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English Springer Spaniel vs Havanese

Side-by-side comparison across all 14 AKC trait ratings, with a clear verdict on which breed fits which kind of household.

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The bottom line

English Springer Spaniel vs Havanese

People compare English Springer Spaniels and Havanese because both are floppy-eared, cheerful dogs that adore their people and do well in families. But that’s where the similarity ends. You’re not just choosing size here. you’re choosing a lifestyle. The Springer is a working athlete built for motion. At 50 pounds, he’s bursting with energy, bred to sprint through fields all day flushing birds. You’ll need daily vigorous exercise, serious grooming (those feathered legs tangle fast), and consistent training. He’s highly trainable and deeply affectionate, but he’ll let the neighbors know when the mail arrives. If you hike, hunt, or have a yard where kids are always playing, he’ll thrive. Skip him if you’re gone all day or hate brushing. The Havanese, under 13 pounds, is a city-friendly companion with a silky coat that demands daily care but sheds almost nothing. He’s adaptable to apartments and adores being in your lap, but don’t mistake small for low-demand. This dog bonds fiercely and can spiral into anxiety if left alone too long. He’s great with toddlers, easier to house-train than most toys, and surprisingly sturdy for his size. Here’s the real talk: the Springer grows on you through action. he earns his keep by doing. The Havanese earns his by being. present, soft, constant. If you want a dog who’s part of every task, go Springer. If you want a living teddy bear who mirrors your emotions, the Havanese will weave himself into your days like thread. Just don’t underestimate how loud a tiny dog can bark when he’s bored.

English Springer Spaniel
Havanese
19–20 in
Height
8.5–11.5 in
40–50 lb
Weight
7–13 lb
12–14 yr
Lifespan
14–16 yr
$1.5–3.0k
Puppy price
$1.5–4.0k
#27
AKC popularity
#24

Trait-by-trait

Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.
Affectionate w/ Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming
Drooling Level
Good with Strangers
Playfulness
Watchdog / Protective
Adaptability
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
AffectionGood w/ KidsGood w/ DogsShedding LevelGroomingDrooling LevelGood w/ StrangersPlayfulnessProtectiveAdaptabilityTrainabilityEnergy LevelBarking LevelMental Stim.
English Springer Spaniel Havanese
Overlay

Where they diverge

Good with Young Children
Havanese is better with kids (2-point difference)
Havanese
Drooling Level
Havanese drools less (2-point difference)
Havanese
Good with Other Dogs
Havanese is better with other dogs (1-point difference)
Havanese
Shedding Level
Havanese sheds less (1-point difference)
Havanese
Coat Grooming
English Springer Spaniel needs less grooming (1-point difference)
English
The verdict

Choose the English Springer Spaniel if…

  • Active families
  • Hunters
  • Families with children
  • You value drooling levelEnglish Springer Spaniel scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Havanese if…

  • Apartment dwellers
  • Seniors
  • Families with children
  • You value good with young childrenHavanese scores higher here.
English Springer Spaniel Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your English Springer Spaniel home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide
Havanese Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Havanese home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide

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