Size matchup
Bichon Frise vs Havanese: size & weight
Typical weight (12-18 lbs vs 7-13 lbs) and height (9-11 inches vs 8-11 inches)—so you can tell who’s bigger on the metrics that matter.
Bichon Frise
small · energy 3/5
12-18 lbs
Weight mid ~15 lbs
9-11 inches
Height mid ~10.0 in
Small fluffy companions with close scale weights; grooming can exaggerate apparent size.
Typical weight
- Bichon Frise: 12-18 lbs (mid ~15 lbs)
- Havanese: 7-13 lbs (mid ~10 lbs)
Bichon Frise usually tips the scale higher.
Typical height (withers)
- Bichon Frise: 9-11 inches (mid ~10.0 in)
- Havanese: 8-11 inches (mid ~9.5 in)
Bichon Frise is typically taller at the shoulder.
Size class & fit
Bichon Frise
small · lifespan 14-15 years
Playful, Curious, Peppy
Havanese
small · lifespan 14-16 years
Affectionate, Intelligent, Energetic
Size drives food bills, car space, crate size, and how hard a jump lands on kids and seniors. Pair this page with lifestyle compare when temperament matters as much as inches.
Planning verdict
Lean Bichon Frise
Lean Bichon Frise if you want a small dog around 12-18 lbs and 9-11 inches, with energy 3/5.
Lean Havanese
Lean Havanese if you prefer small size near 7-13 lbs and 8-11 inches, with energy 3/5.
FAQs
- Which is bigger, a Bichon Frise or a Havanese?
- By typical weight/height midpoints, the Bichon Frise tends to be larger overall. Bichon Frise typically weighs about 12-18 lbs (mid ~15 lbs) versus Havanese at 7-13 lbs (mid ~10 lbs). Height at the shoulder is commonly listed around 9-11 inches vs 8-11 inches. Both are classified as small dogs in our data. On typical midpoints, Bichon Frise tends to be the larger dog.
- Which is taller, Bichon Frise or Havanese?
- Bichon Frise is typically taller at the withers (9-11 inches vs 8-11 inches).
- Which weighs more, Bichon Frise or Havanese?
- Bichon Frise usually weighs more (12-18 lbs vs 7-13 lbs).
- Are Bichon Frise and Havanese the same size class?
- Yes—both are small in our breed data. Individuals still vary by sex and bloodline.
- Do males and females change the size comparison?
- Often yes. Males are commonly at the high end of weight/height ranges and females at the low end. Always check the actual dog (or parents) rather than breed averages alone.
References
- How to Choose the Right Dog Breed — American Kennel Club (AKC)
- How Long Will Your Dog Live? Size Matters — American Kennel Club (AKC)
- General Dog Care — ASPCA