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German Shepherd vs Havanese Comparison – Which dog is better Alsatian wolf dog or Bichon Habanero?

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Havanese" Compare German Shepherd and Havanese. Which is better: German Shepherd or Havanese?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd Havanese
OriginsGermany flagGermany Cuba flagCuba
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank223
Reviews196
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Bichon Habanero
Bichon Havanais
Bichon Havanes
Havanese Cuban Bichon
Havaneser
Havanezer
Bichon Havanese
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? German Shepherd vs Havanese breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred

German Shepherd vs Havanese Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, German Shepherd or Havanese? Is the German Shepherd bigger than the Havanese breed? Is a German Shepherd smaller than a Havanese?
Large Small
Weight
Which is heavier, German Shepherd or Havanese? German Shepherd vs Havanese weight comparison:
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) 7-13 pounds (3-6 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) 10 pounds (4.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Havanese? Is a German Shepherd taller than a Havanese?
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) 8-11 inches (21-29 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) 10 inches (25 cm)

German Shepherd vs Havanese Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, German Shepherd or Havanese? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between German Shepherd and Havanese?
$800-$2000 $900-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Havanese?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Havanese is quite easy to get.

German Shepherd vs Havanese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a German Shepherd or Havanese smarter? Which is best? German Shepherd vs Havanese intelligence:
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Trainability
German Shepherd vs Havanese trainability comparison. What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Havanese?
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Havanese dogs are very easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: German Shepherd or Havanese?
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Havanese dogs are good watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog German Shepherd or Havanese? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Havanese dogs strongly protect their territory.
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German Shepherd vs Havanese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, German Shepherd or Havanese? German Shepherd vs Havanese behavior/temperament comparison:
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Companionable
Sturdy
Amiable
Charming
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Havanese?
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Shepherd vs Havanese?
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Havanese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
German Shepherd vs Havanese social needs comparison:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Havanese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Havanese?
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Havanese dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Havanese? Which can be better for hunting?
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Havanese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Havanese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
German Shepherd vs Havanese playfulness comparison:
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Havanese is a highly playful breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: German Shepherd vs Havanese?
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Havanese rarely barks.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly German Shepherd or Havanese?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Shepherd indoors.
Very house-friendly dog the Havanese breed.

German Shepherd vs Havanese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Havanese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: German Shepherd or Havanese?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Havanese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

German Shepherd vs Havanese Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: German Shepherd or Havanese?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Havanese bite force: Weak.
Biting Potential
Is a German Shepherd more dangerous than a Havanese?

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Havanese has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? German Shepherd vs Havanese mouthiness comparison:
German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Havanese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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German Shepherd vs Havanese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
German Shepherd vs Havanese health comparison. Which is the healthier: German Shepherd vs Havanese?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
The Havanese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs Havanese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Havanese health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Blindness
Cherry Eye
Elbow Dysplasia
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Retinal Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Degenerative Myelopathy
Wobbler's Syndrome
Panosteitis
Hemophilia B
Megaesophagus
Cushing's Syndrome
Lens Luxation
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Chronic Diarrhea
Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Digestive Problems
Hemophilia A
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Lupus
Myasthenia Gravis
Nail Bed Disease
Osteochondrosis
Pannus
Paralysis
Perianal Fistula
Seborrhea
Vitiligo
Cataracts
Heart Murmurs
Hip Dysplasia
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Deafness
Chondrodysplasia
Elbow Dysplasia
Mitral Valve Disease
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: German Shepherd vs Havanese?
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Havanese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
German Shepherd vs Havanese lifespan comparison. How long do German Shepherd and Havanese breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the German Shepherd and Havanese?
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
14-16 years
The average lifespan of Havanese: 15 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: German Shepherd vs Havanese?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Havanese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a German Shepherd or Havanese? German Shepherd vs Havanese energy level comparison:
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Havanese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Shepherd vs Havanese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or Havanese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Havanese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or Havanese?
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Havanese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

German Shepherd vs Havanese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: German Shepherd or Havanese? Does the German Shepherd breed eat more than the Havanese breed?
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? German Shepherd vs Havanese weight gain potential comparison:
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Havanese's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Havanese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? German Shepherd vs Havanese coat comparison:
Fuzzy Soft
Wavy
Woolly
Flat
Long
Colors
What are the original German Shepherd and Havanese color? German Shepherd vs Havanese color comparison:
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
White
Fawn
Reddish-Brown
Havana Brown
Tobacco
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, German Shepherd or Havanese? German Shepherd vs Havanese grooming comparison:
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Havanese requires average grooming effort.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or Havanese? Do German Shepherd dogs shed more than Havanese dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Havanese dogs shed none to minimal.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: German Shepherd or Havanese?
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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Hypoallergenic
German Shepherd vs Havanese hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. Yes See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, German Shepherd or Havanese?

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Havanese has a low chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Havanese?
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Havanese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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German Shepherd vs Havanese Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Havanese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Havanese? Which dog is more friendly?
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Havanese dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly German Shepherd or Havanese?
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Havanese dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Havanese?
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Havanese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Havanese? Can a German Shepherd and a Havanese be friends? Do German Shepherd dogs get along with Havanese dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Havanese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: German Shepherd vs Havanese?
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Havanese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Havanese is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Havaneses are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

German Shepherd vs Havanese As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: German Shepherd or Havanese? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog?

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: German Shepherd vs Havanese?

Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Havanese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Fighting Dog / Military Dog

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

German Shepherd vs Havanese Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can German Shepherd and Havanese have? German Shepherd vs Havanese litter size comparison:
6-10 puppies 1-9 puppies, average 4

German Shepherd vs Havanese Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996 as a Toy breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Havanese Club of America

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