Dachshund vs Havanese
Side-by-side comparison for prospective owners weighing both breeds.
| Trait | Dachshund | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 11–32 lbs | 7–13 lbs |
| Lifespan | 12–16 yrs | 14–16 yrs |
| Est. monthly cost | $70–$120 | $70–$130 |
| Energy level | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Good with kids | ||
| Good with other pets | ||
| Vocalization |
Where Dachshund and Havanese differ most
- Adult weight: Dachshund 11–32 lbs · Havanese 7–13 lbsDachshund much heavier
- Grooming needs: Dachshund 2/5 · Havanese 4/5Havanese more upkeep
- Shedding: Dachshund 2/5 · Havanese 1/5Dachshund sheds more
- Trainability: Dachshund 3/5 · Havanese 4/5Havanese easier to train
- Good with kids: Dachshund 3/5 · Havanese 5/5Havanese rated higher
- Good with other pets: Dachshund 3/5 · Havanese 4/5Havanese rated higher
Full trait-by-trait breakdown
| Trait | Dachshund | Havanese | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult weight | 11–32 lbs | 7–13 lbs | Dachshund much heavier |
| Energy level | 3/5 | 3/5 | About the same |
| Daily exercise | ~30 min | ~30 min | About the same |
| Grooming needs | 2/5 | 4/5 | Havanese more upkeep |
| Shedding | 2/5 | 1/5 | Dachshund sheds more |
| Trainability | 3/5 | 4/5 | Havanese easier to train |
| Good with kids | 3/5 | 5/5 | Havanese rated higher |
| Good with other pets | 3/5 | 4/5 | Havanese rated higher |
| Vocalization | 4/5 | 3/5 | Dachshund more vocal |
| Lifespan | 12–16 yrs | 14–16 yrs | About the same |
| Est. monthly cost | $70–120 | $70–130 | About the same |
| Hypoallergenic reality | No | Lower-shedding (not hypoallergenic) | Differs — see profiles |
Which one should you choose?
A bold, independent hound against a gentle, low-shedding toy companion. The Dachshund carries genuine terrier-like scrappiness despite being a hound, often more reserved with strangers and slower to warm up, while the Havanese's whole purpose across generations was to be a devoted companion, and it shows in how consistently affectionate and outgoing it stays with nearly everyone it meets.
Physical care priorities differ sharply: the Dachshund needs lifelong protection of its stretched spine from jumping-related injury, while the Havanese's silky coat needs regular, committed brushing to prevent matting despite shedding relatively little — a plus for allergy-sensitive households. Both are small enough to suit apartment living comfortably.
Lean Havanese if a gentler, more universally social lapdog with lower shedding is the priority. Lean Dachshund if its bolder personality appeals more and you're prepared to actively guard its back from injury.
Whichever breed fits your life, consider adoption or breed-specific rescue first — many purebred and mixed-breed dogs and cats are already waiting for homes.
General breed information, not veterinary advice — consult a vet for your pet's specific health, diet, and behavior needs.