differences: Coton de Tulear vs Havanese
Both breeds are similar in size.
Coton de Tulear
Havanese
Weight (kg)
4–6
vs3–6
Height (cm)
23–28
vs22–29
The Coton de Tulear (4–6 kg (9–13 lbs), 23–28 cm (9–11 in)) and Havanese (3–6 kg (7–13 lbs), 22–29 cm (9–11 in)) are very close in size. You won't need different-sized equipment, and food costs will be comparable.
Coton de Tulear vs Havanese: Daily Exercise Demands
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
Coton de Tulear
Havanese
Energy Level
3/5
vs3/5
Exercise Needs
2/5
vs2/5
Apartment Friendly
5/5
vs5/5
Both breeds share identical exercise needs (2/5) and similar energy levels (Coton de Tulear: 3/5, Havanese: 3/5). Your daily exercise routine will look the same regardless of which breed you choose — a daily walk and some playtime covers both breeds' needs.
Grooming and Shedding: Coton de Tulear vs Havanese
Both breeds have similar grooming needs.
Coton de Tulear
Havanese
Shedding
1/5
vs1/5
Grooming Needs
4/5
vs4/5
Both breeds shed at the same rate (1/5), so fur management will be identical for either choice. Neither breed will leave much hair around the house.
Training Differences: Coton de Tulear and Havanese
Both breeds are equally trainable.
Coton de Tulear
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.
Coton de Tulear vs Havanese: Summary and Verdict
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Coton de Tulear and Havanese are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. Annual ownership costs are broadly similar for both breeds.
Choose Coton de Tulear if...
- ✓You have other dogs at home — Coton de Tulears 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.
Choose Havanese if...
- ✓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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Coton de Tulear or Havanese?
The Coton de Tulear scores 5/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Havanese at 5/5. The Coton de Tulear is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Coton de Tulear or Havanese easier to train?
The Coton de Tulear is equally easy to train with a score of 4/5, matching the Havanese. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well.
Which costs more, a Coton de Tulear or Havanese?
A Coton de Tulear puppy costs $2,000–$4,000 while a Havanese costs $1,000–$2,500. Annual maintenance runs about $1,000 for the Coton de Tulear and $1,160 for the Havanese. The Havanese costs more to maintain annually.
Do Coton de Tulears or Havaneses live longer?
The Coton de Tulear lives 15–19 years on average, while the Havanese lives 13–15 years. The Coton de Tulear generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Coton de Tulear or Havanese live in an apartment?
The Coton de Tulear is equally suited for apartments (5/5) as the Havanese (5/5). The Coton de Tulear is one of our top picks for apartment living.