Havanese vs Skye Terrier
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
Skye Terrier
Terrier Group
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.
Skye Terrier Overview
Skye Terriers possess a distinctive long, low-set body draped in a flowing double coat that gracefully sweeps the ground. Their elegant silhouette features a proud head carriage, expressive eyes, and characteristically large, upright ears. Known for their dignified bearing and regal appearance, these terriers combine strength with refinement, displaying the perfect balance of robustness and elegance in their movement.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Havaneses are less energetic than Skye Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Havaneses require less grooming attention compared to Skye Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Havaneses tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Skye Terriers.
- Trainability: Skye Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Skye Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Skye Terriers 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 Skye Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Havanese | Skye Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 14-16 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Havanese | Skye Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 9-12 inches 22-29 cm | 10-10 inches 24-25 cm |
| Weight | 7-13 lbs 3-6 kg | 35-45 lbs 16-20 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Havanese | Skye Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Intelligent, Outgoing, Funny | Courageous, Good-Tempered, Canny |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Havanese | Skye Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Skye Terrier Temperament
The Skye Terrier is characterized by being courageous, good-tempered, canny, 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 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 Skye Terrier, 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
Skye Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Havanese
Rating: 5/5
Skye Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Havanese
Rating: 3/5
Skye Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Havanese
Rating: 1/5
Skye Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Havanese
Rating: 4/5
Skye Terrier
Rating: 5/5
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.
Skye Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Skye Terriers 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, Skye Terriers 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
Havanese Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Chondrodysplasia
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Deafness
- Heart Murmurs
- Cataracts
Skye Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Renal Dysplasia
- Mammary Cancer
- Autoimmune Issues
- Premature Closure
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
Skye Terrier
Pros
- Loyal and devoted to family
- Good watchdog capabilities
- Adaptable to different living spaces
- Low exercise requirements
Cons
- Requires extensive grooming
- Can be stubborn during training
- Reserved with strangers
- Moderate shedding
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Havanese and Skye Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.