HavaneseVSShetland Sheepdog

The Havanese is known for being cheerful, intelligent, outgoing, while the Shetland Sheepdog is typically described as intelligent, eager, devoted. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

When it comes to playfulness, the Havanese has the edge with a 5/5 rating compared to the Shetland Sheepdog's 4/5. If you're looking for a dog that's always ready for a game of fetch, the Havanese is your pick.

Noise-wise, the Shetland Sheepdog is more vocal with a barking level of 5/5, 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 Shetland Sheepdog is a small breed at 33–41 cm (13–16 in) and 6–12 kg (13–26 lbs).

The Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog sports a long coat in sable and white, tricolor, blue merle. 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 Shetland Sheepdog has high energy (4/5) and high exercise needs (4/5).

You'll need to dedicate more time to exercising the Shetland Sheepdog, 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 Shetland Sheepdog's 3/5. The Shetland Sheepdog generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.

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

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 $400 for the Havanese and $250 for the Shetland Sheepdog. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Havanese has a lifespan of 13–15 years, while the Shetland Sheepdog lives 12–14 years. The Havanese tends to live longer on average.

In terms of overall health robustness, the Havanese scores 4/5 compared to the Shetland Sheepdog'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 Shetland Sheepdog is prone to collie eye anomaly, hip dysplasia, dermatomyositis, hypothyroidism. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

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

Training comes more naturally with the Shetland Sheepdog, which scores 5/5 for trainability. The Havanese's score of 4/5 means you may need more patience and consistency to see results.

The Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog is the more intelligent of the two, scoring 5/5 to the Havanese's 4/5. This means the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog, on the other hand, shows strong working intelligence — thriving when given a job to do and learning structured tasks quickly.

The Shetland Sheepdog'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.

For families with children, the Havanese is the stronger choice, scoring 5/5 for kid-friendliness compared to the Shetland Sheepdog'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 Shetland Sheepdog (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 Shetland Sheepdog tends to be more reserved (2/5). 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 Shetland Sheepdog typically costs $800–$2,000. The Havanese has a higher upfront cost.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,160 for the Havanese and $1,120 for the Shetland Sheepdog. 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 $35 for the Shetland Sheepdog. 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.