HavaneseVSPembroke Welsh Corgi

The Havanese is known for being cheerful, intelligent, outgoing, while the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is typically described as affectionate, smart, alert. 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.

Noise-wise, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is more vocal with a barking level of 4/5, while the Havanese is quieter at 3/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the Havanese may be the better choice.

The Havanese is a small breed standing 22–29 cm (9–11 in) tall and weighing 3–6 kg (7–13 lbs). In comparison, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small breed at 25–30 cm (10–12 in) and 10–14 kg (22–31 lbs).

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is somewhat larger, though the difference isn't dramatic. Both breeds are manageable for most owners, but the size gap does affect food portions and space requirements.

The Havanese has a long coat available in white, black, havana brown, fawn, tobacco, while the Pembroke Welsh Corgi sports a medium coat in red, sable, fawn, tricolor. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The Havanese has moderate energy (3/5) with low exercise needs (2/5). The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has high energy (4/5) and high exercise needs (4/5).

You'll need to dedicate more time to exercising the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, which thrives on vigorous daily activity. The Havanese is less demanding in this regard and settles more easily into a relaxed routine.

For apartment dwellers, the Havanese is the stronger choice with an apartment-friendliness score of 5/5, compared to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi's 3/5. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi sheds more than the Havanese — 4/5 versus 1/5. You'll want to invest in a good lint roller and vacuum if you go with the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

The Havanese demands more grooming attention with a score of 4/5, while the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is lower-maintenance at 3/5. The Havanese's long coat requires regular brushing and professional grooming sessions, adding to the overall cost of ownership.

Annual grooming costs average around $400 for the Havanese and $150 for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Havanese has a lifespan of 13–15 years, while the Pembroke Welsh Corgi lives 12–15 years. The Havanese tends to live longer on average.

In terms of overall health robustness, the Havanese scores 4/5 compared to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi's 3/5. The Havanese is generally a hardier breed with fewer genetic health concerns.

Common health issues for the Havanese include patellar luxation, cataracts, deafness, heart murmurs. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is prone to hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, intervertebral disc disease, progressive retinal atrophy. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $400 for the Havanese and $450 for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

Both breeds are equally trainable at 4/5. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well with either breed.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi 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 Pembroke Welsh Corgi is the more intelligent of the two, scoring 5/5 to the Havanese's 4/5. This means the Pembroke Welsh Corgi generally picks up new commands faster and is better at figuring things out independently. On the flip side, their sharp mind needs regular engagement through puzzle toys, training games, and varied activities to prevent behavioral issues.

These breeds excel in different types of intelligence. The Havanese leans toward adaptive intelligence — reading human emotions, adapting to new environments, and solving unfamiliar problems. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi, on the other hand, shows strong working intelligence — thriving when given a job to do and learning structured tasks quickly.

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.

For families with children, the Havanese is the stronger choice, scoring 5/5 for kid-friendliness compared to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi's 4/5. The Havanese's cheerful nature makes it a natural fit for households with young ones.

If you have other pets, the Havanese tends to get along better with other dogs (5/5) than the Pembroke Welsh Corgi (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 Pembroke Welsh Corgi tends to be more reserved (4/5). If you frequently have guests, the Havanese's sociable nature will make entertaining easier.

The initial purchase price for a Havanese ranges from $1,000–$2,500, while a Pembroke Welsh Corgi typically costs $1,000–$2,500. Both breeds have similar purchase prices.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,160 for the Havanese and $1,080 for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. The Havanese is more expensive to maintain year over year, mainly due to grooming expenses.

Monthly food costs run about $30 for the Havanese and $40 for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. 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.