Havanese vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi
A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.
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
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Also known as: Corgi, PWC, Pembroke, Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a sturdy herding breed with distinctive short legs and a fox-like face. Don't let the cute loaf shape fool you - beneath the fluff lies a tough, bossy cattle herder with high energy and a powerful bark. Originally bred to move cattle by nipping at heels, Corgis retain strong herding instincts and require dedicated training to channel their intelligence and energy.
Medium
High
12-15 yrs
25-30 cm
10-14 kg
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Havanese | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Havanese | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Extra Small | Medium |
| Energy Level | Medium | High |
| Grooming | High | Medium |
| Trainability | Easy | Moderate |
| Barking Level | Medium | High |
| Shedding Level | Low | High |
| Chew strength | Light | Moderate |
| Housing | Apartment | Apartment |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Havanese | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Beginner | Beginner (active and firm) |
| First-Time Owner | ||
| Ideal Owner | 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. | Active owner who wants a big dog personality in a small package. Firm but fair trainer who won't let cuteness excuse bad behavior. Prepared for shedding, barking, and vet bills. |
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
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Dealbreakers
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Noise sensitivity (you or neighbors)
- Living in 3+ floor walk-up (bad for backs long-term)
- Cannot afford $3,000+ emergency fund for IVDD
Surrender Risk
| Factor | Havanese | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | Low | Medium |
| Primary Reasons | Owner lifestyle change (divorce, moving, death), Housebreaking failure - people underestimate potty training commitment | Nipping children - parents underestimate herding instinct, Neighbor complaints about barking, Inability to afford IVDD surgery ($3,000-8,000) |
Temperament & Personality
Behavior Comparison
| Trait | Havanese | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Havanese | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | Medium | High |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | Medium | Medium |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Havanese | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Low | Moderate |
Havanese Social Traits
Low
Low - generally loves other dogs
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Social Traits
Moderate
Bossy with other dogs, same-sex aggression possible at maturity (12-24 months)
Training
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
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Keep sessions short and fun - they bore quickly
- Use their extreme food motivation to your advantage
- Address nipping immediately - redirect to toys, not hands
- Socialize extensively to prevent bossiness and reactivity
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.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Considerations
Bred to control cattle with barks and nips, Corgis will announce every delivery truck, passerby, and leaf. High-pitched, persistent barking can lead to neighbor complaints and eviction in apartments.
Genetically hardwired to control movement by nipping heels. In homes, this means chasing and nipping running children or other pets. Not aggressive, but frightening for toddlers.
Intelligent but independent thinkers who ask 'What's in it for me?' They can be manipulative and will run the household if owners are passive.
Velcro dogs that bond intensely. Left alone without training, they become destructive and vocal. Tolerate 4-6 hours max if exercised.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | Havanese | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Excellent - generally great with cats | Good with confident cats who stand their ground - may try to herd rather than harm |
| Small Mammals | Safe - low prey drive makes them one of safest breeds for rabbits and guinea pigs | Moderate - high prey drive for moving objects, supervision required |
| Birds / Reptiles | Safe - generally lacks drive to harm, though always supervise | Low/Moderate - curious and may harass |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | Havanese | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Arrested | Arrested at Nip |
| Biddability | High | Medium |
| Noise Sensitivity | Medium | Low |
| Territorial Barking | ||
| Same-Sex Aggression Onset | N/A | 18 months |
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).
Pembroke Welsh Corgi: Predatory sequence: Eye → Stalk → Chase → Nip. The 'kill' bite is inhibited but the nip is prominent - this is why they nip heels. High intelligence but medium biddability - they learn fast but ask 'What's in it for me?'
First Year & Life Stages
First Year Challenges
| Challenge | Havanese | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 4-12 | 6-12 |
| House Training | Hard | Moderate |
| Crate Training | Medium | High |
| Adolescent Regression |
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.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi: Known as 'land sharks' - the nipping phase is intense and prolonged due to herding genetics. Will chase pant legs and nip ankles. Socialization critical to prevent bossiness and reactivity.
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | Havanese | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 12 months | 12 months |
| Adolescence | 6-18 | 6-18 |
| Adult Years | 2-9 | 2-8 |
| Senior Onset | ~10 years | ~9 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-3 years | 1-4 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | Havanese | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-28 cm | 25-30 cm |
| Weight | Not enough data yet | Not enough data yet |
| Size Category | Extra Small | Medium |
| Lifespan | 14–16 years | 12–15 years |
| Litter Size | 4-6 | 6-7 |
Havanese Coat
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Havanese | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | Companion dog for Cuban aristocracy - bred to sit on laps, act as bed warmers, and entertain | Cattle herding (heeler) - ducking under kicks and nipping heels to drive herds |
| Origin | Cuba, 18th-19th century (descended from Blanquito de la Habana and Bichon Tenerife) | Pembrokeshire, Wales - bred as farm dogs for centuries |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Havanese | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Low | Low-Moderate |
| Whelping Difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Low |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Havanese | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | Low | Low |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Low | High |
| Min Fence Height | 1m | 1.2m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | Low | Low |
Health & Common Conditions
Havanese Health Issues
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Health Issues
Havanese Suggested Tests
- Hip Evaluation (OFA)
- Patella Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation (CAER)
- BAER Hearing Test
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Suggested Tests
- DM genetic test
- vWD genetic test
- EIC genetic test
- Hip evaluation
- Eye exam (CERF)
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | Havanese | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Low | Low |
| Cardiac Risk | Medium | Low |
| Neurological Risk | Low | High |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Low | Low |
| Vet Burden Tier | Medium | Medium-High |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | Havanese | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Low | Low |
| Food Allergies | Chicken, Grains |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | Havanese | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Normal | Fast |
| Eye Care Needs | High | Low |
| Anal Gland Issues | Occasional | Occasional |
Senior Care & Aging
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.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Hind-end weakness (DM or IVDD)
- Arthritis
- Spinal degeneration
- Obesity-related complications
Many senior Corgis need wheelchairs to maintain quality of life if DM or IVDD progresses. Ramps become essential. Keeping them lean their whole life is the best prevention.
Grooming & Care
Havanese
high maintenancePembroke Welsh Corgi
medium maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Havanese Daily Life
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Havanese | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | Under 25lbs | 25-50lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Havanese | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | Medium | Moderate |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Havanese | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Excellent | Good |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Havanese | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | Medium | Medium |
| Therapy Dog | High | Medium |
| Deep Pressure Therapy | ||
| Canicross / Bikejoring | ||
| Apartment Adaptable | ||
| Tactile / Sensory Friendly | ||
| Livestock Guardian | ||
| Medical Alert | Low | Medium |
Costs & Expenses
Upfront Costs
| Cost | Havanese | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,500-3,500+ | $1,000-3,000 |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,500–$3,500 | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | Havanese | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $100–$200 | $100–$180 |
| Yearly Range | $1,500–$2,500 | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Food / Month | $20-40 | $30-50 |
| Insurance / Month | $30-50 | $40-70 |
| Grooming / Session | $60-100 | $50-80 |
| Vet Routine / Year | $300-500 | $200-500 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Havanese Lifetime Cost
$20,000-35,000
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Lifetime Cost
$20,000-50,000
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Havanese | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Rare | Occasional |
| Slobber Level | None | None |
| Smell When Wet | Mild | Moderate |
| Zoomies Frequency | Daily | Daily |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | None | Low |
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
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Quirks
Splooting
Lying flat on belly with legs stretched out behind - signature Corgi pose
Frapping/Zoomies
Frenetic Random Activity Periods - tucking butts and running in circles at high speed
Fun Police
Will bark at and try to break up rough play between other pets or humans - herding instinct to control chaos
Corgi Glitter
Shed fur gets everywhere - you will eat hair, wear hair, and sleep in hair. Year-round shedding with two massive 'coat blows'
Frequently Asked Questions
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