Skye

Hello,
I am researching dog breeds, and have decided to get either a miniature poodle or a havanese. I will be waiting a year or two, as I have young children, and we are planning to move sometime this year.

Both of these breeds are supposed to be allergy/kid friendly dogs, and a good size for our family. I had a chocolate miniature poodle as a child (as pictured), but have never really known anyone with a havanese. I am also researching on the havanese forum.

My question is, do any of you have experience with both breeds, and what comparisons would you make? In your opinion, how do these breeds differ?

Thank you in advance!

HiSocietyPoodle

I have a friend that has a Havanese male about 4 years old. It is a sweet lovable dog. It acts a lot like a Poodle, not quite as smart, but a great dog. I think it helped they spent time training him to be a good dog. They have kids but the youngest is 9 years old.

roxy25

Hi Skye I have no clue since I never been around a Havanese.

You should contact Terry Farley he breeds and owns both.
Red and Apricot Standard Poodle Farleys D Standard

cbrand

What do you want in a pet?

I think the Havanese is a happy, lovable, uncomplicated dog. The Mini is smart, alert, athletic (almost to a fault) and a world class working dog that is happiest doing things for and with its owner.

The Havanese probably does not think quite enough and the Mini probably thinks too much.

grooming goddess

Havanese have incredibly difficult coats to manage. All the ones I've ever groomed (around 20 different ones) have been quite nippy and barky and difficult to housebreak. I'd say the poodle wins hands down.

cbrand

Really? Gosh that has not been my experience, but they are getting more popular so maybe these were puppy mill dogs? Seriously, the show dogs that I have seen have just been good, happy citizens.

Skye

In a pet, I would like a dog that is happy being with the family. One that will be trained to walk nicely on a leash, and will play fetch with us. I would like to teach the dogs a few tricks, but pretty much just a nice family dog. I am a stay-at-home Mom now, and we are home most all of the time. I worked as a hairdresser for over 20 years, so some brushing and grooming at home are fine. I will still take the dog to the groomer's regularly, but take care of the "in-between" stuff!

On the Havanese forum, I see that they are difficult to housebreak, and often suffer from separation anxiety. I had a long-haired dachshund that was supposed to be difficult to housebreak, but she was fine. I'm sure it depends on the dog, and consistency.

No matter which breed I choose, it will come from a good breeder that does all of the health testing, socializing, etc.

I need an allergy/kid friendly dog. I have a fondness for poodles, since that was my beloved childhood pet! But when I search what I am looking for, the havanese is right up there with the poodle.

Thank you to everyone responding; just looking for some insight!

BTW, how many have separation anxiety problems with the minis?

brittwink21

Well if you want a dog that fetches, poodles are it. =) I don't think any puppy that is socialized properly should have separation anxiety. I would bare in mind that poodles are going to be easier to train, well because they are geniuses. But at the same time, they need to be kept busy or they can get into mischief, especially as puppies. They are smart and if your not entertaining them they will entertain themselves. That has been my experience.

For me I am sold out to poodles so I am biased, good luck with your decision.

artsycourtneysue

I was actually making a similar decision between the breeds...I went and visited a litter the week before I got my Cozi, Mini Poodle. The differences between the litters were night and day! The havanese were very self involved pups, even the mom just wandered away to sit in the other room while I was there.....

The poodle puppies were all over me! They just wanted to be as close as possible to the people in the room- made my decision so easy!

I also spent lots of time on the havanese forum and was shocked at how many owners had "wonderful" dogs who growled and bit them or their children....as if that was just normal.....

HiSocietyPoodle

As I think back, my friend that has a Havanese their dog is very barky and vocal.