Havanese vs Dutch 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
Dutch Shepherd
Miscellaneous Class
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.
Dutch Shepherd Overview
Dutch Shepherds showcase a muscular, well-proportioned build with distinctive brindle coats in varying lengths. Their alert, wedge-shaped heads feature upright ears and expressive dark eyes. Standing 21.5 to 24.5 inches tall, these athletic herders possess remarkable agility and stamina. Their intelligent expression and confident stance reflect their heritage as versatile working dogs.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Havaneses are less energetic than Dutch Shepherds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Havaneses require more grooming attention compared to Dutch Shepherds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Havaneses tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Dutch Shepherds.
- Trainability: Dutch Shepherds may be slightly easier to train due to their Dutch Shepherd's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Havaneses adapt better to apartment living, while Dutch Shepherds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Havanese and Dutch Shepherd, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Havanese | Dutch Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 14-16 years | 11-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Miscellaneous Class |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Havanese | Dutch Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 9-12 inches 22-29 cm | 22-25 inches 55-62 cm |
| Weight | 7-13 lbs 3-6 kg | 42-75 lbs 19-34 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Havanese | Dutch Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Intelligent, Outgoing, Funny | Intelligent, Lively, Athletic |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Havanese | Dutch 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.
Dutch Shepherd Temperament
The Dutch Shepherd is characterized by being intelligent, lively, athletic, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Havanese and Dutch 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
Dutch Shepherd
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Havanese
Rating: 5/5
Dutch Shepherd
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Havanese
Rating: 3/5
Dutch Shepherd
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Havanese
Rating: 1/5
Dutch Shepherd
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Havanese
Rating: 4/5
Dutch Shepherd
Rating: 3/5
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.
Dutch Shepherd Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Dutch Shepherds need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Dutch 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
Dutch Shepherd Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Goniodysplasia
- Thyroid Issues
- Heart Disease
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
Dutch Shepherd
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Versatile working ability
- Athletic and agile
- Strong protective instincts
Cons
- High exercise requirements
- Strong herding drive
- Needs constant mental stimulation
- Can be territorial
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Havanese and Dutch Shepherd, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.