Lhasa Apso vs Havanese: which fluffy companion suits you?

From a distance, a Lhasa Apso and a Havanese can look remarkably similar. Both are small, long-coated, and carry themselves with the kind of confidence that suggests they know exactly how photogenic they are. But spend five minutes with each breed and the differences become obvious. They have different origins, different temperaments, different needs, and they’ll fit into different lifestyles.

If you’re deciding between these two breeds, the right choice depends entirely on what you’re looking for in a dog. Let’s break down how they compare across the things that actually matter when you’re sharing your home with one.

Origins and history

The Lhasa Apso is one of the oldest breeds in existence, dating back over a thousand years to the monasteries and palaces of Tibet. They were bred as sentinel dogs, tasked with alerting monks to intruders. This history has given them a watchful, independent nature that’s still very much present today. They take themselves seriously, even if their size suggests otherwise.

The Havanese hails from Cuba and is the country’s national dog. Descended from the now-extinct Blanquito de la Habana, they were the lapdogs of Cuban aristocracy. Their purpose was companionship, pure and simple. They were bred to be charming, sociable, and attached to their people. That breeding shows in every interaction.

Temperament

This is where the biggest difference lies. The Lhasa Apso is independent, confident, and selectively affectionate. They bond deeply with their family but can be aloof with strangers, sometimes taking weeks to warm up to new people. They’re not needy dogs. They’ll sit near you, not necessarily on you. They have opinions about everything and aren’t afraid to express them.

The Havanese is the opposite end of the spectrum. They’re extroverts who love everyone. Strangers are just friends they haven’t licked yet. They’re velcro dogs who want to be touching you at all times, following you from room to room and preferably sitting on your lap while you work. They’re eager to please, quick to learn, and generally sunny-natured.

If you want a dog that’s going to greet every visitor like a long-lost relative, get a Havanese. If you want a dog that’ll size up the postman from across the room and decide they’re not worth the effort, get a Lhasa. Poppy falls very firmly into the second category. She has standards.

Size comparison

Both breeds are small, but the Lhasa Apso is generally a touch more substantial. Lhasas typically weigh between 5 to 8 kg and stand 25 to 28 cm at the shoulder. The Havanese is slightly lighter, usually 3.5 to 6.5 kg and 23 to 27 cm tall. In practice, there’s a lot of overlap, and individual dogs vary. You’d struggle to tell them apart by size alone.

Coat and grooming

Both breeds have long, flowing coats that require regular maintenance, but the texture is quite different. The Lhasa Apso has a dense, heavy double coat with a harder outer layer and a softer undercoat. It’s designed for insulation in the harsh Tibetan climate. It mats easily and needs daily brushing if kept long.

The Havanese has a silky, lightweight single coat that flows and waves. It’s softer to the touch and generally easier to brush through, though it still mats if neglected. Some Havanese owners opt for a “corded” look where the coat naturally forms dreadlock-like cords, though this is more of a show ring style than a practical pet choice.

Both breeds are low-shedding, making them popular choices for people with allergies. Neither breed is truly hypoallergenic (no dog is), but both produce less dander and shed less hair than many other breeds. Our hypoallergenic guide covers this topic in detail for the Lhasa Apso.

Grooming needs are comparable. Both need professional grooming every six to eight weeks if kept in a longer style, or can be maintained in shorter clips that reduce daily brushing. Budget for similar grooming costs with either breed.

Training

The Havanese wins on trainability, hands down. They’re eager to please, food-motivated, and genuinely enjoy the training process. They excel at tricks and are often used in competitive obedience and agility. Positive reinforcement works brilliantly with them because they care deeply about your approval.

The Lhasa Apso is intelligent but independent. They learn quickly; they just don’t always see why they should do what you’re asking. Training a Lhasa requires patience, consistency, and a willingness to negotiate. They respond well to positive reinforcement but will shut down completely if training feels repetitive or if you try to force compliance. Think of it as training a very small, very stubborn diplomat.

For first-time dog owners, the Havanese is generally the easier choice. The Lhasa Apso as a first dog can work, but it requires more patience and a good sense of humour.

Exercise needs

Both breeds have moderate exercise needs, typically 30 to 45 minutes per day. Neither is going to demand five-mile hikes. The Havanese tends to be slightly more energetic and playful, often retaining a puppy-like bounciness well into adulthood. The Lhasa is more measured, preferring a dignified walk with ample sniffing time over anything that might be considered undignified running about.

Both breeds do well in flats and smaller homes, provided they get their daily walks and mental stimulation. Neither needs a large garden, though both enjoy having outdoor space to potter around in.

Health

The Lhasa Apso is generally a solid, long-lived breed with an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Common health concerns include eye problems (PRA, cataracts, dry eye), dental disease, skin allergies, and kidney issues.

The Havanese is also long-lived, typically 14 to 16 years. Their health concerns include luxating patella (a kneecap that slips out of place), Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (degeneration of the hip joint), cataracts, and liver shunts. Both breeds benefit from buying from health-tested parents and maintaining regular vet check-ups.

Barking

The Lhasa Apso was literally bred to bark. They’re alert dogs with a sharp, carrying bark that they deploy at anything they deem suspicious. Which, depending on the dog, could be a delivery driver, a leaf blowing across the garden, or their own reflection. Training helps, but expect some vocal commentary on household events.

The Havanese is less bark-prone overall, though they’re not silent. They’ll alert you to visitors and may bark when excited, but they’re generally less reactive than Lhasas. If noise is a concern, particularly in a flat or semi-detached house, the Havanese is the quieter option.

With children and other pets

The Havanese is typically the better choice for families with young children. Their patient, playful nature makes them more tolerant of the clumsy affection that small children dish out. They’re less likely to set firm boundaries through growling or snapping.

Lhasa Apsos can be wonderful with children, but they expect respectful handling and are less forgiving of rough play. They do better with older children who understand how to behave around dogs. Our Lhasas and children guide covers this in detail.

Both breeds generally get along with other dogs and cats, though the Lhasa can be more selective about who they tolerate. Early socialisation helps with both breeds.

Which one is right for you?

Choose a Havanese if you want a dog that’s outgoing, eager to please, great with everyone, and happy to be your constant shadow. They’re the social butterflies of the small dog world.

Choose a Lhasa Apso if you want a dog with more independent character, a strong personality, and the kind of loyalty that’s earned rather than given freely. They’re more discerning, more opinionated, and arguably more interesting for it.

Both are fantastic dogs. The question is which flavour of fantastic suits your life.

Have you lived with both breeds? Or are you trying to decide between them? Share your thoughts in the comments!