If you’re planning to get a Havanese, you’ve probably thought about the topic of the male and the female Havanese. While both make excellent pets, male and female Havanese dogs differ in some ways. Which one do you think is better for you?
If you want a protective and outgoing dog, the male Havanese is the one to get. Meanwhile, if you want a calmer and more mature dog that enjoys spending time alone as much as spending time with you, then choose a female Havanese. Either way, both genders share a similar size, health, and appearance.
In this guide, we will take a look at the differences between male and female Havanese dogs. To discover which gender is more suitable for your household, read on until the end.
Physical Differences
Male Havanese
Male and female Havanese dogs look like tiny white fluff balls covered in soft fur. The main difference is that the male is slightly larger than the female dog.
Havanese puppies aren’t noticeably different in size when they’re young, but as the dogs grow into adulthood, their physical differences become more distinguishable.
Fully-grown males usually stand an inch or two taller than their female counterparts, reaching heights of 9.5 to 11 inches. They are also heavier, with an average weight of 8 to 13 pounds.
Furthermore, males have more muscle mass and a much more solid build than female Havanese dogs. As a result, this also makes males more energetic and in need of physical activities.
Female Havanese
Female Havanese dogs are about 8 to 10 inches tall. They are subtly shorter, and in contrast to the males, who are bigger and more muscular, these dogs possess a softer and more feminine appearance.
These female pups are typically lighter than males and tend to move more gracefully. They are naturally neater dogs, so their grooming routine is less frequent than males.
When fully grown, female Havanese dogs usually weigh 7 to 12 pounds, about a pound less than male Havanese dogs. Their muscles are also less lean.
Aside from these, male and female Havanese share the same coat type, length, colors, and even hairstyles that their owners love to explore.
Temperament Differences
Male Havanese
Male Havanese dogs are intelligent, outgoing, and goofy. They love to be around people and are great for those living in apartments or smaller homes.
In addition, they are more likely to bond and get along with just about anyone — they’re pretty easygoing that way.
Male Havanese dogs are more likely to be easily distracted during training sessions because they are curious and mischievous. However, if you use the right tricks and treats, they can grow up to be well-behaved dogs.
At the same time, male Havanese pups love to please their owners and will do anything for some attention. They’re not as suspicious of strangers as females and can make friends with anyone they meet — including kids!
Moreover, male Havanese dogs love being treated as babies, and they don’t like being left alone for long periods of time.
This makes them very clingy towards their family and can make it hard to train when walking off-leash. They also stay close by your side when out on walks together.
My cousin has a male rescue Havanese, Coby, who is turning 3 years old but has grown very clingy to him. He got Coby when it was a year old and was abandoned due to financial hardship by the original owner.
Aside from the usual tendency of the Havanese to be attached to their owners, the abandonment by Coby’s previous owner made it even stronger. However, whenever my cousin needed to attend to something, crate training helped make Coby feel secure and safe until he arrived home.
Female Havanese
The female Havanese is a wonderful dog. It is also brilliant and outgoing, but it does have some distinct differences from the male Havanese.
Female Havanese dogs tend to bond more with one person in the family. If that’s not you, you’ll need to ensure that your pet gets plenty of time with its favorite person.
They are also more focused and more straightforward to train than the male Havanese. This will make it easier for you if you’re looking for a dog that is easy to handle at home or in public.
A female Havanese is also less attention-seeking than its male counterparts and will often be more independent.
If you’re looking for a dog that’s more likely to get along with your kids, is slightly less stubborn and aggressive, and will mature quicker than other breeds, the female Havanese might be the dog for you.
Female Havanese dogs also tend to be less stubborn than males. They’re also more cautious around kids and cleaner because they spend less time rolling around in the mud and more time self-grooming.
Behavior and Training
Male Havanese
Male Havanese dogs are more aloof than females. Moreover, males seem to regard training as a form of playtime. Their attention spans are short, so you have to keep them interested and engaged in activities.
Due to this, they aren’t always the easiest dogs to train, especially if you don’t have much time on your hands.
However, male Havanese dogs tend to crave more praise than females when it comes to learning new things.
That said, if you let them know that they will be rewarded with attention and affection for what they’ve learned, then they will be highly motivated to follow your commands.
Additionally, males often mark their territory by urinating on its space. They usually do this in new places they go to. They can also urinate on new furniture, walls, blankets, beds, or even the legs of people.
This can sometimes be embarrassing, especially when you have friends and family visiting your home. So, it’s best to correct this behavior while your dog is still young.
Likewise, having your pooch neutered will also help reduce territory marking.
Female Havanese
Female Havanese dogs are known to be more trainable than their male counterparts. They tend to mature more quickly, too, so you can teach them basic commands at a young age.
However, females may be a little more stubborn than males due to their tendency to be more dominant.
Moreover, they can be more unpredictable and moody, especially when they are on their heat cycle.
Generally, this happens twice a year, and it is best if you avoid training them during this time since it may be uncomfortable for them, and they can exhibit slight aggression.
Like males, they often respond to positive reinforcement and treats, but there is still a need to be consistent in training them so they would know how to behave appropriately in various situations.
Furthermore, they have tendencies to mark territory, especially if they are intact. But it’s minimal compared to their male partners.
Health Differences
Male Havanese
Both male and female Havanese dogs live about 13 to 16 years and are susceptible to common diseases like patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and obesity. However, some issues may be specific to males in this dog breed.
Some health issues common to the male Havanese include:
- Prostatic Cysts: Prostatic cysts are growths that form on the prostate gland in males. They are often benign but may become cancerous over time if they aren’t removed in time. Most male dogs will develop prostatic cysts during their lifetime.
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): BPH is an enlargement of the prostate gland due to an increase in the number of cells within it. This can cause difficulty urinating, increased frequency of urination, blood in urine, and painful ejaculation in male Havanese dogs.
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is a condition that can affect the hips of young dogs. It is caused by injury to the head of the femur. The treatment for this disease is good if it is caught early, but it can be challenging to diagnose in younger dogs. The symptoms include lameness and difficulty walking or running.
Generally, Havanese dogs have a long lifespan. Even so, it is still best to acquire your Havanese from reputable breeders and get them neutered at the right age.
This way, you can ensure that your dog is healthy and in tip-top condition.
Female Havanese
Similar to male Havanese dogs, female Havanese dogs are also at risk of some sex-related health issues. One way to prevent these problems is by spaying a female Havanese as soon as it reaches the right age.
Doing so will reduce the likelihood of unwanted litter, cancers, and other life-altering health conditions. Spaying a female Havanese will also keep it from going through tedious and stressful heat cycles.
Here are some health issues to watch out for when you own a female Havanese:
- Chondrodysplasia Punctata: Chondrodysplasia Punctata is a genetic abnormality that causes the cartilage in a dog’s body to become soft and brittle. This condition can be painful for your dog, but it’s not life-threatening and can be treated with medication or surgery.
- Pyometra: Pyometra is an infection of the uterus that occurs in unspayed female dogs. It’s characterized by an accumulation of pus within the uterus that can cause inflammation and infection if left untreated.
- Vaginal Prolapse: Vaginal prolapse occurs when an organ slips out of position due to trauma or weakness in its supporting structures. This can cause discomfort for your pup as well as infections in their reproductive tract if left untreated for too long.
Aside from the health conditions mentioned above, Havanese dogs, both females, and males, are also prone to being deaf.
Deafness is prevalent in the Havanese breed, and it can occur in one or both ears. In fact, a lot of Havanese puppies are born partially or totally deaf.
Needless to say, when it comes to choosing a Havanese, it’s best to stay away from backyard breeders and puppy mills. Additionally, giving vitamins and visiting the vet regularly can help prevent diseases and prolong your dog’s life.
With Other Dogs and Pets
Male Havanese
Male Havanese dogs are great companions, and they can get along with other pets in the household as long as they have been properly introduced to one another.
If you are considering getting a male Havanese dog, you should know that these dogs can be trained to get along with other animals, including cats.
However, this might take some work because these dogs sometimes tend to be stubborn. If your goal is to see two or more animals playing together, then both parties must be willing to work together.
Overall, these males are friendly, happy, and affectionate. However, they tend to be more territorial and aggressive towards other male dogs. They are best suited as companions for other female dogs or neutered males.
Female Havanese
Female Havanese dogs are more reserved than their male counterparts and often prefer spending their time alone. However, they can get along with other pets, provided that they are socialized early on.
Females are good at avoiding fights because they don’t have the same need for dominance as males. They are also not the jealous type.
But when they do get into fights, they tend to be more dangerous than males because they won’t stop immediately.
To avoid aggression, female Havanese owners can socialize their pups early and give them plenty of positive experiences to be comfortable whenever they encounter new dogs or strangers.
With Children
Male Havanese
Male Havanese dogs are known to be very friendly and loving, especially when it comes to kids.
They are very patient and easygoing, which makes them great playmates for children who don’t know any better than to run around and jump on furniture. They’ll be happy just hanging out with everyone in the same room together.
Furthermore, male Havanese dogs also tend to be very protective of their owners and their children, so they will make sure no one harms them in any way.
If a stranger tries approaching your child without permission, your male dog may bark at them in order to let them know that they need to go away.
However, as a general rule, if your child is very young, close supervision is still advised, especially if they still don’t know how to handle the dog well.
Female Havanese
Female Havanese dogs are good with children, primarily because of their maternal instinct. They treat children more carefully than adults because they perceive them as fragile creatures.
In addition, female Havanese dogs are known for being great with kids and other pets, but there’s something about their relationship with children that makes them even more endearing.
They’re incredibly patient with young ones and have a natural ability to read their moods. They can tell when a child is scared or upset, and they’ll do whatever they can to comfort them.
Furthermore, female Havanese dogs are smaller and lighter than males, so if you have a tiny child in the house, they can play with them safely and comfortably without accidentally hurting them.
Pros and Cons of Male and Female Havanese
Male Havanese
Male Havanese dogs are small dogs that are highly affectionate and playful. They are protective of their owners and have an outgoing personality. They have an eagerness to please people and are easy to train.
However, they can be easily distracted, making them harder to train. They are also more likely to bark and be hyperactive than the females.
In addition, they tend to be dominant over other dogs in the household, which means that they will try to assert their dominance over other dogs when they are together.
Here’s a summary of the pros and cons of a male Havanese:
| Pros | Cons |
| Protective | Easily distracted |
| Highly affectionate | Harder to train |
| Playful | Barks more |
| More outgoing | Can be aggressive or dominant to other dogs |
| Eager to please people | Hyperactive |
Female Havanese
The female Havanese is a small, playful dog that is very intelligent and easy to train, making them great for families with children. They are also friendly with other pets, especially if they are socialized at an early age.
However, the female Havanese can be moody and emotional. This can make them less predictable in their behavior than males. Females can also be stubborn, especially during their heat cycle.
They are reserved and quiet, making them perfect for people who live in apartments and don’t want to disturb their neighbors with loud barks. Furthermore, they can be less clingy and a bit self-serving at times.
Check out this video for more information about male and female Havanese:
Meanwhile, here’s a summary of the pros and cons of a female Havanese:
| Pros | Cons |
| Intelligent | Moody and emotional |
| Easier to train | Less predictable |
| Excellent with children | More stubborn |
| Matures earlier | Can be shy and suspicious |
| Reserved and quiet | Less clingy |
Should You Get a Male or Female Havanese?
The truth is that there aren’t any hard and fast rules regarding which gender is better for you and your family. However, there are some things to keep in mind when deciding which will be best for your household.
The first thing to consider when deciding between a male and female Havanese is your lifestyle.
If you’re looking for an active dog who will be your constant companion, it might be best to go with a male. Male Havanese dogs are more likely to bond with their owners and love being around people.
Female Havanese dogs tend to be calmer than males and are less likely to jump up on furniture or run around. This makes them great for families with children who want dogs that won’t run or bark as much.
If you work long hours every day and don’t have much time to spend with your dog, it would be better if you got a female dog because they are less likely to get lonely than males while alone at home.
Overall, both genders can be good pets for children because they’re very affectionate and playful creatures who love nothing more than having fun with their human companions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Male or Female Havanese Calmer?
Female Havanese dogs are calmer than males. Female Havanese dogs tend to be more submissive than their male counterparts, which means they will not assert dominance, unlike males.
This makes them great family dogs because they’re so easygoing around children and other pets.
Are Male or Female Havanese More Affectionate?
Generally, male Havanese dogs are known for being extremely affectionate and loyal to their owners. They can also be friendly to house guests.
Meanwhile, female Havanese dogs tend to be shy, independent, and aloof to strangers.
Are Male or Female Havanese Easier To Train?
Female Havanese dogs are easier to train than males because they are not easily distracted, and they mature earlier. This makes them more willing to listen to their owners and follow directions.
In addition, the maturation process also increases their intelligence level over time as well as their ability to learn new things quickly.
Final Thoughts
The Havanese is one of the most popular breeds worldwide, and for a good reason. They’re loving, energetic, and sweet to everyone they meet. However, aspiring owners struggle to decide what gender suits them.
Throughout this guide, we have discussed the similarities and differences between Havanese of both genders.
It is important to understand that no gender is better than the other. This should be a personal choice based on your lifestyle and personality.
Which gender do you think matches you and your family? Share your thoughts about the topic of male and female Havanese in the comments below!
