Lhasa Apso vs Havanese: Notable Differences (With Pictures)

When it comes to choosing the perfect furry companion, there are countless breeds to consider, each with their own unique characteristics, personality traits, and care requirements. Two popular small breed dogs that often come up in the search for a loyal, loving pet are the Lhasa Apso and Havanese. While these breeds share some similarities in size and coat type, there are also notable differences that may make one a better fit for your lifestyle than the other. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll take an in-depth look at the Lhasa Apso and Havanese to help you determine which breed is right for you.

Breed History and Origins
The Lhasa Apso and Havanese both have fascinating histories that shed light on how they were developed and the roles they were bred to fulfill.

Lhasa Apsos originated in Tibet, where they were highly regarded as sentinel dogs for palaces and monasteries. Referred to as "bark lions," Lhasa Apsos were believed to bring good luck and served as alert watchdogs who would bark to warn of intruders. The breed‘s name reflects this origin, as Lhasa is the capital city of Tibet and apso translates to "bearded" in Tibetan.

Havanese dogs, on the other hand, are the national dog of Cuba and have a more glamorous history as companions to aristocrats and wealthy planters on the island. The breed evolved from dogs brought to Cuba by Spanish settlers and developed over the centuries as a small lapdog. While the Havanese were popular among well-to-do Cuban families, they weren‘t exported off the island until after the 1959 communist revolution, at which point many of the little dogs left Cuba with fleeing families.

Physical Characteristics
One of the first things potential dog owners consider is size. Both Lhasa Apsos and Havanese fall into the small dog category, but the Havanese is somewhat smaller on average:

Lhasa Apso
• Height: 10-11 inches
• Weight: 12-18 pounds

Havanese
• Height: 8-11 inches
• Weight: 7-13 pounds

In addition to their petite size, Lhasa Apsos and Havanese are known for their beautiful, long, silky hair coats. Lhasa Apsos have heavy, dense straight hair that parts along the back, while Havanese have a soft, lightweight coat with a slight wave. Both breeds are low shedding and some people consider them "hypoallergenic," although no dog is truly allergen-free.

The coat colors of these breeds also distinguish them. Lhasa Apsos are seen in a range of colors including golden, cream, white, honey, grizzle, smoke, slate, and parti-colors. Havanese have an even wider range of coat colors, appearing in just about any color or color combination including gold, white, black, silver, blue, chocolate, and more.

Temperament and Personality
Temperament is a crucial consideration when choosing a dog breed. Both Lhasa Apsos and Havanese are generally affectionate and bond closely with their families, but they do have some notable personality differences.

Lhasa Apsos tend to have a more independent mindset. While incredibly loyal to their owners, they‘re comfortable doing their own thing and aren‘t constantly demanding attention. The breed has a stubborn streak which, combined with their watchdog history, can make them territorial and suspicious of strangers.

Havanese, in contrast, are more of a classic lapdog: always wanting to be near their humans and soaking up as much affection as they can get. They‘re very social and outgoing, happy to meet new people and make friends with everyone they encounter. This merry, comedic personality makes Havanese a bit more adaptable to households with children or other pets.

Exercise and Activity Level
Despite their small size, Lhasa Apsos and Havanese still need regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and well-behaved. The activity needs of the breeds differ:

• Lhasa Apsos require moderate exercise, around 30 minutes to an hour per day. They enjoy brisk walks, playing in a securely fenced yard, and activities that allow them to use their keen watchdog senses.

• Havanese have somewhat lower exercise needs that can be met with a few short 15-20 minute walks and play sessions per day. They‘re active and playful but tire out more quickly than larger breeds.

Both Lhasas and Havanese can adapt well to apartment and city life as long as they get out for walks and potty breaks. With their higher activity needs, Lhasas do best when they have access to a small yard to patrol, while Havanese are more amenable to getting most of their exercise indoors with games and interactive play.

Grooming and Care
All that gorgeous hair on Lhasa Apsos and Havanese doesn‘t come without some grooming responsibilities! These breeds require similar care to maintain their long coats:

• Brushing: Both breeds should be brushed several times a week, if not daily, to prevent tangles and mats. Using a pin brush or slicker brush, carefully work through the coat, parting the hair to access the undercoat down to the skin.

• Bathing: Lhasa Apsos and Havanese typically need a bath every 1-2 weeks to keep their coats clean and fresh-smelling. Use a gentle, moisturizing dog shampoo and conditioner to avoid drying out the skin and hair.

• Trimming: Unless you‘re keeping your Lhasa or Havanese in a "puppy cut," their coat will grow continuously and need occasional trims to prevent it from dragging on the ground. You can learn to trim the coat yourself or take your dog to a professional groomer every 4-6 weeks.

• Eyes: The hair around the eyes of Lhasas and Havanese can sometimes irritate the eyes or cause tear stains on lighter-colored dogs. Keep this delicate area trimmed and clean to avoid problems.

Training and Socialization
Both Lhasa Apsos and Havanese are intelligent dogs who are capable of learning a variety of commands and skills. However, their trainability is somewhat different:

• Lhasa Apsos can be independent thinkers with a stubborn streak, which means training requires patience, consistency, and a positive approach focusing on rewards. Harsh corrections will cause this sensitive breed to shut down.

• Havanese are typically more biddable and people-pleasing, eager to learn new things to make their humans happy. They respond very well to positive reinforcement training methods using play, praise, and treats.

Socialization from a young age is important for both breeds to help them develop into confident, well-adjusted dogs. Lhasas in particular need positive exposure to a variety of people and situations to balance their natural wariness, while Havanese thrive on social interaction and new experiences.

Potential Health Issues
As with all purebred dogs, there are certain health issues that Lhasa Apsos and Havanese may be prone to. Responsible breeders screen for these conditions, but it‘s still important for owners to be aware of potential problems.

For Lhasa Apsos, some of the health issues to watch for include:
• Patellar luxation (dislocating kneecaps)
• Hip dysplasia
• Eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy and dry eye
• Sebaceous adenitis (a skin condition)

Havanese are prone to some similar health issues:
• Patellar luxation
• Hip dysplasia
• Eye problems including cataracts and retinal dysplasia
• Heart problems like congenital heart defects
• Deafness

Regular vet check-ups, maintaining a healthy weight, and providing appropriate exercise can help Lhasas and Havanese live long, healthy lives. Owners should also learn to recognize signs of pain or changes in behavior that could indicate a developing health issue that needs veterinary attention.

Which Breed is Right For You?
Now that we‘ve taken a closer look at Lhasa Apsos and Havanese, you may have a better idea of which breed may be a good match for your lifestyle and what you‘re looking for in a canine companion. Here are a few factors to consider when making your decision:

• Size: While both breeds are small dogs, Havanese are slightly smaller on average, which may be a consideration if you live in a very compact space like a studio apartment.

• Personality: If you‘re looking for an affectionate lapdog who wants to be with you all the time, the Havanese may be a perfect choice. If you‘d prefer a dog with a more independent spirit who‘s content to entertain themselves at times, a Lhasa Apso could be ideal.

• Training: First-time dog owners may find the Havanese‘s eagerness to please and quick learning pace easier to handle than the Lhasa Apso‘s more headstrong nature.

• Grooming: Both breeds have high grooming needs, so consider if you have the time, budget, and patience to keep up with brushing, bathing, and trimming. If lower-maintenance grooming is important, you could opt to keep your Lhasa or Havanese in a short "puppy cut."

• Family life: Havanese are known for their playful, comedic nature and tend to get along well with kids and other pets, as long as children are taught to interact with dogs appropriately. Lhasas can do well with respectful children but may be less tolerant of rough play.

Choosing a Breeder or Rescue
If you‘ve decided that a Lhasa Apso or Havanese is the right dog for you, it‘s important to find a responsible breeder or rescue organization to ensure you get a healthy, well-socialized pup. Some tips:

• Seek out breeders who health test their dogs and are willing to share documentation. Avoid pet stores, online ads, or breeders who always have puppies available.

• Ask the breeder lots of questions about their dogs, breeding practices, and the puppy‘s socialization before you commit.

• If adopting, look for breed-specific rescue organizations that foster their dogs in homes and can tell you about the dog‘s personality and needs. Avoid rescues that import large numbers of dogs or don‘t have the dogs‘ full history.

When you bring your new Lhasa Apso or Havanese home, you‘ll be beginning a wonderful journey with a loyal, loving companion by your side. By understanding the unique traits, needs, and challenges of each breed, you‘ll be well-prepared to help your furry friend thrive. With the right care, training, and affection, your Lhasa or Havanese will bring joy and laughter to your life for many years to come.