Caucasian Shepherd Dog vs Havanese
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Foundation Stock Service
Havanese
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Caucasian Shepherd Dog Overview
Majestic and powerful, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog boasts a massive frame covered in a thick, weatherproof double coat. Their large head features a broad muzzle and strong jaws, while their muscular build reflects their guardian heritage. These dogs display remarkable strength and agility despite their size, moving with surprising grace when alert.
Havanese Overview
Havanese dogs captivate with their silky, flowing coats and expressive dark eyes. Standing 8.5-11.5 inches tall with a sturdy yet compact frame, these charming companions showcase a distinctive springy gait. Their coat comes in various colors, featuring a soft texture and slight wave. Alert and spirited, they carry themselves with a gentle, intelligent expression that perfectly matches their affectionate nature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are less energetic than Havaneses, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Caucasian Shepherd Dogs require less grooming attention compared to Havaneses.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Havaneses.
- Trainability: Caucasian Shepherd Dogs may be slightly easier to train due to their Caucasian Shepherd Dog's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Havaneses adapt better to apartment living, while Caucasian Shepherd Dogs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and Havanese, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Caucasian Shepherd Dog | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 14-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Caucasian Shepherd Dog | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-30 inches 58-76 cm | 9-12 inches 22-29 cm |
| Weight | 99-170 lbs 45-77 kg | 7-13 lbs 3-6 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Regularly | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Caucasian Shepherd Dog | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Fearless, Bold, Kind | Intelligent, Outgoing, Funny |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Caucasian Shepherd Dog | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Caucasian Shepherd Dog Temperament
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is known for being fearless, bold, kind, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Havanese Temperament
The Havanese is characterized by being intelligent, outgoing, funny, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and Havanese, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Rating: 3/5
Havanese
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Rating: 2/5
Havanese
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Rating: 2/5
Havanese
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Rating: 3/5
Havanese
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Rating: 4/5
Havanese
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Caucasian Shepherd Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Havanese Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Havaneses need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Havaneses require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Caucasian Shepherd Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Joint Issues
- Obesity
Havanese Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Chondrodysplasia
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Deafness
- Heart Murmurs
- Cataracts
Pros & Cons
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Pros
- Exceptional guardian abilities
- Loyal to family
- Weather-resistant coat
- Powerful and protective
Cons
- Challenging to train
- Requires extensive socialization
- Not suitable for novice owners
- High maintenance costs
Havanese
Pros
- Excellent companion dog
- Good with children
- Highly adaptable
- Low shedding
- Intelligent
- Social nature
Cons
- Regular grooming needed
- Separation anxiety prone
- Can be vocal
- Frequent brushing required
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and Havanese, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.