fellfolio
Companion dog
Bichon Frise
A small, curly-coated companion that is often interested in its people. Modest exercise needs come with a considerably greater grooming commitment.
Companion dog
Havanese
A cheerful companion who likes being part of family life and needs daily brushing.
Size: SmallActivity: ModerateGrooming: Daily + skilled grooming
At a glance
- Size
- Small
- Height at shoulder
- 23–27 cm
- Weight
- 3–6 kg
- Lifespan
- over 12 years
- Activity
- Moderate
- Grooming
- Daily + skilled grooming
- Training
- Often cooperative
- Owner experience
- First dog with support
Sociable, clever and closely bonded
Havanese are alert and playful. They enjoy being included and should learn gradually to spend short periods alone calmly.
Everyday life
Daily walks, brief training games and family time suit them well. Even a small dog needs a quiet retreat and reliable routines.
When you need to go out
Being alone needs gradual practice. The RSPCA advises no more than four hours at a time; puppies and some adults need much shorter intervals. Arrange company during longer absences.
Day-to-day care
Brush the long, soft coat every day to prevent tangles. Check eyes and ears and keep up with dental care.
Size and build
Measurements describe adult dogs and are a guide. Lines and individuals can vary; ask about the parents’ health, temperament and daily life.
Health
PDSA lists luxating patellas, progressive retinal atrophy and portosystemic shunt. Ask about eye and other relevant family-line checks.
Could this breed fit your life?
Could work well if …
- You want a social dog who can join your day-to-day life.
- You can provide daily coat care and short activities.
May be more difficult if …
- The dog would regularly spend long periods without company.
- You want to avoid long-coat and dental care.
Breed traits describe tendencies. Breeding line, socialisation, care and experience shape the individual. Children and animals always need responsible supervision.
Similar needs, different dogs.
Selected by shared size, activity, grooming and training characteristics.
Companion dog
Miniature Poodle
A responsive, agile dog in a small frame. This profile uses the FCI Miniature size category; British and American size boundaries differ.
Sources and photograph credit
Portrait · Brent Soderberg · CC BY 2.0 · Image cropped
