Havanese vs German Shepherd
Discover the differences between Havanese and German Shepherd to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Havanese
A cheerful, affectionate, and playful breed with a silky, flowing coat. Thrives as a loving companion and brings joy with a gentle, outgoing personality.
German Shepherd
Confident, loyal, and highly intelligent, this breed thrives as both a devoted family companion and a reliable working partner. Always alert and eager to learn, it adapts to many roles with ease.
Quick comparison
Small
4.5–7.3 kg
Long, silky
14–16 years
3.6–6.8 kg
Moderately active
Large
30–40 kg
Double coat, dense undercoat
9–13 years
22–32 kg
High energy
Personality & behavior
Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.
Havanese
Affectionate with people and other animals
Learns commands and routines quickly
Moderate activity needs, enjoys daily walks
Loves games and interactive activities
Adjusts well to new environments and changes
German Shepherd
Warm with family, reserved with strangers
Quick learner, highly trainable and alert
Needs regular activity and vigorous exercise
Enjoys games, interactive and engaging
Adjusts well to new situations and environments
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Havanese
Cataracts, patellar luxation
German Shepherd
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Havanese
Great choice
Easygoing nature and adaptability make Havanese manageable for new dog owners
Perfect fit
Small size and moderate energy suit apartments with limited space
Moderately suitable
Enjoys play but may tire quickly during intense activities
Excellent companion
Affectionate and gentle, making them safe playmates for young children
Very friendly
Generally sociable and gets along well with other pets
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone for long periods and can develop separation issues
German Shepherd
Challenging for beginners
Needs experienced, consistent training and socialization
Not ideal
Needs space and frequent exercise to prevent boredom
Perfect fit
Thrives with active owners who can provide daily physical and mental challenges
Highly suitable
Loyal and protective, can be gentle and patient with proper socialization
Usually compatible
Can get along with other pets if raised together and well socialized
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone for long periods and may develop behavioral issues
Breed strengths
What each breed excels at and their best qualities
Havanese
- Affectionate with family and children
- Adapts well to apartment living
- Generally sociable with other dogs
- Highly trainable and eager to please
- Low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat
German Shepherd
- Highly intelligent and quick to learn tasks
- Strong loyalty to family members
- Excellent working and service dog abilities
- Protective instincts make them good guardians
- Adaptable to various training activities
Challenges & considerations
Potential challenges and considerations for each breed
Havanese
- Prone to separation anxiety when left alone
- Requires frequent grooming and coat care
- Can be shy around unfamiliar people
- Sensitive to harsh training methods
- May develop nuisance barking if bored
German Shepherd
- Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia
- High exercise needs require daily activity
- Can develop separation anxiety if left alone
- May be wary of strangers without socialization
- Heavy seasonal shedding requires frequent grooming
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