Havanese vs Irish Setter

The biggest differences

• Energy level: the Irish Setter scores 5 out of 5, the Havanese 3.

They score the same on affection with family, good with young children, good with other dogs, openness to strangers, playfulness, trainability.

Which one should you choose?

Pick the Havanese if you prefer a calmer dog, you want less dog hair, you live in a smaller home or move often. Pick the Irish Setter if you want an energetic exercise partner, you want a quieter dog.

Ratings are general breed tendencies from the AKC. Every dog is an individual, so meet the dog, and its parents if you can, before you decide. Not sure? Try the breed selector.

Source: American Kennel Club breed ratings (compiled February 2022). How we check.