German Shepherd vs Havanese vs Shichon Comparison - Dog breed selector: Alsatian wolf dog or Bichon Habanero or Teddy Bear? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Havanese vs Shichon" Compare German Shepherd and Havanese. Which is better: German Shepherd or Havanese or Shichon?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	German Shepherd	Havanese	Shichon
Origins	Germany	Cuba	United States
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	2	23	307
Reviews	21	7	1
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Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon breeds.	Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian	Bichon Habanero Bichon Havanais Bichon Havanes Havanese Cuban Bichon Havaneser Havanezer Bichon Havanese	Teddy Bear Zuchon
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Cross Breed

German Shepherd vs Havanese vs Shichon Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon. Which breed is the largest?	Large	Small	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon? Compare adult weight ranges.	Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)	7-13 pounds (3-6 kg)	10-15 pounds (5-7 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)	12.5 pounds (6 kg)
Height Which is taller, German Shepherd or Havanese or Shichon? German Shepherd vs Havanese vs Shichon height comparison:	Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)	8-11 inches (21-29 cm)	19-21 inches (49-53 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)	20 inches (51 cm)

German Shepherd vs Havanese vs Shichon Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon. Find price differences between these breeds.	$800-$2000	$900-$1200	$800-$1200
Availability Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Havanese or Shichon?	Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Havanese is quite easy to get.	Average: The Shichon is a commonly available dog breed.

German Shepherd vs Havanese vs Shichon Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon. Which breed ranks highest?	Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon. Which is easiest to train?	German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. See more.	Havanese dogs are very easy to train. See more.	Shichon dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon. Which breed is most alert?	German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Havanese dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Shichon dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon. Which breed is most protective?	German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Havanese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Shichon dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

German Shepherd vs Havanese vs Shichon Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon? Compare temperaments.	Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful	Playful Intelligent Responsive Affectionate Lively Gentle Companionable Sturdy Amiable Charming	Playful Loving Intelligent Friendly Affectionate Lively Gentle Social
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	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.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Shepherd vs Havanese vs Shichon?	High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Havanese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Shichon dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs German Shepherd vs Havanese vs Shichon social needs comparison:	German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Havanese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Shichon dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Havanese dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Shichon dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Havanese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Shichon dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

German Shepherd vs Havanese vs Shichon Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon. Which breed is most vocal?	Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. See more.	Low to Average: The Havanese rarely barks. See more.	Average: The Shichon barks occasionally. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon. Which breed is most playful?	Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Havanese is a highly playful breed. See more.	The Shichon is a playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon. Which adapts best to small spaces?	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.	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 Shichon indoors.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

German Shepherd vs Havanese vs Shichon Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon. Which breed is most flexible?	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.	Shichon dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: German Shepherd or Havanese or Shichon?	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.	Shichon 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 vs Shichon Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon. Which has lowest bite risk?	High 🔼 The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Havanese has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Shichon has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon. Which uses mouth most during play?	German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	Havanese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Shichon dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Havanese bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shichon bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

German Shepherd vs Havanese vs Shichon Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon. Which breed lives longest?	9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years	14-16 years The average lifespan of Havanese: 15 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Shichon: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon. Which handles climate changes best?	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon. Which has fewer health issues?	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.	The Shichon is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	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.	Average The Shichon should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs Havanese vs Shichon? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Havanese vs Shichon 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	Allergies

German Shepherd vs Havanese vs Shichon Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon. Which breed is most active?	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.	Shichon dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need German Shepherd vs Havanese vs Shichon exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or Havanese or Shichon? 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.	Shichon dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or Havanese or Shichon?	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.	Shichon dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

German Shepherd vs Havanese vs Shichon Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon. Which is most prone to obesity?	Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Havanese's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average: The Shichon has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon. Which needs most food?	3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.	1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

German Shepherd vs Havanese vs Shichon Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	Yes See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon. What colors are available?	Black Tan Red Silver	Black White Fawn Reddish-Brown Havana Brown Tobacco	Black Gray Red Cream White Silver Apricot
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon. Which requires most maintenance?	Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The Havanese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Effortless: The Shichon requires minimal grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon. Which drools least?	The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Havanese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Shichon is an average drooler. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Havanese has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Shichon has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Fuzzy	Soft Wavy Woolly Flat Long	Fluffy Dense Curly Silky
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon. Which requires most frequent baths?	8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more German Shepherd or Havanese or Shichon? German Shepherd or Havanese or {name3 shedding:	German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. See more.	Havanese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Shichon dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

German Shepherd vs Havanese vs Shichon Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon. Which is best with kids?	German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Havanese dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Shichon dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility 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.	Shichon dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Havanese or Shichon? Which dog is more friendly?	German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Havanese dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Shichon dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Havanese or Shichon?	German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Havanese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Shichon dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Havanese or Shichon?	German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.	Havanese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Shichon dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: German Shepherd vs Havanese vs Shichon?	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.	Yes Shichon 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.	No Shichon 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.	Shichons are usually recommended for elderly people.

German Shepherd vs Havanese vs Shichon As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon. Which is best suited for service work?	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon. Which excels in therapy work?	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon. Which has best nose work ability?	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.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential Compare search and rescue potential between German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon. Which is best for SAR work?	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.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Compare boating aptitude between German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Havanese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Shichon breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon. Which is best for draft work?	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. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon. Which has most military use?	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

German Shepherd vs Havanese vs Shichon Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon. Which has most puppies?	6-10 puppies	1-9 puppies, average 4	3-6 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon. What's recommended?	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.

German Shepherd vs Havanese vs Shichon Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996 as a Toy breed.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon. How are they classified internationally?	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.	Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of German Shepherd, Havanese, and Shichon. Which has most recognition?	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	American Canine Hybrid Club Designer Breed Registry Designer Dogs Kennel Club International Designer Canine Registry

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