Havanese vs Bichon Frisé NZ: Two White, Non-Shedding Toy Dogs Compared

The Havanese and Bichon Frisé are both small, white (or near-white), non-shedding companion dogs that suit NZ apartment living. They're often compared by buyers looking for a small, low-shedding dog that's good with families. They're more different than they appear, and the standout difference is apartment suitability.

At a glance

The standout difference: apartment suitability

Havanese (apartment 5/5): The Havanese is one of the highest-rated apartment dogs available. Their small size, moderate energy, low vocalisation tendency, and strong adaptability to indoor life make them exceptionally well-suited to NZ city apartments and small flats. Their Cuban origin as a companion dog bred specifically for apartment life in Havana is reflected in this.

Bichon Frisé (apartment 3/5): The Bichon is manageable in apartments but less ideally suited. They can be more prone to separation-related barking — noticeable in NZ apartment buildings with close neighbours — and are slightly larger.

If you live in a NZ apartment (Auckland city, Wellington CBD, inner suburbs), the Havanese's higher apartment rating is a meaningful practical difference.

Friendliness: Havanese edges ahead

Havanese (friendliness 5/5): The maximum rating. Havanese are uniformly outgoing, people-oriented, and sociable. They greet strangers warmly and adapt to new environments with ease. In NZ households with varied visitors or frequent social activity, the Havanese's consistent friendliness is an asset.

Bichon Frisé (friendliness 4/5): Also friendly — the Bichon is a genuinely good-natured breed — but slightly less uniformly outgoing than the Havanese.

Health: Bichon edges ahead

Bichon Frisé (health 2/5 — fewer concerns): The Bichon has a relatively clean health profile. Some lines are prone to skin allergies (particularly allergic skin disease) and bladder problems, but overall fewer inherited conditions.

Havanese (health 3/5 — moderate concerns): Eye conditions (cataracts, Progressive Retinal Atrophy) and some orthopedic issues are known in Havanese lines. Responsible breeders test for these. When choosing a Havanese in NZ, confirm the breeding pair's eye and joint health testing.

Over a 15-year lifespan, the Bichon's cleaner health profile may mean lower lifetime vet costs.

Grooming: Bichon easier

Havanese (grooming 4/5): The silky, long, flowing coat is beautiful but requires significant maintenance. The Havanese coat needs brushing 4–5 times weekly to prevent tangles. Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks is necessary. Many Havanese owners keep the coat clipped shorter (a "puppy cut") for easier management — this is practical and widely done in NZ.

Bichon Frisé (grooming 3/5): The curly, poodle-like coat also needs regular brushing (2–3 times weekly) and professional grooming every 6–8 weeks. The non-shedding coat grows continuously, like a Poodle's, so clipping is not optional — it's required. However, the curly texture is slightly more forgiving of skipped brushing sessions than the Havanese's silkier coat.

Both breeds are genuinely non-shedding in the sense that they don't leave hair on furniture — but both require ongoing grooming investment.

Background

Havanese: The national dog of Cuba — a small, lively companion bred in Havana as a companion dog for the Cuban aristocracy. They arrived in Europe and eventually North America via Cuban emigrants. Their adaptability to warm, humid climates (Cuba) translates well to NZ's Auckland and Northland climates.

Bichon Frisé: A French/Belgian breed with Mediterranean origins (possibly the Canary Islands via Spanish trade routes). "Bichon à poil frisé" means "curly-haired small dog." The Bichon has been a popular European companion dog for centuries.

NZ availability

Both breeds are available from registered NZ breeders at similar price points ($2,500–$4,500). Havanese breeders in NZ are slightly rarer than Bichon breeders. Both appear occasionally in SPCA rehoming.

Which is right for you?

Choose a Havanese if:

• You live in a NZ apartment and want the highest apartment-suitability rating (5/5)
• You want the most outgoing, reliably friendly small dog available
• You're prepared for the higher grooming commitment
• You're comfortable with health testing checks for eye conditions

Choose a Bichon Frisé if:

• You live in a house with a section (the apartment advantage matters less)
• You prefer a slightly lower grooming commitment
• You want a breed with fewer inherited health concerns
• The Bichon's slightly larger size (5–8 vs 3–6 kg) suits you

Both are excellent choices if:

• You want a non-shedding, family-friendly, long-lived small companion
• Your household includes children (both score 5/5 with kids)
• You want a low-energy breed that doesn't need hours of daily exercise

Related guides

• Maltese vs Bichon Frisé NZ
• Best dog breeds for apartments NZ
• Best dogs for first-time owners NZ
• Dog brush types NZ
• Find a breed tool

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References

• Dogs New Zealand (NZKC), registered breeder listings: https://www.dogsnz.org.nz/
• SPCA New Zealand, responsible dog ownership: https://www.spca.nz/advice-and-welfare/
• Dog Control Act 1996: https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1996/0019/latest/whole.html

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*Profile scores sourced from PetMall breed profiles. Havanese eye and joint health testing varies by breeder — confirm testing with any NZ Havanese breeder. NZ price ranges indicative; confirm with current registered breeders.*