Havanese vs Bohemian Shepherd
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Havanese
Toy Group
Bohemian Shepherd
Foundation Stock Service
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
Bohemian Shepherd Overview
Bohemian Shepherds showcase a balanced blend of strength and agility, with a medium-sized, well-muscled frame and distinctive double coat. Their alert expression and noble bearing reflect their heritage as versatile working dogs. Featuring a wedge-shaped head, erect ears, and intelligent dark eyes, these dogs carry themselves with natural grace and confidence.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Havaneses are less energetic than Bohemian Shepherds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Havaneses require more grooming attention compared to Bohemian Shepherds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Havaneses tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Bohemian Shepherds.
- Trainability: Bohemian Shepherds may be slightly easier to train due to their Bohemian Shepherd's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Bohemian Shepherds adapt better to apartment living, while Havaneses typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Havanese and Bohemian Shepherd, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Havanese | Bohemian Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 14-16 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Havanese | Bohemian Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 9-12 inches 22-29 cm | 19-22 inches 49-55 cm |
| Weight | 7-13 lbs 3-6 kg | 37-60 lbs 17-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Havanese | Bohemian Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Intelligent, Outgoing, Funny | Friendly, Devoted, Alert and Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Havanese | Bohemian Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Havanese Temperament
The Havanese is known for being intelligent, outgoing, funny, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Bohemian Shepherd Temperament
The Bohemian Shepherd is characterized by being friendly, devoted, alert and intelligent, 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 Havanese and Bohemian Shepherd, 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
Havanese
Rating: 5/5
Bohemian Shepherd
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Havanese
Rating: 5/5
Bohemian Shepherd
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Havanese
Rating: 3/5
Bohemian Shepherd
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Havanese
Rating: 1/5
Bohemian Shepherd
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Havanese
Rating: 4/5
Bohemian Shepherd
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Havanese Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Havaneses 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, Havaneses require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Bohemian Shepherd Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bohemian Shepherds 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, Bohemian Shepherds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Havanese Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Chondrodysplasia
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Deafness
- Heart Murmurs
- Cataracts
Bohemian Shepherd Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Allergies
Pros & Cons
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
Bohemian Shepherd
Pros
- Highly intelligent and trainable
- Devoted family companion
- Versatile working abilities
- Good with children
Cons
- Requires regular exercise
- May be reserved with strangers
- Moderate grooming needs
- Strong herding instincts
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Havanese and Bohemian Shepherd, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.