Havanese vs Lhasa Apso

Side-by-side comparison of two popular breeds — temperament, exercise, grooming, lifespan and common health issues. Use it to decide which breed fits your home.

Havanese vs Lhasa Apso — at a glance

The Havanese (3–6 kg, 14–16 years) and the Lhasa Apso (5–8 kg, 12–15 years) sit in different — or sometimes overlapping — corners of dog ownership. Here's how they really compare for an everyday Irish or UK family.

Both breeds have similar energy demands — Havanese tips slightly higher but neither is a couch dog.

Both have manageable grooming routines — the Lhasa Apso demands slightly more, but neither needs daily fuss.

If you have young children, the Havanese is the clearly more child-friendly choice.

Insurance premiums for breeds with brachycephalic, joint or cancer predispositions run 20–40% above average — check before you commit. We have a free quote calculator here.

	Havanese	Lhasa Apso
Group	Toy	Non-Sporting
Origin	Cuba	Tibet
Weight	3–6 kg	5–8 kg
Height	21–29 cm	25–28 cm
Lifespan	14–16 years	12–15 years
Energy level
Trainability
Grooming needs
Good with kids
Good with other pets
Hypoallergenic
Watchdog instinct
Novice-owner OK

Havanese

Temperament

Affectionate, friendly, gentle, playful. Havanese thrive on family company and don't do well left alone for long.

Exercise

30–60 minutes of daily walking plus indoor play. Mental work is just as important as physical.

Grooming

Long silky double coat. Daily brushing if kept long; most owners do a "puppy clip" every 6 weeks. Low-shedding.

Health

Patellar luxation. Eye conditions (cataracts, cherry eye, PRA). Hip dysplasia. Heart murmurs. Generally a long-lived breed.

Full Havanese profile →

Lhasa Apso

Temperament

Alert, watchful, affectionate with family, suspicious of strangers. Lhasas are independent and can be stubborn.

Exercise

30–45 minutes of daily walking plus indoor play.

Grooming

Floor-length coat needs daily brushing if kept long; most owners get a "puppy clip" every 4–6 weeks. Eyes need daily wiping.

Health

Cherry eye. Patellar luxation. Hip dysplasia. Renal dysplasia. Brachycephalic features (mild).

Full Lhasa Apso profile →

Which is right for you?

Pick the Havanese if

Allergy-sensitive families, retirees, apartment dwellers, multi-pet homes.

Pick the Lhasa Apso if

Apartment dwellers, retirees, families with older children.

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