Border Collie vs Havanese
Herding · Medium vs Toy · Small
Border CollieMedium
The world's premier sheep herder and the most intelligent dog breed — a workaholic that needs a purpose.
Weight: 30–55 lbsLifespan: 12–15 years
HavaneseSmall
An intelligent, outgoing, funny lapdog — Cuba's national dog with a silky, hypoallergenic coat.
Weight: 7–13 lbsLifespan: 14–16 years
Quick take
- • Border Collie is the larger breed at 30–55 lbs (males) vs 7–13 lbs for the Havanese.
- • The Havanese typically lives longer (14–16 years).
- • The Border Collie has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Havanese sheds less.
- • The Border Collie is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Border Collie | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
Group | Herding | Toy |
Size | Medium | Small |
Origin | Scotland | Cuba |
Height (male) | 19–22" | 8.5–11.5" |
Height (female) | 18–21" | 8.5–11.5" |
Weight (male) | 30–55 lbs | 7–13 lbs |
Weight (female) | 30–55 lbs | 7–13 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–15 years | 14–16 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | High (4/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with kids | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with other dogs | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with strangers | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Moderate (3/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Low (2/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Coat length | medium | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | Yes |
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About the Border Collie
The Border Collie is the world's premier sheep herder and the most intelligent dog breed — a workaholic that needs a purpose. Originally from Scotland, this medium herding breed typically weighs 30–55 lbs and lives 12–15 years. Breeders describe them as affectionate, smart, energetic.
About the Havanese
The Havanese is an intelligent, outgoing, funny lapdog — Cuba's national dog with a silky, hypoallergenic coat. Originally from Cuba, this small toy breed typically weighs 7–13 lbs and lives 14–16 years. Breeders describe them as intelligent, outgoing, funny.
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Border Collie health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Epilepsy
- • Collie eye anomaly
- • MDR1 gene mutation
Havanese health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Cataracts
- • Heart problems