Havanese vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Havanese vs French Brittany - Breed ComparisonFrench Brittany is originated from France but Havanese is originated from Cuba. French Brittany may grow 7 cm / 2 inches shorter than Havanese. French Brittany may weigh 14 kg / 31 pounds more than Havanese. French Brittany may live 3 years less than Havanese. Both French Brittany and Havanese has almost same litter size. French Brittany requires Low Maintenance. But Havanese requires High Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Toy dog
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France
Cuba
Height Male:
17 - 20 cm
6 - 8 inches
23 - 27 cm
9 - 11 inches
Height Female:
15 - 19 cm
5 - 8 inches
21 - 25 cm
8 - 10 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
13 - 17 kg
28 - 38 pounds
2 - 5 kg
4 - 12 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 13 Years
14 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
1 - 9
Size:
Medium
Toy
Other Names:
Brittany Spaniel Brittany Wiegref Epagneul Breton French Brittany Spaniel
Havanese Cuban Bichon Bichón Havanés Havaneser Havanezer Bichon Habanero
Colors Available:
liver roan, black and white (not universally accepted), orange roan, Orange and white, black roan, liver and white, tricolor
colors all colors
Coat:
flowing , medium length
coat type soft and curly
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Intelligent, Loving
Friendly, Intelligent, Outgoing, Playful
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

french brittanyBrittanys are the product of France, actually developed in the Brittany Province. They are gun dogs designed to hunt birds. Referred to more often than not as a Spaniel their method of working is much more in line with the setters and pointers. They are believed to be developed somewhere between the 17th and 19th centuries, but not recognized until the 20th century. Orange and white dogs were portrayed on 17th century tapestries, hunting and retrieving. In 1850 the Reverend Davies wrote the first record of Brittanys that was verifiable.

The Brittany was recognized for the first time in 1907 as their own breed even though they participated in the Paris Dog Show in 1900. Once recognized the standards were written as well. It was not until 1931 that the breed was recognized in America and 1934 before the American Kennel Club approved them. Until 1982 they were known as the French Brittany Spaniel. The Spaniel was dropped in ’82. In the United Kingdom the Brittany is known as an HPR (Hunt, Point and Retrieve) breed and they do so with both birds and small game such as hares. The Brittany’s have more dual champions than any other American Kennel Club Sporting Breed in both Confirmation and Field Trials.

There are some differences between the current day French Brittany and the “American Brittany”. They are the same breed but different sub-sets and there are differences that can be noted between the two. The French Brittany is smaller than the newer American version and works closer to the hunter and the guns, while the American Brittany runs ahead of the hunter quite often. Some breeders however don’t consider these differences to be sub-sets and believe that the American breeders should accept the French standards reflecting the origin of the breed.

havaneseThe only breed of dog that is native to Cuba is the Havanese. These little dogs are great companion animals. Sociable and happy, they are very popular in the United States with urbanites. These happy little pups are a Bichon type of dog which was developed from the “Little White Dog of Havana” or the Blanquito de la Habana which is now extinct.

The Blanquito de la Habana was itself developed from another extinct breed the Bichon Tenerife. Then the Blanquito was bred with the other Bichons and poodles in developing the Havanese. It is believed that some of the first people to settle in Cuba were from Tenerife, an island close to Cuba. In the early part of the sixteenth century, little white dogs were brought to Cuba with these settlers. This dog of Tenerife is believed to be the ancestor of all Bichon breeds.

At that time trade with Cuba was highly restricted by the Spanish and so these dogs developed without any crossing from other breeds from outside the country. They grew to be able to stand hot temperatures and they grew a very unique coat – almost like silk. Their coat is soft and light, while insulating them from the tropical environment.

At this time Cuba was the place to be for Europeans aristocrats on vacation. Unlike the British colonies, Cuba had theatres, operas and palacious. When going back to Europe, many took this little white dog with them to France, Spain and England. The Dog of Havannah was a favorite on European soil as well. Many of these dogs taken to Europe were fawn or parti instead of white. Meanwhile back in Cuba, the bourgeoisie were replacing the aristocracy who themselves would soon be replaced by the Revolution.

During the days of the bourgeoisie, the Havanese became very popular household pets. The breed has been a family pet for the last 150 years. At the same time the breed was very trendy in Europe with Charles Dickens and Queen Victoria owning several. They were by now familiar participants in Europe’s dog shows. Finally, with the Revolution, the bourgeoisie left the country in droves with their little white dogs. A genetic pool was then formed in the US. Gene pool from 11 dogs. All the Havanese in the world are descended from those 11 dogs with the exception of the dogs isolated in Cuba and the US. Today the Havanese is one of the most popular and fastest growing breeds in the world.

Description

french brittany puppy - descriptionThe French Brittany is an energetic, compact, solid, athletic dog. They have average size heads, intelligent expressions, floppy ears, and a long, elastic and free gait. Most Brittanys are born with short tails but if not, they are docked outside the United Kingdom. Docking is illegal in the United Kingdom so those Brittanys might have a long tail.

Their coats are orange roan, orange and white and liver roan. A tricoat of orange, liver and white is allowed within a specific placement of the three colors.

havanese puppy - descriptionThe Havanese is a sturdy little dog, a member of the toy group. They weigh no more than 16 pounds (7.3kg) and his body is longer than it is tall. The breed has a unique topline that is not level, but it is straight. His front legs are longer than his hind legs producing the lively gait everyone is used to seeing with a Havanese. With a full muzzle that tapers to the nose, the Havanese does not seem to be short. The skull’s length is the same as the muzzle’s. The head of the Havanese is round in the back and flat in the front.

They have a deep chest, almond shaped eyes that are dark brown and their ears are about halfway down the nose. The long ears hang down the side od the face. They have a long plumed tail that is held high and upward. The standard for the breed and now the laws of the United Kingdom state that there can be no docking of the tail.

Characteristics

1.Children

french brittany dog - characteristicsVery friendly with children

Special talents

Dual champions in Field Trials and Confirmation. They both point and retrieve.

Adaptability

They are not as adaptable as some hunting breeds. They are very active and need space both indoors and out. They are not recommended for life in apartments in the city. A rural environment is best. They do not adapt well to the damp and cold weather.

Learning ability

They are very intelligent and have very high learning ability.

Children friendliness

havanese dog - characteristicsHavanese are highly intelligent and eager to please, and they are easily trained so long as you use only positive methods. This can be a sensitive breed, so care must be taken to not scold them harshly. Socialization from an early age is very important. Expose them calmly to a wide variety of new places and new people, always ensuring that the experiences are positive and not intimidating. Gentle, patient training will result in a wonderful companion dog. They are affectionate with people and get along with other nonaggressive pets.

Special talents

The Havanese is the consummate lap dog. Over time they have become the lovable family companion.

Adaptability

The breed is pretty adaptable being able to live as a companion animal in almost any setting. Just don’t expect your Havanese to go hiking or romp with you on 40 acres in the country.

Learning

They are intelligent, love to learn but can be a little stubborn. Train them early as they like their habits and its much harder to train an older Havanese.

Health Problems

french brittany puppies - health problemsGenerally, a hardy breed that is mostly healthy, the Brittany in France usually lives on average 12 years 6 months. In the UK the average if 12 years and 11 months and many dogs living to be 14 or 15. Some of the health issues that might pop up for the Brittany include:

  1. Ear Infections
  2. Hip Dysplasia
  3. Canine Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
  4. Epilepsy

havanese puppies - health problemsA very healthy breed, the Havanese doesn’t have a lot of health issues, but they are not immune to the problems of small breed dogs. The issues they do have are:

  1. Luxating Patella – can result in arthritis or lameness
  2. Liver Disease – could be fatal
  3. Heart Disease – could be fatal
  4. Cataracts – can be discomforting by will not cause total blindness
  5. Retinal Dysplasia – this eye disease is more serious than the cataracts but is also non-progressive and is caused by a viral infection.
  6. Hip Dysplasia – causes lameness and arthritis -most small dogs are susceptible to this

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

french brittany dogs - caringFeed puppies a high quality puppy food designed for medium sized dogs. Give about one to one and a half cups per day in 2-3 meals.

Feeding the adult

For the adult French Brittany feed a high quality adult dry food designed for medium sized dogs. Give about two cups per day in 2 meals.

Points for Good Health

Excellent vision and scent

Games and Exercises

The French Brittany is an active and enthusiastic bird dog that loves to exercise. They have the stamina and drive that goes with an efficient and successful hunting dog. They need daily exercise, regular walks and excel at field trials and confirmation. They are also good at lure chase, flyball, rally and obedience.

Feeding the puppy

havanese dogs - caringFeed 3 to 4 times per day a high quality dry puppy food for toy or small dogs. Feed ¼ to ½ cup each time.

Feeding the adult

Remember these are small dogs and don’t overfeed. Feed a high quality dry food for small or toy dogs. Feed twice a day at about ½ cup each time.

Points for Good Health

The breed is generally very healthy.

Games and Exercises

This breed is not an overly active dog, but he does need some exercise. A nice walk once a day or a backyard to play in. They play inside as well as out. Don’t over exercise the Havanese. They do well in obedience and confirmation more so than agility or fly ball

Comparison with other breeds

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  26. Havanese vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Havanese vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Havanese vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Havanese vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Havanese vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Havanese vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Havanese vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Havanese vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Havanese vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Havanese vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Havanese vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Havanese vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Havanese vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Havanese vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Havanese vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Havanese vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Havanese vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Havanese vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Havanese vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Havanese vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Havanese vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Havanese vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Havanese vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Havanese vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Havanese vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison