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Shetland Sheepdog vs Havanese vs Golden Retriever Comparison - Dog breed selector: Dwarf Scotch Shepherd or Bichon Habanero or Golden Flat Coat? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Shetland Sheepdog vs Havanese vs Golden Retriever" Compare Shetland Sheepdog and Havanese. Which is better: Shetland Sheepdog or Havanese or Golden Retriever?
 
 
 
Name Shetland Sheepdog Havanese Golden Retriever
OriginsScotland flagScotland Cuba flagCuba Scotland flagScotland
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Companion Dogs Gun Dog
Popularity Rank24233
Reviews6716
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever breeds.
Dwarf Scotch Shepherd
Sheltie
Shetland Collie
Toonie Dog
Miniature Collie
Bichon Habanero
Bichon Havanais
Bichon Havanes
Havanese Cuban Bichon
Havaneser
Havanezer
Bichon Havanese
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Shetland Sheepdog vs Havanese vs Golden Retriever Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is the largest?
Medium Small Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever? Compare adult weight ranges.
14-27 pounds (6-12 kg) 7-13 pounds (3-6 kg) Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
20.5 pounds (9 kg) 10 pounds (4.5 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shetland Sheepdog or Havanese or Golden Retriever? Shetland Sheepdog vs Havanese vs Golden Retriever height comparison:
13-16 inches (33-41 cm) 8-11 inches (21-29 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
14.5 inches (37 cm) 10 inches (25 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm)

Shetland Sheepdog vs Havanese vs Golden Retriever Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$1000 $900-$1200 $1000-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Shetland Sheepdog or Havanese or Golden Retriever?
Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Havanese is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Havanese vs Golden Retriever Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever. Which breed ranks highest?
Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog 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.
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Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever. Which is easiest to train?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Havanese dogs are very easy to train.
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Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most alert?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
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Havanese dogs are good watchdogs.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most protective?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Havanese dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Shetland Sheepdog vs Havanese vs Golden Retriever Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Companionable
Sturdy
Amiable
Charming
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shetland Sheepdog vs Havanese vs Golden Retriever?
High: Shetland Sheepdog 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.
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High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Shetland Sheepdog vs Havanese vs Golden Retriever social needs comparison:
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed.
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Havanese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Havanese dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Shetland Sheepdog 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.
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Havanese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Golden Retriever 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.
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Shetland Sheepdog vs Havanese vs Golden Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
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Low to Average: The Havanese rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Havanese is a highly playful breed.
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The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.
Very house-friendly dog the Havanese breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Havanese vs Golden Retriever Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most flexible?
Shetland Sheepdog 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.
Golden Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Shetland Sheepdog or Havanese or Golden Retriever?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Havanese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Golden Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Havanese vs Golden Retriever Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Havanese has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever. Which uses mouth most during play?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low 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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Golden Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Havanese bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Havanese vs Golden Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever. Which breed lives longest?
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
14-16 years
The average lifespan of Havanese: 15 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Shetland Sheepdog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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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.
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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.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever. Which has fewer health issues?
The Shetland Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Havanese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Shetland Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Havanese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The Golden Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shetland Sheepdog vs Havanese vs Golden Retriever? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shetland Sheepdog vs Havanese vs Golden Retriever health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Epilepsy
Heart Problems
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Collie Eye Anomaly
Haemophilia
Trichiasis
Cataracts
Heart Murmurs
Hip Dysplasia
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Deafness
Chondrodysplasia
Elbow Dysplasia
Mitral Valve Disease
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis

Shetland Sheepdog vs Havanese vs Golden Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most active?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Havanese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Golden Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Shetland Sheepdog vs Havanese vs Golden Retriever exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shetland Sheepdog or Havanese or Golden Retriever? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
Havanese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Shetland Sheepdog or Havanese or Golden Retriever?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Havanese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Golden Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Havanese vs Golden Retriever Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an 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.
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High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever. Which needs most food?
2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Havanese vs Golden Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. Yes See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Sable
Merle
Black
White
Fawn
Reddish-Brown
Havana Brown
Tobacco
Golden
Light
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever. Which requires most maintenance?
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Average: The Havanese requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever. Which drools least?
The Shetland Sheepdog 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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The Golden Retriever drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Havanese has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense Soft
Wavy
Woolly
Flat
Long
Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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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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2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Shetland Sheepdog or Havanese or Golden Retriever? Shetland Sheepdog or Havanese or {name3 shedding:
Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
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Havanese dogs shed none to minimal.
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Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Shetland Sheepdog vs Havanese vs Golden Retriever Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever. Which is best with kids?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Havanese dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Havanese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Golden Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Havanese or Golden Retriever? Which dog is more friendly?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Havanese dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Havanese or Golden Retriever?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Havanese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Havanese or Golden Retriever?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Havanese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Shetland Sheepdog vs Havanese vs Golden Retriever?
Yes
Shetland Sheepdog 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
Golden Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Shetland Sheepdog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Havanese is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Yes
Golden Retriever is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Shetland Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.
Havaneses are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Golden Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Havanese vs Golden Retriever As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever. Which excels in therapy work?

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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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever. Which has best nose work ability?

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.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever. Which is best for SAR work?

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.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Shetland Sheepdog 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.
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Yes

Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever. Which has most military use?

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.

Not really

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

Shetland Sheepdog vs Havanese vs Golden Retriever Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever. Which has most puppies?
4-6 puppies 1-9 puppies, average 4 5-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever. 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.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Havanese vs Golden Retriever Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever. 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. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Shetland Sheepdog, Havanese, and Golden Retriever. 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
Canadian Canine Registry
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

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