Breed Comparison: Bearded Collie Versus Havanese

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Bearded Collie Versus Havanese: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Bearded Collie 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 Bearded Collie 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 Bearded Collie and the Havanese.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Bearded Collie 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 Bearded Collie 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 Bearded Collie 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 Bearded Collie or the Havanese.

Bearded Collie versus Havanese

Bearded Collie versus Havanese: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Bearded Collie belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

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.

Bearded Collie versus Havanese: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Bearded Collie 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 Bearded Collie and the Havanese

Factor Bearded Collie Havanese
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 12 to 15 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 1/5
Height 20 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 5/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Weight 45 to 55 pounds 7 to 13 pounds
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $980 $2180
Price Range $575 – $1275 $1700 – $2750
Temperament Score 56.9 percent 81.8 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye examination each year, results registered with the OFA.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 123 23

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Bearded Collie 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 Bearded Collie is 80 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 Bearded Collie. 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 Bearded Collie and the Havanese so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Bearded Collie versus Havanese

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Bearded Collie and the Havanese

    Below is a list of where the Bearded Collie and the Havanese are most different:

  • Bearded Collies have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Havaneses do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • The Similarities Between the Bearded Collie and the Havanese

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

  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Havanese do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Havanese do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Havanese require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Havanese are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Havanese are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Havanese can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Havanese get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Havanese are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Havanese gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Havanese are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Havanese have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Havanese require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Havanese are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Havanese get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Havanese are very easy to train.
  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Havanese are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Bearded Collie versus Havanese

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Bearded Collie and the Havanese.

    Bearded Collies weigh 45 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Bearded Collies are 20 to 22 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 Bearded Collie versus Havanese

    The lifespan of Bearded Collies is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Bearded Collies is 13.0 years.

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

    Havaneses live longer than Bearded Collies.

    Bearded Collie versus Havanese

    Temperament of the Bearded Collie Versus the Havanese

    The Havanese has a better temperament than the Bearded Collie.

    This is because the temperament score for the Havanese is 81.8 percent while the temperament score for the Bearded Collie is 56.9 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 56.9 percent, the Bearded Collie 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 Bearded Collie and the Havanese by measuring the temperaments of 51 Bearded Collies and 11 Havaneses.

    Price of Bearded Collie versus Price of Havanese

    The average price of the Bearded Collie puppy is $980. The price of the Bearded Collie typically ranges from $575 – $1275. However, the price of a Bearded Collie can be as low as $150 and as high as $3500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 24 Bearded Collie 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. However, the price of the Havanese can be as low as $600 and as high as $4550. 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 Bearded Collie.

    Bearded Collie Havanese
    Average Price $980 $2180
    Price Range $575 to $1275 $1700 to $2750

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Bearded Collies. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Bearded Collies. 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 Bearded Collie 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.

    Bearded Collie versus Havanese

    The Popularity of Bearded Collie versus Popularity of Havanese

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Bearded Collie and the Havanese over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Havanese is more popular with dog owners than the Bearded Collie. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Havanese is 23 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Bearded Collie is 123 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Bearded Collie

    Popularity of Bearded Collie

    Popularity of Havanese

    Popularity of Havanese

    Year Bearded Collie Popularity Rank Havanese Popularity Rank
    2013 112 25
    2014 121 25
    2015 119 24
    2016 126 23
    2017 125 23
    2018 127 24
    2019 136 22
    2020 125 24

    Health Problems of Bearded Collie 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 Bearded Collie 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 Havanese is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Bearded Collie.

    4 health tests are recommended for Bearded Collie while 4 tests are recommended for the Havanese.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Bearded Collies and in Havaneses.

    Bearded Collie Health Problems

    Bearded Collies are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Bearded Collie 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 Bearded Collie puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Bearded Collie 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 Bearded Collies for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye examination each year, results registered with the OFA.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Bearded Collies 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.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Bearded Collies and Havaneses

    Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Bearded Collie Breed is Congenital Cardiac problems.

    This is because the Bearded Collie ranks 3 out of 159 dog breeds for Congenital Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 76 Bearded Collies, 2 of them had Congenital Cardiac problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Bearded Collies, and how common these diseases are in Bearded Collies relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 3 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 92 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 96 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 117 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 149 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Havanese Breed is Dentition Database problems.

    This is because the Havanese ranks 3 out of 49 dog breeds for Dentition Database problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 371 Havaneses, 106 of them had Dentition Database problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Havaneses, and how common these diseases are in Havaneses relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Dentition Database problems: Rank 3 out of 49 Dog Breeds
  • Baer Hearing Test problems: Rank 18 out of 21 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 20 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Advanced Cardiac problems: Rank 38 out of 71 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 55 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 59 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 70 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 111 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 123 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Bearded Collie and in Havanese and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Bearded Collie and the Havanese:

    Disease Bearded Collie Rank Havanese Rank
    Congenital Cardiac problems 3 out of 159 dog breeds 70 out of 159 dog breeds
    Thyroid problems 92 out of 115 dog breeds 20 out of 115 dog breeds
    Elbow problems 96 out of 144 dog breeds 55 out of 144 dog breeds
    Eyes problems 117 out of 182 dog breeds 111 out of 182 dog breeds
    Hips problems 149 out of 198 dog breeds 123 out of 198 dog breeds
    Dentition Database problems Not Common 3 out of 49 dog breeds
    Baer Hearing Test problems Not Common 18 out of 21 dog breeds
    Advanced Cardiac problems Not Common 38 out of 71 dog breeds
    Patella problems Not Common 59 out of 145 dog breeds

    *To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.

    Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Bearded Collie versus Havanese

    Bearded Collies do not like to be left alone.

    Havaneses do not like to be left alone.

    Do Bearded Collies shed more than Havaneses?

    Bearded Collies shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which one drools more, the Bearded Collie or the Havanese

    Bearded Collies do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Havaneses do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Bearded Collie or the Havanese?

    Bearded Collies 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 Bearded Collie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Havanese?

    Bearded Collies have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Bearded Collies Bark and Howl? What about Havaneses?

    Bearded Collies bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Bearded Collies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Havaneses Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Bearded Collies can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Havaneses can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Bearded Collie vs. Havanese

    Bearded Collies 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 Bearded Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Havaneses Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Bearded Collies 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 Bearded Collie or the Havanese?

    Bearded Collies get along very well with other dogs.

    Havaneses get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Bearded Collies good family dogs? What about Havaneses?

    Bearded Collies 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 Bearded Collies and Havaneses?

    Bearded Collies get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Bearded Collie Easier to Train than the Havanese?

    Bearded Collies are very easy to train.

    Havaneses are very easy to train.

    Is the Bearded Collie Better for Apartment Owners than the Havanese?

    Bearded Collies adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Havaneses adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Bearded Collie or the Havanese?

    Bearded Collies are very good for new dog owners.

    Havaneses are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Bearded Collie

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Bearded Collie that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Bearded Collie:

  • West Highland White Terrier (82 percent match with Bearded Collie). Here is our comparison of the Havanese vs West Highland White Terrier.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Havanese

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Havanese that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Havanese:

  • Bichon Frise (86 percent match with Havanese). Here is our comparison of the Bearded Collie vs Bichon Frise.
  • Cavachon (84 percent match with Havanese). Here is our comparison of the Bearded Collie vs Cavachon.
  • Bich Poo (85 percent match with Havanese). Here is our comparison of the Bearded Collie vs Bich Poo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Bearded Collie and how the Havanese compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Bearded Collie and of the Havanese to other breeds:

    Bearded Collie Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Bearded Collie versus Standard Schnauzer     Bearded Collie versus Dogo Argentino     Bearded Collie versus Basset Hound     Bearded Collie versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Bearded Collie versus Aussiedoodle     Bearded Collie versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Bearded Collie versus West Highland White Terrier     Bearded Collie versus Spinone Italiano     Bearded Collie versus Chihuahua     Bearded Collie versus Boxer     Bearded Collie versus Goldador     Bearded Collie versus Boerboel     Bearded Collie versus Dalmatian     Bearded Collie versus King Shepherd     Bearded Collie versus Basset Hound     Bearded Collie versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Bearded Collie versus English Toy Spaniel     Bearded Collie versus Kishu Ken          Bearded Collie versus Sheepadoodle     Bearded Collie versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Bearded Collie versus Black Mouth Cur     Bearded Collie versus Barbet     Bearded Collie versus Shiloh Shepherd     Bearded Collie versus Irish Setter     

    Havanese Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Havanese versus Akbash     Havanese versus Mastiff     Havanese versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Havanese versus Westiepoo     Havanese versus Lancashire Heeler     Havanese versus Morkie     Havanese versus Cockapoo     Havanese versus Pug     Havanese versus Norfolk Terrier     Havanese versus Pomeranian     Havanese versus Sealyham Terrier     Havanese versus Chinook     Havanese versus Shiba Inu     Havanese versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Havanese versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Havanese versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Havanese versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Havanese versus Toy Poodle     Havanese versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Havanese versus Black Mouth Cur     Havanese versus Irish Terrier     Havanese versus Mountain Cur     Havanese versus Portuguese Pointer     Havanese versus Manchester Terrier     Havanese versus Brussels Griffon     

    Conclusion: Bearded Collie 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 Bearded Collie and the Havanese better suits you and your family.