Is the Carolina Dog Better than the Havanese as a Pet? Answer…

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Carolina Dog Versus Havanese: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog or the Havanese.

Carolina Dog versus Havanese

Carolina Dog versus Havanese: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Carolina Dog belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

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.

Carolina Dog versus Havanese: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog and the Havanese

Factor Carolina Dog Havanese
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Height 18 to 20 inches at the shoulder 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 5/5
Easygoing 4/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 2/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 5/5
Weight 33 to 55 pounds 7 to 13 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 5/5
General Health 5/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $500 $2180
Price Range $500 – $500 $1700 – $2750
Temperament Score 66.7 percent 81.8 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog is 73 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 Carolina Dog. 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 Carolina Dog and the Havanese so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Carolina Dog and the Havanese

    Below is a list of where the Carolina Dog and the Havanese are most different:

  • Carolina Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Havaneses adapt well to apartment living.
  • Carolina Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Havaneses are good for new dog owners.
  • Carolina Dogs are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs. However, Havaneses are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Carolina Dogs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Havaneses are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Carolina Dogs are not easy to train. However, Havaneses are very easy to train.
  • Carolina Dogs are very easy to groom. However, Havaneses require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Carolina Dogs do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Havaneses do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • The Similarities Between the Carolina Dog and the Havanese

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

  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Havanese do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Havanese are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Havanese do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Havanese are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Havanese can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Havanese can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Havanese gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Havanese are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Havanese have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Havanese require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Havanese get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Havanese have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Carolina Dog versus Havanese

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Carolina Dog and the Havanese.

    Carolina Dogs weigh 33 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Carolina Dogs are 18 to 20 inches 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 Carolina Dog versus Havanese

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

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

    Temperament of the Carolina Dog Versus the Havanese

    The Havanese has a better temperament than the Carolina Dog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Havanese is 81.8 percent while the temperament score for the Carolina Dog is 66.7 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 66.7 percent, the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog and the Havanese by measuring the temperaments of 3 Carolina Dogs and 11 Havaneses.

    Price of Carolina Dog versus Price of Havanese

    The average price of the Carolina Dog puppy is $500. The price of the Carolina Dog typically ranges from $500 – $500. However, the price of a Carolina Dog can be as low as $500 and as high as $500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 6 Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog.

    Carolina Dog Havanese
    Average Price $500 $2180
    Price Range $500 to $500 $1700 to $2750

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Carolina Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Carolina Dogs. 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 Carolina Dog 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.

    Adopting the Carolina Dog versus Adopting the Havanese

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Carolina Dogs and many Havaneses are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Carolina Dog named Titus that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Carolina Dogs like Titus on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Carolina Dogs, Havaneses are also available for adoption. For example, Brooklyn is a Male Havanese that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Havaneses like Brooklyn that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Carolina Dog and the Havanese can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Arlo is the name of another Carolina Dog (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Ernie is an adorable Male Havanese on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Carolina Dogs and Havaneses are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Carolina Dogs and Havaneses that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Carolina Dog versus Havanese

    Carolina Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Havaneses do not like to be left alone.

    Do Carolina Dogs shed more than Havaneses?

    Carolina Dogs 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 Carolina Dog or the Havanese

    Carolina Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Havaneses do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Carolina Dog or the Havanese?

    Carolina Dogs are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Carolina Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Havanese?

    Carolina Dogs 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 Carolina Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Havaneses?

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

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

    Can Carolina Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Havaneses Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Carolina Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Havaneses can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Carolina Dog vs. Havanese

    Carolina Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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 Carolina Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Havaneses Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Carolina Dogs can tolerate hot weather.

    Havaneses can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Carolina Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Havaneses get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Carolina Dogs good family dogs? What about Havaneses?

    Carolina Dogs are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Carolina Dogs and Havaneses?

    Carolina Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Carolina Dog Easier to Train than the Havanese?

    Carolina Dogs are not easy to train.

    Havaneses are very easy to train.

    Is the Carolina Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Havanese?

    Carolina Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Havaneses adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Carolina Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Havaneses are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Carolina Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog:

  • Treeing Tennessee Brindle (75 percent match with Carolina Dog). Here is our comparison of the Havanese vs Treeing Tennessee Brindle.
  • 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 Carolina Dog vs Bichon Frise.
  • Cavachon (84 percent match with Havanese). Here is our comparison of the Carolina Dog vs Cavachon.
  • Bich Poo (85 percent match with Havanese). Here is our comparison of the Carolina Dog vs Bich Poo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Carolina Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Carolina Dog versus Cockapoo     Carolina Dog versus Sloughi     Carolina Dog versus Akita Chow     Carolina Dog versus Pomeranian     Carolina Dog versus Cairn Terrier     Carolina Dog versus Lancashire Heeler     Carolina Dog versus American Hairless Terrier     Carolina Dog versus Havanese     Carolina Dog versus Redbone Coonhound     Carolina Dog versus Borzoi     Carolina Dog versus Belgian Tervuren     Carolina Dog versus Cavachon     Carolina Dog versus Briard     Carolina Dog versus English Setter     Carolina Dog versus Xoloitzcuintli     Carolina Dog versus Tibetan Mastiff     Carolina Dog versus Shihpoo     Carolina Dog versus Bichon Frise     Carolina Dog versus Puli     Carolina Dog versus Samoyed     Carolina Dog versus Saint Bernard     Carolina Dog versus Standard Schnauzer     Carolina Dog versus Italian Greyhound     Carolina Dog versus Chinese Crested     Carolina Dog versus Chorkie     

    Havanese Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Havanese versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Havanese versus Chinese Crested     Havanese versus Mountain Cur     Havanese versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Havanese versus Pekingese     Havanese versus Norwich Terrier     Havanese versus Bullmastiff     Havanese versus Silky Terrier     Havanese versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Havanese versus Standard Schnauzer     Havanese versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Havanese versus Labrador Retriever     Havanese versus Affenhuahua     Havanese versus Chinese Crested     Havanese versus Labradoodle     Havanese versus Dutch Shepherd     Havanese versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Havanese versus Pekingese     Havanese versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Havanese versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Havanese versus Cairn Terrier     Havanese versus Norwegian Buhund     Havanese versus Bull Terrier     Havanese versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Havanese versus Pyrenean Mastiff     

    Conclusion: Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog and the Havanese better suits you and your family.