Cane Corso vs Havanese

Working · Large vs Toy · Small

Quick take
  • Cane Corso is the larger breed at 99–110 lbs (males) vs 7–13 lbs for the Havanese.
  • The Havanese typically lives longer (14–16 years).
  • The Cane Corso has higher daily energy needs.
  • The Havanese sheds less.

Side-by-side traits

TraitCane CorsoHavanese
Group
WorkingToy
Size
LargeSmall
Origin
ItalyCuba
Height (male)
25–27.5"8.5–11.5"
Height (female)
23.5–26"8.5–11.5"
Weight (male)
99–110 lbs7–13 lbs
Weight (female)
88–99 lbs7–13 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
9–12 years14–16 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Moderate (3/5)Very Low (1/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Very Low (1/5)High (4/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
High (4/5)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
Low (2/5)Very High (5/5)
Good with strangers
Low (2/5)Very High (5/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Very High (5/5)Very Low (1/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Moderate (3/5)Very High (5/5)
Coat length
shortlong
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoYes
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About the Cane Corso

The Cane Corso is an assertive, smart, intelligent Italian guard mastiff — Roman war dog turned modern protector. Originally from Italy, this large working breed typically weighs 99–110 lbs and lives 9–12 years. Breeders describe them as assertive, smart, intelligent.

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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Cane Corso health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Bloat
  • Eye problems
  • Cherry eye

Havanese health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Patellar luxation
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Cataracts
  • Heart problems