Many people that contact me about my babies are torn between the Bichon Frise and the Havanese breeds.  Hopefully, when you get done reading my introductions of the breeds and my comments, you will be able to decide which breed is best for you.  It is a very tough decision because both breeds are so much alike. 

The Bichon Frise descended from the Barbet or Water Spaniel.  There are four categories of Bichon; Bichon Maltais, Bichon Bolognais, Bichon Havanais and the Bichon Teneriffe.  All of these have originated from the Mediterranean area.

The “Teneriffe” was a very well traveled dog due to its incredible, merry disposition.  It started out very popular with sailors in Spain, then moving on to Italian nobility and later found great success in the court of King Henry III.  During the time of Napoleon III the breed became more common and ended up running the streets, accompanying the organ grinders of Barbary, leading the blind and doing tricks in circuses and fairs. 

The name Bichon Frise came about in 1933.  It had always been known as the Bichon or Teneriffe but now was renamed due to its soft curly hair.  In 1956 the first Bichon Frise litter was born in the US and was admitted to the AKC registry book in 1972.

Read about the Bichon Frise breed

The Havanese is the national dog of Cuba, where it got its roots from traveling on trade ships sailing from Teneriffe.  The tropical climate influenced their development in many ways but mostly their hair coat.  At one time they were called Havana Silk Dog or the Spanish Silk Poodle.  Their hair coat is like raw silk floss, profuse, but light and soft.  They worked their way to success in Europe among the show circuits.  In Cuba, their lives shifted to family dogs, playmates for children, watch dogs, and poultry herders.   Their popularity was so great that people such as Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens owned them.  They arrived in the United States in the late 70s.  All the Havanese in the world today, other than those from the “iron curtain” countries and those remaining in Cuba, stem from 11 little immigrants that left Cuba after the Cuban revolution.

Read about the Havanese breed standard

What do I think about the breeds?  They are both incredible family dogs.  Just watching them strut their stuff with their tails over their back will put a smile on your face every time and their actions are comical.  They don’t shed or have doggy odors so that is a plus.  Both of these dogs love everyone and can melt your heart in a matter of minutes.  Intelligence is very strong in both breeds. 

How to decide which one is right for you can be tough.  In my experience…I’ve come to the conclusion that either one of these breeds fit into families perfectly.  They are both wonderful with children, do well with other pets, and give you all the love you can ask for from a family member.  The Bichon tends to be more unconditional with its love towards its owners and other pets.  I can honestly say that they love everyone and everything they meet instantly.  The Havanese has to show its big dog attitude at times.  They lean more towards the watchdog side than the Bichon.  It will let new dogs or pets know that “I’m here now” and then they are ready to be friends.  A Bichon doesn’t always do well when left alone for long periods of time.  They need companionship.  It may be as simple as leaving a tv on or having another pet for them to be with while you are gone.   A Bichon’s hair can be a little more difficult to groom but not a lot.  You have to ask yourself if one of these things is the deciding factor or if it is as simple as a color choice.  Bichons only come in white but the havanese come in a rainbow of colors and patterns.  Learn more about their colors.