Border CollieVSHavanese

The Border Collie is known for being intelligent, energetic, tenacious, 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 Border Collie is a medium breed standing 46–56 cm (18–22 in) tall and weighing 14–20 kg (31–44 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 Border Collie 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 Border Collie has a medium coat available in black and white, blue merle, red and white, tricolor, 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 Border Collie 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 Border Collie 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 Border Collie's 1/5. The Border Collie generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.

When it comes to shedding, the Border Collie 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.

Grooming-wise, the Havanese needs more upkeep (4/5) than the Border Collie (3/5). The Havanese's long coat demands regular professional grooming to stay in top shape.

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

The Border Collie has a lifespan of 12–15 years, while the Havanese lives 13–15 years. The Havanese generally has a longer lifespan.

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

Common health issues for the Border Collie include hip dysplasia, collie eye anomaly, epilepsy, osteochondritis dissecans. 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 $400 for the Border Collie and $400 for the Havanese. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

The Border Collie 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 Border Collie 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.

In terms of raw intelligence, the Border Collie outranks the Havanese with a score of 5/5 compared to 4/5. The Border Collie tends to learn new commands in fewer repetitions and shows stronger problem-solving ability in novel situations. However, higher intelligence doesn't always mean an easier dog to own — smarter breeds often demand more mental stimulation to avoid boredom-driven destructive behavior.

These breeds excel in different types of intelligence. The Border Collie leans toward working intelligence — excelling at tasks, following complex commands, and performing jobs they were bred for. The Havanese, on the other hand, shows strong adaptive intelligence — figuring out new situations on their own and reading social cues effectively.

The Border Collie's higher intelligence translates directly into better trainability (5/5 vs 4/5), making them both the quicker learner and the easier breed to train. This combination is ideal for owners who want a responsive, obedient companion.

For either breed, mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle feeders, training sessions, scent work, and interactive toys keep intelligent dogs engaged and prevent the boredom that leads to chewing, digging, or excessive barking.

The Havanese edges ahead as a family dog, scoring 5/5 with children versus the Border Collie's 3/5. 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 Border Collie (3/5). 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 Border Collie 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 Border Collie ranges from $800–$2,500, 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 $1,140 for the Border Collie and $1,160 for the Havanese. The Havanese costs more annually, largely because of grooming expenses.

Monthly food costs run about $45 for the Border Collie 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.