Guide on Deciding Betweeen the Airedale Terrier and the Havanese.

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Airedale Terrier Versus Havanese: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Airedale Terrier and the Havanese? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Airedale Terrier and the Havanese better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Airedale Terrier and the Havanese.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Airedale Terrier and the Havanese is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Airedale Terrier and for the Havanese. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Airedale Terrier and the Havanese.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Airedale Terrier or the Havanese.

Airedale Terrier versus Havanese: Overview

A very important difference between the Airedale Terrier and the Havanese is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Airedale Terrier is a medium-sized dog while the Havanese is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Airedale Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

On the other hand, the Havanese belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

Airedale Terrier versus Havanese: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Airedale Terrier to the Havanese based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Airedale Terrier and the Havanese

Factor Airedale Terrier Havanese
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 13 years 12 to 15 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 1/5
Height 21 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
Weight 40 to 65 pounds 7 to 13 pounds
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1400 $2180
Price Range $1000 – $1800 $1700 – $2750
Temperament Score 78.2 percent 81.8 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Airedale Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Havanese. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Airedale Terrier is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Havanese is 91 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Havanese is a better pet than the Airedale Terrier. So, you should get the Havanese!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Airedale Terrier and the Havanese so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Airedale Terrier and the Havanese

    Below is a list of where the Airedale Terrier and the Havanese are most different:

    • Airedale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Havaneses adapt well to apartment living.
    • Airedale Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Havaneses are good for new dog owners.

    The Similarities Between the Airedale Terrier and the Havanese

    The Airedale Terrier and the Havanese are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Airedale Terrier and the Havanese are most similar:

    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Havanese do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Havanese do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Havanese do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Havanese require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Havanese are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Havanese get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Havanese get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Havanese gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Havanese are very easy to train.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Havanese are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Havanese have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Havanese are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Airedale Terrier versus Havanese

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Airedale Terrier and the Havanese.

    Airedale Terriers weigh 40 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Airedale Terriers are 21 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Havaneses weigh 7 to 13 pounds when fully grown. Havaneses are 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Airedale Terrier versus Havanese

    The lifespan of Airedale Terriers is between 10 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Airedale Terriers is 11.5 years.

    The lifespan of Havaneses is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Havaneses is 13.5 years.

    Havaneses live longer than Airedale Terriers.

    Temperament of the Airedale Terrier Versus the Havanese

    The Havanese has a better temperament than the Airedale Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Havanese is 81.8 percent while the temperament score for the Airedale Terrier is 78.2 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 78.2 percent, the Airedale Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 81.8 percent, the Havanese has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Airedale Terrier and the Havanese by measuring the temperaments of 110 Airedale Terriers and 11 Havaneses.

    Price of Airedale Terrier versus Price of Havanese

    The average price of the Airedale Terrier puppy is $1400. The price of the Airedale Terrier typically ranges from $1000 – $1800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 208 Airedale Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Havanese puppy is $2180. The price of the Havanese typically ranges from $1700 – $2750. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 647 Havanese puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Havanese is more expensive than the Airedale Terrier.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Airedale Terrier and Havanese. For different price points, the charts show how many Airedale Terrier puppies or how many Havanese puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Airedale Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Airedale Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Havaneses

    A breakdown of the prices of Havaneses

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Airedale Terrier puppy or the Havanese puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Health Problems of Airedale Terrier versus Health Problems of Havanese

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Airedale Terrier and the Havanese are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Airedale Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Havanese.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Airedale Terrier than for the Havanese.

    5 health tests are recommended for Airedale Terrier while 4 tests are recommended for the Havanese.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Airedale Terriers and in Havaneses.

    Airedale Terrier Health Problems

    Airedale Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Airedale Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Airedale Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Airedale Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Airedale Terriers for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Airedale Terriers here.

    Havanese Health Problems

    Havaneses are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Havanese puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Havanese puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Havanese breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Havaneses for:

  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Havaneses here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Airedale Terrier versus Havanese

    Airedale Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Havaneses do not like to be left alone.

    Do Airedale Terriers shed more than Havaneses?

    Airedale Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Havaneses do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Airedale Terrier or the Havanese

    Airedale Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Havaneses do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Airedale Terrier or the Havanese?

    Airedale Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Havaneses require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Airedale Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Havanese?

    Airedale Terriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Havaneses have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Airedale Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Havaneses?

    Airedale Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Havaneses are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Airedale Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Havaneses Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Airedale Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Havaneses can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Airedale Terrier vs. Havanese

    Airedale Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Havaneses do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Airedale Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Havaneses Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Airedale Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Havaneses can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Airedale Terrier or the Havanese?

    Airedale Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Havaneses get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Airedale Terriers good family dogs? What about Havaneses?

    Airedale Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Havaneses are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Airedale Terriers and Havaneses?

    Airedale Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Havaneses get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Airedale Terrier Easier to Train than the Havanese?

    Airedale Terriers are very easy to train.

    Havaneses are very easy to train.

    Is the Airedale Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Havanese?

    Airedale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Havaneses adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Airedale Terrier or the Havanese?

    Airedale Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Havaneses are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Airedale Terrier versus Havanese. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Airedale Terrier and the Havanese better suits you and your family.