Australian ShepherdVSHavanese

The Australian Shepherd is known for being intelligent, energetic, loyal, while the Havanese is typically described as cheerful, intelligent, outgoing. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

Both breeds share a similar playfulness level at 5/5, so you can expect comparable levels of fun and games from either one.

The Australian Shepherd is a medium breed standing 46–58 cm (18–23 in) tall and weighing 18–29 kg (40–64 lbs). In comparison, the Havanese is a small breed at 22–29 cm (9–11 in) and 3–6 kg (7–13 lbs).

There's a significant size difference between these two breeds. The Australian Shepherd is considerably heavier, which means higher food costs and the need for more physical space. The Havanese's smaller frame makes it easier to handle and transport.

The Australian Shepherd has a long coat available in blue merle, red merle, black, red, while the Havanese sports a long coat in white, black, havana brown, fawn, tobacco. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The Australian Shepherd has very high energy (5/5) with very high exercise needs (5/5). The Havanese has moderate energy (3/5) and low exercise needs (2/5).

The Australian Shepherd requires more daily activity to stay happy and healthy. Without enough exercise, they may develop destructive behaviors. The Havanese is more adaptable and can get by with shorter walks and play sessions.

For apartment dwellers, the Havanese is the stronger choice with an apartment-friendliness score of 5/5, compared to the Australian Shepherd's 1/5. The Australian Shepherd generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.

When it comes to shedding, the Australian Shepherd drops more fur with a shedding level of 4/5, while the Havanese is lighter at 1/5. If pet hair on furniture is a concern, the Havanese will be easier to live with.

Both breeds have similar grooming demands at 4/5. Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming visits will keep either breed looking their best.

Annual grooming costs average around $200 for the Australian Shepherd and $400 for the Havanese. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Australian Shepherd has a lifespan of 13–15 years, while the Havanese lives 13–15 years. Both breeds have comparable lifespans.

Both breeds score 4/5 for health robustness, meaning they share similar overall health profiles.

Common health issues for the Australian Shepherd include hip dysplasia, epilepsy, cataracts, MDR1 gene mutation. The Havanese is prone to patellar luxation, cataracts, deafness, heart murmurs. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $450 for the Australian Shepherd and $400 for the Havanese. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

The Australian Shepherd is easier to train with a trainability score of 5/5, making it more suitable for first-time dog owners. The Havanese scores 4/5 and may require more patience and experience during training sessions.

The Australian Shepherd ranks higher in intelligence (5/5 vs 4/5), which can be both a blessing and a challenge. Smarter dogs learn commands faster but also get bored more easily and may develop behavioral issues without mental stimulation.

Regardless of which breed you choose, early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are key to raising a well-behaved dog. Puppy classes are a great investment for either breed.

The Havanese edges ahead as a family dog, scoring 5/5 with children versus the Australian Shepherd's 4/5. The Havanese's cheerful temperament makes it especially patient around kids.

If you have other pets, the Havanese tends to get along better with other dogs (5/5) than the Australian Shepherd (4/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the Havanese is naturally more sociable with canine companions.

The Havanese is more welcoming to strangers (5/5), while the Australian Shepherd tends to be more reserved (3/5). If you frequently have guests, the Havanese's sociable nature will make entertaining easier.

The initial purchase price for a Australian Shepherd ranges from $800–$2,000, while a Havanese typically costs $1,000–$2,500. The Havanese is the more expensive breed to purchase.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,250 for the Australian Shepherd and $1,160 for the Havanese. The Australian Shepherd is more expensive to maintain year over year, mainly due to higher food costs.

Monthly food costs run about $50 for the Australian Shepherd and $30 for the Havanese. Over a typical lifespan, the total cost of ownership can differ by thousands of dollars, so it's worth factoring in the long-term financial commitment.