Border Collie vs Havanese
A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.
Border Collie
Also known as: Scotch Sheep Dog, Sheepdog
The Border Collie is the world's most intelligent dog breed, renowned for its exceptional herding abilities and intense work drive. Originating from the Anglo-Scottish border region, this breed requires significant mental and physical engagement daily - making it ideal for experienced owners who can provide structured activities and a job to do.
Medium
High
12-15 yrs
46-56 cm
Havanese
Also known as: Havana Silk Dog, Bichon Havanais, Cuban Bichon
The Havanese is a small, sturdy dog breed known for its friendly and affectionate nature, as well as its distinctive silky coat. Originating from Cuba, this breed is highly sociable and adaptable, making it a popular choice for families and urban dwellers alike.
Extra Small
Medium
14-16 yrs
23-28 cm
3.2-5.9 kg
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Border Collie | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming Needs | ||
| Family Friendly | ||
| Independence |
Key Characteristics
| Good with Kids | ||
| Good with Dogs | ||
| Good with Cats | ||
| Hypoallergenic | ||
| Apartment Friendly | ||
| First-Time Owner OK |
| Detail | Border Collie | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Extra Small |
| Energy Level | High | Medium |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Trainability | Easy | Easy |
| Barking Level | High | Medium |
| Shedding Level | High | Low |
| Housing | Yard | Apartment |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Border Collie | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Advanced | Beginner |
| First-Time Owner | ||
| Ideal Owner | Active individual or family with older children (8+). Has time for 90+ minutes daily of structured exercise and training. Experience with high-drive breeds. Ideally involved in dog sports (agility, flyball, herding trials). Has secure fenced yard. | Someone who works from home or has flexible schedule. Willing to commit to grooming maintenance. Patient with housebreaking challenges. Looking for affectionate companion who wants to be with them 24/7. |
Border Collie Dealbreakers
- Sedentary lifestyle - if you want a dog to sit after a 20-minute walk, do not get a Border Collie
- Apartment living without extreme dedication to exercise
- Young children (toddlers) - herding nipping is dangerous
- Cannot tolerate high-pitched barking
Havanese Dealbreakers
- Work 8+ hours away from home daily
- Want a dog that lives outside
- Cannot afford professional grooming ($800+/year)
- Want a dog that is instantly potty trained
Surrender Risk
| Factor | Border Collie | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | High | Low |
| Primary Reasons | Hyperactive/destructive behavior - owners underestimate mental stimulation needs, Aggression (often fear-based reactivity or herding nipping misidentified as aggression), Surrendered most frequently between 1-2 years of age | Owner lifestyle change (divorce, moving, death), Housebreaking failure - people underestimate potty training commitment |
Temperament & Personality
Behavior Comparison
| Trait | Border Collie | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Border Collie | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | High | Medium |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | Medium | Medium |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Border Collie | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Low | Low |
Border Collie Social Traits
High
Generally good with dogs, individual varies
Havanese Social Traits
Low
Low - generally loves other dogs
Training
Border Collie
- Use their food motivation for training
- Redirect herding instinct into appropriate outlets (fetch, agility)
- Teach 'place' command early for settling
- Keep training sessions short and varied - they get bored with repetition
Havanese
- Use their high food drive and social drive for training
- Sensitivity means harsh corrections cause shutdown or submissive urination
- Consistency is key - don't let them get away with bad behavior just because they're small
Border Collie Considerations
Unlike breeds that chew a shoe when bored, an under-stimulated Border Collie may deconstruct drywall, develop OCD behaviors like shadow chasing, or herd children by nipping their heels.
Among the most susceptible breeds to noise phobias (thunder, fireworks, traffic). This sensitivity often triggers reactivity toward moving objects - cars, joggers, and bicycles.
Most Border Collies do not come with a factory-installed 'off switch.' They must be taught to settle, otherwise they will pace and stare at owners indefinitely.
The herding instinct (nipping heels) makes them a poor fit for toddlers. They will instinctively try to control children's movement.
Havanese Considerations
Bred for centuries solely as companions to Cuban aristocracy - genetically wired to be with humans. Leaving them alone 8+ hours results in destructive chewing, excessive barking, and house soiling.
Notoriously slow to potty train. Small bladders and 'sneaky soiling' means they may not be fully reliable until 6-8 months old, sometimes older. Requires consistent positive reinforcement.
Excellent watchdogs who announce every delivery truck, neighbor, and squirrel. In apartments with thin walls, this requires dedicated training to manage.
Unless you learn to groom yourself, expect $60-100 every 4-6 weeks for professional grooming. That's $700-1,200 annually just for haircuts.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | Border Collie | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Risk of harassment - will stare and block the cat, causing immense stress | Excellent - generally great with cats |
| Small Mammals | Unsafe - prey drive triggers with small fleeing animals (rabbits, squirrels) | Safe - low prey drive makes them one of safest breeds for rabbits and guinea pigs |
| Birds / Reptiles | Poultry compatible if trained, but untrained herding instinct can stress chickens to death | Safe - generally lacks drive to harm, though always supervise |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | Border Collie | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Arrested | Arrested |
| Biddability | High | High |
| Noise Sensitivity | High | Medium |
| Territorial Barking | ||
| Same-Sex Aggression Onset | N/A | N/A |
Border Collie: Predatory sequence is Eye -> Stalk -> Chase. The 'Grab-Bite' and 'Kill-Bite' are genetically inhibited to protect sheep. However, in high-arousal state (screaming child running), inhibition can slip, leading to a 'nip.' Extremely biddable - lives to work *with* you, but soft and crumbles under harsh punishment.
Havanese: May 'Eye' and 'Chase' for play but 'Grab-Bite' and 'Kill-Bite' largely absent. Safe with hamsters and birds if supervised. High biddability but can learn bad habits fast (like barking for attention).
First Year & Life Stages
First Year Challenges
| Challenge | Border Collie | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 4-18 | 4-12 |
| House Training | Easy | Hard |
| Crate Training | High | Medium |
| Adolescent Regression |
Border Collie: Border Collie puppies are 'land sharks' - they instinctively nip at moving heels (kids, runners). This is herding instinct, not aggression. Redirecting this behavior is the primary challenge of the first year. Between 6-18 months, they often become reactive to motion or noise - this is a critical window where fear periods can become lifelong phobias.
Havanese: Sweet and generally non-destructive compared to larger breeds. Main challenge is housebreaking frustration - their 'tell' (sign they need to go) is subtle. Adolescent regression at 6-10 months coincides with 'blowing coat' phase where grooming becomes a nightmare.
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | Border Collie | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 12 months | 12 months |
| Adolescence | 6-24 | 6-18 |
| Adult Years | 2-8 | 2-9 |
| Senior Onset | ~9 years | ~10 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-4 years | 1-3 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | Border Collie | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 46-56 cm | 23-28 cm |
| Weight | N/A | 3.2-5.9 kg |
| Size Category | Medium | Extra Small |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years | 14-16 years |
| Litter Size | 4-8 | 4-6 |
Border Collie Coat
Havanese Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Border Collie | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | Gathering sheep from wide hills using 'eye' (intense staring) and 'stalking' rather than barking or nipping | Companion dog for Cuban aristocracy - bred to sit on laps, act as bed warmers, and entertain |
| Origin | Anglo-Scottish border region, 19th century | Cuba, 18th-19th century (descended from Blanquito de la Habana and Bichon Tenerife) |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Border Collie | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Low | Low |
| Whelping Difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Low |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Border Collie | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | Low | Low |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Low | Low |
| Min Fence Height | 1.8m | 1m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | Low | Low |
Health & Common Conditions
Border Collie Health Issues
Havanese Health Issues
Border Collie Suggested Tests
- Genetic panel: CEA
- Genetic panel: TNS
- Genetic panel: NCL
- Genetic panel: MDR1
- Genetic panel: Glaucoma (Goniodysgenesis)
- Hip Evaluation (OFA)
Havanese Suggested Tests
- Hip Evaluation (OFA)
- Patella Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation (CAER)
- BAER Hearing Test
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | Border Collie | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Low | Low |
| Cardiac Risk | Low | Medium |
| Neurological Risk | Medium | Low |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | High | Low |
| Vet Burden Tier | Medium | Medium |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | Border Collie | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Low | Low |
| Food Allergies | Various - individual dependent |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | Border Collie | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Normal | Normal |
| Eye Care Needs | Medium | High |
| Anal Gland Issues | Rare | Occasional |
Senior Care & Aging
Border Collie Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis/joint stiffness
- Vision decline
- Hearing loss
- Cognitive decline
Energy fades but the mind remains active. Arthritis is the main enemy. Mental enrichment remains important even as physical activity decreases.
Havanese Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Cataracts
- Heart murmurs (Mitral Valve Disease)
- Hearing loss
- Arthritis
Generally stay sharp mentally. Ramps for furniture recommended to protect backs and joints in senior years.
Grooming & Care
Border Collie
high maintenanceHavanese
high maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Border Collie Daily Life
Havanese Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Border Collie | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | 25-50lbs | Under 25lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Border Collie | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | Medium | Medium |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Border Collie | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Good | Excellent |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Border Collie | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | Medium | Medium |
| Therapy Dog | Low | High |
| Deep Pressure Therapy | ||
| Canicross / Bikejoring | ||
| Apartment Adaptable | ||
| Tactile / Sensory Friendly | ||
| Livestock Guardian | ||
| Medical Alert | Medium | Low |
Costs & Expenses
Upfront Costs
| Cost | Border Collie | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $700-2,500 | $1,500-3,500+ |
| Initial Cost Range | $700–$2,500 | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | Border Collie | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $100–$180 | $100–$200 |
| Yearly Range | $1,200–$2,200 | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Food / Month | $50-80 | $20-40 |
| Insurance / Month | $30-60 | $30-50 |
| Grooming / Session | $50-75 | $60-100 |
| Vet Routine / Year | $200-500 | $300-500 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Border Collie Lifetime Cost
$15,000-30,000
Havanese Lifetime Cost
$20,000-35,000
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Border Collie | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Rare | Rare |
| Slobber Level | None | None |
| Smell When Wet | Moderate | Mild |
| Zoomies Frequency | Daily | Daily |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | Low | None |
Border Collie Quirks
The Stare
Will stare at you for hours waiting for a signal - this is the 'eye' used in herding
Light/Shadow Chasing
A serious OCD behavior where the dog fixates on laser pointers, reflections, or shadows. NEVER use laser pointers with this breed - it can induce permanent neurological fixation
Herding Objects
May try to herd vacuum cleaners, lawnmowers, or children - driven by instinct to control movement
Border Collie Collapse (BCC)
Exercise-induced nervous system disorder where dog becomes disoriented or collapses after intense activity - distinct from heatstroke, is genetic
Havanese Quirks
Paper Shredding
Many Havanese love to shred tissues, toilet paper, and napkins - it's a common breed quirk
Perching Like a Cat
Often sit on backs of sofas or look out windows from high vantage points
Run Like Hell (RLH)
The Havanese version of zoomies - they tuck their butts and sprint in circles at high speed
Shadow Dog
Will follow you to the bathroom - they are true velcro dogs
Frequently Asked Questions
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