Havanese vs Old English Sheepdog
Toy · Small vs Herding · Large
HavaneseSmall
An intelligent, outgoing, funny lapdog — Cuba's national dog with a silky, hypoallergenic coat.
Weight: 7–13 lbsLifespan: 14–16 years
Old English SheepdogLarge
An adaptable, smart, gentle drover from western England — the shaggy 'Dulux dog' with hidden eyes.
Weight: 60–100 lbsLifespan: 10–12 years
Quick take
- • Old English Sheepdog is the larger breed at 60–100 lbs (males) vs 7–13 lbs for the Havanese.
- • The Havanese typically lives longer (14–16 years).
- • The Havanese sheds less.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Havanese | Old English Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
Group | Toy | Herding |
Size | Small | Large |
Origin | Cuba | England |
Height (male) | 8.5–11.5" | 22–24" |
Height (female) | 8.5–11.5" | 21–23" |
Weight (male) | 7–13 lbs | 60–100 lbs |
Weight (female) | 7–13 lbs | 60–100 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 14–16 years | 10–12 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Moderate (3/5) | 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. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Very Low (1/5) | High (4/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Low (2/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with kids | Very High (5/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with other dogs | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with strangers | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Very Low (1/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | long | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | Yes | No |
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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.
About the Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog is an adaptable, smart, gentle drover from western England — the shaggy 'Dulux dog' with hidden eyes. Originally from England, this large herding breed typically weighs 60–100 lbs and lives 10–12 years. Breeders describe them as adaptable, smart, gentle.
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Havanese health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Cataracts
- • Heart problems
Old English Sheepdog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Cataracts
- • Hypothyroidism
- • Deafness