Havanese vs German Shepherd vs Boerboel Comparison - Dog breed selector: Bichon Habanero or Alsatian wolf dog or South African Mastiff? Find the right dog for you

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

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	Havanese	German Shepherd	Boerboel
Origins	Cuba	Germany	South Africa
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Working Dogs
Popularity Rank	23	2	124
Reviews	7	21	1
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Havanese, German Shepherd, and Boerboel breeds.	Bichon Habanero Bichon Havanais Bichon Havanes Havanese Cuban Bichon Havaneser Havanezer Bichon Havanese	Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian	South African Mastiff South African Boerboel
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Havanese, German Shepherd, and Boerboel? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Havanese vs German Shepherd vs Boerboel Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Havanese, German Shepherd, and Boerboel. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Large	Large Giant
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Havanese, German Shepherd, and Boerboel? Compare adult weight ranges.	7-13 pounds (3-6 kg)	Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)	154-200 pounds (70-90 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	10 pounds (4.5 kg)	Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)	177 pounds (80 kg)
Height Which is taller, Havanese or German Shepherd or Boerboel? Havanese vs German Shepherd vs Boerboel height comparison:	8-11 inches (21-29 cm)	Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)	Male: 25-28 inches (64-70 cm), Female: 23-25.5 inches (59-65 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	10 inches (25 cm)	Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)	Male: 26.5 inches (67 cm), Female: 23-25.5 inches (62 cm)

Havanese vs German Shepherd vs Boerboel Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Havanese, German Shepherd, and Boerboel. Find price differences between these breeds.	$900-$1200	$800-$2000	$1500-$2000
Availability Which is easier to get, Havanese or German Shepherd or Boerboel?	Very frequent: The Havanese is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.	Frequent: The Boerboel is easier than average to get.

Havanese vs German Shepherd vs Boerboel Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Havanese, German Shepherd, and Boerboel. Which breed ranks highest?	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. 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 Havanese, German Shepherd, and Boerboel. Which is easiest to train?	Havanese dogs are very easy to train. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. See more.	Boerboel dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Havanese, German Shepherd, and Boerboel. Which breed is most alert?	Havanese dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Boerboel dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Havanese, German Shepherd, and Boerboel. Which breed is most protective?	Havanese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Boerboel dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Havanese vs German Shepherd vs Boerboel Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Havanese, German Shepherd, and Boerboel? Compare temperaments.	Playful Intelligent Responsive Affectionate Lively Gentle Companionable Sturdy Amiable Charming	Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful	Intelligent Confident Obedient Dominant Territorial
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	Boerboel dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Havanese vs German Shepherd vs Boerboel?	High: Havanese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	Average: Boerboel dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Havanese vs German Shepherd vs Boerboel social needs comparison:	Havanese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Boerboel dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Havanese dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Boerboel is strong enough to escape from home. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Havanese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Boerboel 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

Havanese vs German Shepherd vs Boerboel Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

Havanese vs German Shepherd vs Boerboel Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Havanese, German Shepherd, and Boerboel. Which breed is most flexible?	Havanese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Average: Boerboel dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Havanese or German Shepherd or Boerboel?	Havanese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Havanese vs German Shepherd vs Boerboel Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Havanese vs German Shepherd vs Boerboel Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Havanese, German Shepherd, and Boerboel. Which breed lives longest?	14-16 years The average lifespan of Havanese: 15 years	9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of Boerboel: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Havanese, German Shepherd, and Boerboel. 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.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Havanese, German Shepherd, and Boerboel. Which has fewer health issues?	The Havanese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.	Boerboels tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Average The Havanese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Rare The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Frequent The Boerboel should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Havanese vs German Shepherd vs Boerboel? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Havanese vs German Shepherd vs Boerboel health problems comparison:	Cataracts Heart Murmurs Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Deafness Chondrodysplasia Elbow Dysplasia Mitral Valve Disease Portosystemic Liver Shunt	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	Hip Dysplasia Allergies Epilepsy Joint Dysplasia Vaginal Hyperplasia

Havanese vs German Shepherd vs Boerboel Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Havanese vs German Shepherd vs Boerboel Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Havanese, German Shepherd, and Boerboel. Which is most prone to obesity?	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Havanese's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Boerboel has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Havanese, German Shepherd, and Boerboel. Which needs most food?	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.	3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Havanese vs German Shepherd vs Boerboel Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Havanese, German Shepherd, and Boerboel. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	Yes See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Havanese, German Shepherd, and Boerboel. What colors are available?	Black White Fawn Reddish-Brown Havana Brown Tobacco	Black Tan Red Silver	Red Cream Brown Tawny Brindle Reddish
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Havanese, German Shepherd, and Boerboel. Which requires most maintenance?	Average: The Havanese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. See more.	Effortless: The Boerboel requires minimal grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Havanese, German Shepherd, and Boerboel. Which drools least?	The Havanese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Boerboel drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Havanese, German Shepherd, and Boerboel. Which has least natural smell?	Low 🔽 The Havanese has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Boerboel has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Havanese, German Shepherd, and Boerboel. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Soft Wavy Woolly Flat Long	Fuzzy	Dense Shiny Smooth
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Havanese, German Shepherd, and Boerboel. Which requires most frequent baths?	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Havanese or German Shepherd or Boerboel? Havanese or German Shepherd or {name3 shedding:	Havanese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. See more.	Boerboel dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Havanese vs German Shepherd vs Boerboel Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Havanese, German Shepherd, and Boerboel. Which is best with kids?	Havanese dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Boerboel dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Havanese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.	Boerboel dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Havanese or German Shepherd or Boerboel? Which dog is more friendly?	Havanese dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Boerboel dogs are not the most 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 Havanese or German Shepherd or Boerboel?	Havanese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Boerboel dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Havanese or German Shepherd or Boerboel?	Havanese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.	Boerboel dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Havanese vs German Shepherd vs Boerboel?	Yes Havanese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Boerboel dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Havanese is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Boerboel is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Havaneses are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Boerboels are usually recommended for elderly people.

Havanese vs German Shepherd vs Boerboel As a Working Dog Comparison

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

Havanese vs German Shepherd vs Boerboel Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Havanese, German Shepherd, and Boerboel. Which has most puppies?	1-9 puppies, average 4	6-10 puppies	7-10 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Havanese, German Shepherd, and Boerboel. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Havanese, German Shepherd, and Boerboel. 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.

Havanese vs German Shepherd vs Boerboel Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Havanese, German Shepherd, and Boerboel. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2015 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Havanese, German Shepherd, and Boerboel. How are they classified internationally?	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.	Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.	Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Havanese, German Shepherd, and Boerboel. 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 United Kennel Club Havanese 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 New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club German Shepherd Dog Club Of America	American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Dog Registry of America Inc. North American Purebred Registry, Inc.

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