Differences and Similarities between the Collie and the Havanese.

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Collie Versus Havanese: Introduction

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

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

Collie versus Havanese

Collie versus Havanese: Overview

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

Furthermore, the 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.

Collie versus Havanese: Comparison Table

The table below compares the 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 Collie and the Havanese

Factor Collie Havanese
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 12 to 15 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Height 22 to 26 inches all 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
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 4/5
Weight 50 to 70 pounds 7 to 13 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1480 $2180
Price Range $1000 – $1800 $1700 – $2750
Temperament Score 80.8 percent 81.8 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Dermatomyositis
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 37 23

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the 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 Collie is 83 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 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 Collie and the Havanese so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Collie versus Havanese

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Collie and the Havanese

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

  • Collies shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Havaneses do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • The Similarities Between the Collie and the Havanese

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

  • Both the Collie and the Havanese do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Collie and the Havanese do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Collie and the Havanese do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Collie and the Havanese require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Collie and the Havanese do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Collie and the Havanese are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Collie and the Havanese can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Collie and the Havanese get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Collie and the Havanese are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Collie and the Havanese are very easy to train.
  • Both the Collie and the Havanese are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Collie and the Havanese have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Collie and the Havanese are very playful.
  • Both the 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 Collie and the Havanese are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Collie and the Havanese get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Collie versus Havanese

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

    Collies weigh 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Collies are 22 to 26 inches all 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 Collie versus Havanese

    The lifespan of Collies is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Collies is 12.0 years.

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

    Havaneses live longer than Collies.

    Collie versus Havanese

    Temperament of the Collie Versus the Havanese

    The Havanese has a better temperament than the Collie.

    This is because the temperament score for the Havanese is 81.8 percent while the temperament score for the Collie is 80.8 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 80.8 percent, the 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 Collie and the Havanese by measuring the temperaments of 896 Collies and 11 Havaneses.

    Price of Collie versus Price of Havanese

    The average price of the Collie puppy is $1480. The price of the Collie typically ranges from $1000 – $1800. However, the price of a Collie can be as low as $300 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 356 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 Collie.

    Collie Havanese
    Average Price $1480 $2180
    Price Range $1000 to $1800 $1700 to $2750

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of 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 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.

    Collie versus Havanese

    The Popularity of 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 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 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 Collie is 37 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Collie

    Popularity of Collie

    Popularity of Havanese

    Popularity of Havanese

    Year Collie Popularity Rank Havanese Popularity Rank
    2013 35 25
    2014 36 25
    2015 36 24
    2016 37 23
    2017 40 23
    2018 38 24
    2019 38 22
    2020 40 24

    Health Problems of 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 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 Collie.

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

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

    Collie Health Problems

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

  • Clear By Parentage
  • Dermatomyositis
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for 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 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 Collie Breed is Collie Eye Anomaly problems.

    This is because the Collie ranks 1 out of 7 dog breeds for Collie Eye Anomaly problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 114 Collies, 16 of them had Collie Eye Anomaly problems.

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

  • Collie Eye Anomaly problems: Rank 1 out of 7 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 1 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Multiple Drug Resistance (Mdr1) problems: Rank 1 out of 7 Dog Breeds
  • Dentition Database problems: Rank 13 out of 49 Dog Breeds
  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 16 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 65 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 107 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 182 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 Collie and in Havanese and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Collie and the Havanese:

    Disease Collie Rank Havanese Rank
    Collie Eye Anomaly problems 1 out of 7 dog breeds Not Common
    Eyes problems 1 out of 182 dog breeds 111 out of 182 dog breeds
    Multiple Drug Resistance (Mdr1) problems 1 out of 7 dog breeds Not Common
    Dentition Database problems 13 out of 49 dog breeds 3 out of 49 dog breeds
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems 16 out of 70 dog breeds Not Common
    Thyroid problems 65 out of 115 dog breeds 20 out of 115 dog breeds
    Elbow problems 107 out of 144 dog breeds 55 out of 144 dog breeds
    Hips problems 182 out of 198 dog breeds 123 out of 198 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
    Congenital Cardiac problems Not Common 70 out of 159 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: Collie versus Havanese

    Collies do not like to be left alone.

    Havaneses do not like to be left alone.

    Do Collies shed more than Havaneses?

    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 Collie or the Havanese

    Collies do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Havaneses do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    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 Collie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Havanese?

    Collies 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 Collies Bark and Howl? What about Havaneses?

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

    Collies can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Havaneses can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Collie vs. Havanese

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

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

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

    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 Collie or the Havanese?

    Collies get along very well with other dogs.

    Havaneses get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Collies good family dogs? What about Havaneses?

    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 Collies and Havaneses?

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

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

    Is the Collie Easier to Train than the Havanese?

    Collies are very easy to train.

    Havaneses are very easy to train.

    Is the Collie Better for Apartment Owners than the Havanese?

    Collies adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Havaneses adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Collies are very good for new dog owners.

    Havaneses are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Collie

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

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

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

    Collie Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Collie versus Coton de Tulear     Collie versus Portuguese Water Dog     Collie versus Briard     Collie versus Finnish Spitz     Collie versus Manchester Terrier     Collie versus Alaskan Malamute     Collie versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Collie versus Spanish Mastiff     Collie versus Goldador     Collie versus Bluetick Coonhound     Collie versus Labrador Retriever     Collie versus Ibizan Hound     Collie versus Yorkipoo     Collie versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Collie versus Great Dane     Collie versus Bull Terrier     Collie versus Chi-Poo     Collie versus Azawakh     Collie versus Australian Cattle Dog     Collie versus Rottweiler     Collie versus King Shepherd     Collie versus Puli     Collie versus Chinese Crested     Collie versus Basenji     Collie versus Shiloh Shepherd     

    Havanese Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Havanese versus Valley Bulldog     Havanese versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Havanese versus Westiepoo     Havanese versus Giant Schnauzer     Havanese versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Havanese versus Boykin Spaniel     Havanese versus Tibetan Terrier     Havanese versus Puggle     Havanese versus Miniature Schnauzer     Havanese versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Havanese versus Plott     Havanese versus Scottish Terrier     Havanese versus Xoloitzcuintli     Havanese versus Vizsla     Havanese versus Stabyhoun     Havanese versus Pomsky     Havanese versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Havanese versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Havanese versus Pomsky     Havanese versus Maltese     Havanese versus Clumber Spaniel     Havanese versus Miniature Schnauzer     Havanese versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Havanese versus Standard Poodle     Havanese versus Bull Terrier     

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