Field Spaniel versus Havanese. Final Verdict on Which is a Better Pet.

Field Spaniel versus Havanese

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Field Spaniel Versus Havanese: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Field Spaniel and the Havanese? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Field Spaniel and the Havanese better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Field Spaniel and the Havanese.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Field Spaniel and the Havanese is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Field Spaniel and for the Havanese. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Field Spaniel and the Havanese.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Field Spaniel or the Havanese

Field Spaniel versus Havanese

Field Spaniel versus Havanese: Overview

Both the Field Spaniel and the Havanese are similar in size. The Field Spaniel and the Havanese are both small-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Field Spaniel belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

On the other hand, the Havanese belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

Field Spaniel versus Havanese: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Field Spaniel to the Havanese based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Factor Field Spaniel Havanese
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 1 foot, 4 inches to 1 foot, 7 inches tall at the s 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 15 years
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Weight 37 to 45 pounds 7 to 13 pounds
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 5/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $4640 $2180
Price Range $2900 – $5000 $1700 – $2750
Temperament Score 85.7 percent 81.8 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- recommend testing at 2, 4, 6, and 8 years of age.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 147 23

    *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Field Spaniel in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Havanese. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for a Field Spaniel is 79 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Havanese is 91 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Havanese is a better pet than the Field Spaniel. So, you should get the Havanese!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Field Spaniel and the Havanese so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Field Spaniel versus Havanese

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Field Spaniel and the Havanese

    Below is a list of where the Field Spaniel and the Havanese are most different:

  • Field Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Havaneses adapt well to apartment living.
  • Field Spaniels are very easy to groom. However, Havaneses require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Field Spaniels have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Havaneses do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • The Similarities Between the Field Spaniel and the Havanese

    The Field Spaniel and the Havanese are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Field Spaniel and the Havanese are most similar:

  • Both the Field Spaniel and the Havanese do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Field Spaniel and the Havanese do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Field Spaniel and the Havanese are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Field Spaniel and the Havanese are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Field Spaniel and the Havanese can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Field Spaniel and the Havanese get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Field Spaniel and the Havanese are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Field Spaniel and the Havanese gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Field Spaniel and the Havanese have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Field Spaniel and the Havanese are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Field Spaniel and the Havanese get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Field Spaniel and the Havanese are very easy to train.
  • Both the Field Spaniel and the Havanese are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Field Spaniel and the Havanese are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Field Spaniel versus Havanese

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Field Spaniel and the Havanese.

    Field Spaniels weigh 37 to 45 pounds when fully grown. Field Spaniels are 1 foot, 4 inches to 1 foot, 7 inches tall at the s when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Havaneses weigh 7 to 13 pounds when fully grown. Havaneses are 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Temperament of the Field Spaniel Versus the Havanese

    The Field Spaniel has a better temperament than the Havanese.

    This is because the temperament score for the Field Spaniel is 85.7 percent while the temperament score for the Havanese is 81.8 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and they are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 85.7 percent, the Field Spaniel has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 81.8 percent, the Havanese has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Field Spaniel and the Havanese by measuring the temperaments of 14 Field Spaniels and 11 Havaneses.

    Price of Field Spaniel versus Price of Havanese

    The average price of the Field Spaniel puppy is $4640. The price of the Field Spaniel typically ranges from $2900 – $5000. However, the price of a Field Spaniel can be as low as $1800 and as high as $10000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 5 Field Spaniel puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Havanese puppy is $2180. The price of the Havanese typically ranges from $1700 – $2750. However, the price of a Havanese can be as low as $600 and as high as $4550. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 647 Havanese puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Field Spaniel is more expensive than the Havanese.

    Field Spaniel Havanese
    Average Price $4640 $2180
    Price Range $2900 to $5000 $1700 to $2750

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Field Spaniel and Havanese. For different price points, the charts show how many Field Spaniel puppies or how many Havanese puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Field Spaniels. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Field Spaniels. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Havaneses

    A breakdown of the prices of Havaneses

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Field Spaniel puppy or the Havanese puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking from a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Field Spaniel versus Havanese
    Field Spaniel versus Havanese

    The Popularity of Field Spaniel versus Popularity of Havanese

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Field Spaniel and the Havanese over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Havanese is more popular with dog owners than the Field Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Havanese is 23 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Field Spaniel is 147 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Field Spaniel

    Popularity of Field Spaniel

    Popularity of Havanese

    Popularity of Havanese

    Year Field Spaniel Popularity Rank Havanese Popularity Rank
    2013 140 25
    2014 137 25
    2015 145 24
    2016 147 23
    2017 145 23
    2018 149 24
    2019 153 22
    2020 160 24

    Health Problems of Field Spaniel versus Health Problems of Havanese

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. Therefore, there is nothing like a perfect puppy.

    Both the Field Spaniel and the Havanese are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Field Spaniel is prone to more genetic health problems than the Havanese.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Field Spaniel than for the Havanese.

    6 health tests are recommended for Field Spaniel while 4 tests are recommended for the Havanese.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Field Spaniels and in Havaneses.

    Field Spaniel Health Problems

    Field Spaniels are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Field Spaniel puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Field Spaniel puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Field Spaniel breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Field Spaniels for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- recommend testing at 2, 4, 6, and 8 years of age.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Field Spaniels here.

    Havanese Health Problems

    Havaneses are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Havanese puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Havanese puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Havanese breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Havaneses for:

  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Havaneses here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Field Spaniels and Havaneses

    Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Field Spaniel Breed is Eyes problems.

    This is because the Field Spaniel ranks 52 out of 182 dog breeds for Eyes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 479 Field Spaniels, 10 of them had Eyes problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Field Spaniels, and how common these diseases are in Field Spaniels relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Eyes problems: Rank 52 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 57 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 58 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 74 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 113 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 138 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Havanese Breed is Dentition Database problems.

    This is because the Havanese ranks 3 out of 49 dog breeds for Dentition Database problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 371 Havaneses, 106 of them had Dentition Database problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Havaneses, and how common these diseases are in Havaneses relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Dentition Database problems: Rank 3 out of 49 Dog Breeds
  • Baer Hearing Test problems: Rank 18 out of 21 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 20 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Advanced Cardiac problems: Rank 38 out of 71 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 55 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 59 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 70 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 111 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 123 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Field Spaniel and in Havanese and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Field Spaniel and the Havanese:

    Disease Field Spaniel Rank Havanese Rank
    Eyes problems 52 out of 182 dog breeds 111 out of 182 dog breeds
    Congenital Cardiac problems 57 out of 159 dog breeds 70 out of 159 dog breeds
    Hips problems 58 out of 198 dog breeds 123 out of 198 dog breeds
    Thyroid problems 74 out of 115 dog breeds 20 out of 115 dog breeds
    Patella problems 113 out of 145 dog breeds 59 out of 145 dog breeds
    Elbow problems 138 out of 144 dog breeds 55 out of 144 dog breeds
    Dentition Database problems Not Common 3 out of 49 dog breeds
    Baer Hearing Test problems Not Common 18 out of 21 dog breeds
    Advanced Cardiac problems Not Common 38 out of 71 dog breeds

    *To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.

    Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.

    Is the Field Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Havanese?

    Field Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Havaneses adapt very well to apartment living.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Field Spaniel versus Havanese

    Field Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Havaneses do not like to be left alone.

    Which one drools more, the Field Spaniel or the Havanese

    Field Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Havaneses do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Do Field Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Havaneses?

    Field Spaniels are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Havaneses are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Field Spaniel or the Havanese?

    Field Spaniels are OK for new dog owners.

    Havaneses are very good for new dog owners.

    Can Field Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Havaneses Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Field Spaniels can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Havaneses can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Do Field Spaniels shed more than Havaneses?

    Field Spaniels shed moderately.

    Havaneses do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Can Field Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Havaneses Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Field Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

    Havaneses can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Field Spaniel or the Havanese?

    Field Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Havaneses get along very well with other dogs.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Field Spaniel or the Havanese?

    Field Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Havaneses require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Field Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Havanese?

    Field Spaniels have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Havaneses have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Are Field Spaniels good family dogs? What about Havaneses?

    Field Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Havaneses are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Field Spaniels and Havaneses?

    Field Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Havaneses get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Field Spaniel Easier to Train than the Havanese?

    Field Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Havaneses are very easy to train.

    Wanderlust Potential: Field Spaniel vs. Havanese

    Field Spaniels have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Havaneses do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Field Spaniel

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Field Spaniel that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Field Spaniel:

  • German Shorthaired Pointer (83 percent match with Field Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Havanese vs German Shorthaired Pointer.
  • English Springer Spaniel (84 percent match with Field Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Havanese vs English Springer Spaniel.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Havanese

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Havanese that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Havanese:

  • Bichon Frise (86 percent match with Havanese). Here is our comparison of the Field Spaniel vs Bichon Frise.
  • Cavachon (84 percent match with Havanese). Here is our comparison of the Field Spaniel vs Cavachon.
  • Bich Poo (85 percent match with Havanese). Here is our comparison of the Field Spaniel vs Bich Poo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Field Spaniel and how the Havanese compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Field Spaniel and of the Havanese to other breeds:

    Field Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Field Spaniel versus Puggle     Field Spaniel versus Redbone Coonhound     Field Spaniel versus Schipperke     Field Spaniel versus Carolina Dog     Field Spaniel versus Brittany     Field Spaniel versus Standard Poodle     Field Spaniel versus Bearded Collie     Field Spaniel versus Miniature Poodle     Field Spaniel versus Dogo Argentino     Field Spaniel versus Bichon Frise     

    Havanese Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Havanese versus Vizsla     Havanese versus Barbet     Havanese versus Greyhound     Havanese versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Havanese versus Boykin Spaniel     Havanese versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Havanese versus Valley Bulldog     Havanese versus Chinook     Havanese versus Portuguese Pointer     Havanese versus Vizsla     

    Conclusion: Field Spaniel versus Havanese. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Field Spaniel and the Havanese better suits you and your family.