Komondor vs Havanese - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Komondor vs Havanese - Breed ComparisonHavanese is originated from Cuba but Komondor is originated from Hungary. Havanese may grow 49 cm / 19 inches shorter than Komondor. Havanese may weigh 54 kg / 119 pounds lesser than Komondor. Havanese may live 4 years more than Komondor. Both Havanese and Komondor has almost same litter size. Both Havanese and Komondor requires High Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Working dog
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Cuba
Hungary
Height Male:
23 - 27 cm
9 - 11 inches
64 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
Height Female:
21 - 25 cm
8 - 10 inches
64 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
40 - 60 kg
88 - 133 pounds
Weight Female:
2 - 5 kg
4 - 12 pounds
40 - 60 kg
88 - 133 pounds
Life Span:
14 - 16 Years
8 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 9
3 - 10
Size:
Toy
Large
Other Names:
Havanese Cuban Bichon Bichón Havanés Havaneser Havanezer Bichon Habanero
Hungarian sheepdog, Mop dogs
Colors Available:
colors all colors
White
Coat:
coat type soft and curly
Long, thick, corded or dreadlocks
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Friendly, Intelligent, Outgoing, Playful
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
High Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

havaneseThe only breed of dog that is native to Cuba is the Havanese. These little dogs are great companion animals. Sociable and happy, they are very popular in the United States with urbanites. These happy little pups are a Bichon type of dog which was developed from the “Little White Dog of Havana” or the Blanquito de la Habana which is now extinct.

The Blanquito de la Habana was itself developed from another extinct breed the Bichon Tenerife. Then the Blanquito was bred with the other Bichons and poodles in developing the Havanese. It is believed that some of the first people to settle in Cuba were from Tenerife, an island close to Cuba. In the early part of the sixteenth century, little white dogs were brought to Cuba with these settlers. This dog of Tenerife is believed to be the ancestor of all Bichon breeds.

At that time trade with Cuba was highly restricted by the Spanish and so these dogs developed without any crossing from other breeds from outside the country. They grew to be able to stand hot temperatures and they grew a very unique coat – almost like silk. Their coat is soft and light, while insulating them from the tropical environment.

At this time Cuba was the place to be for Europeans aristocrats on vacation. Unlike the British colonies, Cuba had theatres, operas and palacious. When going back to Europe, many took this little white dog with them to France, Spain and England. The Dog of Havannah was a favorite on European soil as well. Many of these dogs taken to Europe were fawn or parti instead of white. Meanwhile back in Cuba, the bourgeoisie were replacing the aristocracy who themselves would soon be replaced by the Revolution.

During the days of the bourgeoisie, the Havanese became very popular household pets. The breed has been a family pet for the last 150 years. At the same time the breed was very trendy in Europe with Charles Dickens and Queen Victoria owning several. They were by now familiar participants in Europe’s dog shows. Finally, with the Revolution, the bourgeoisie left the country in droves with their little white dogs. A genetic pool was then formed in the US. Gene pool from 11 dogs. All the Havanese in the world are descended from those 11 dogs with the exception of the dogs isolated in Cuba and the US. Today the Havanese is one of the most popular and fastest growing breeds in the world.

komondorLooking like a giant mop, and sometimes being referred to as 'mop dogs' the Komondor, known also as the Hungarian sheepdog, hails from Hungary.

The dog was brought to Europe centuries ago so he is a well established breed. It has been declared as one of the country's national treasures.

He is a dog related to many other dogs such as the Pulim the Ovcharka, the Bearded Collie, Old English Sheepdog and others.

Description

havanese puppy - descriptionThe Havanese is a sturdy little dog, a member of the toy group. They weigh no more than 16 pounds (7.3kg) and his body is longer than it is tall. The breed has a unique topline that is not level, but it is straight. His front legs are longer than his hind legs producing the lively gait everyone is used to seeing with a Havanese. With a full muzzle that tapers to the nose, the Havanese does not seem to be short. The skull’s length is the same as the muzzle’s. The head of the Havanese is round in the back and flat in the front.

They have a deep chest, almond shaped eyes that are dark brown and their ears are about halfway down the nose. The long ears hang down the side od the face. They have a long plumed tail that is held high and upward. The standard for the breed and now the laws of the United Kingdom state that there can be no docking of the tail.

komondor puppy - descriptionKnown for his unique long corded, singular white coat, the Komondor, a molosser dog, is large. Females start at 64cm in height and both males and females can reach up to 76cm in height.

This unusual coat of theirs is wavy and actually forms cords or dreadlocks as the dog matures. You can't easily see the dog's face because of all the hair.You also can't see the tail easily, in fact you might think he hasn't got a tail as it is obscured by the hair. The tail is medium length and held low.

He has a large head, dark brown eyes, and floppy ears. The coat is certainly going to require grooming even though the dog doesn't shed much. His body is robust and well muscled with the body being slightly longer than the height of the dog.

Temperament:

The Komondor has been a dog used for guarding livestock, and while his character is calm and balanced, when the livestock is threatened, he can show another side – more aggressive – as he defends his flock. He makes an excellent watchdog.

He is an affectionate dog with his human family, being a gentle playmate of children. He is slightly reserved and wary of strangers, and is willing to guard and protect his human family from them.

He is also good with other family pets. When you look at him you might think of him as not being very energetic, but he is an athletic dog, fast and powerful. Because of his size and speed, it is best to have him trained and socialized as he can be obstinate. Training him makes him obedient.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

havanese dog - characteristicsHavanese are highly intelligent and eager to please, and they are easily trained so long as you use only positive methods. This can be a sensitive breed, so care must be taken to not scold them harshly. Socialization from an early age is very important. Expose them calmly to a wide variety of new places and new people, always ensuring that the experiences are positive and not intimidating. Gentle, patient training will result in a wonderful companion dog. They are affectionate with people and get along with other nonaggressive pets.

Special talents

The Havanese is the consummate lap dog. Over time they have become the lovable family companion.

Adaptability

The breed is pretty adaptable being able to live as a companion animal in almost any setting. Just don’t expect your Havanese to go hiking or romp with you on 40 acres in the country.

Learning

They are intelligent, love to learn but can be a little stubborn. Train them early as they like their habits and its much harder to train an older Havanese.

komondor dog - characteristicsThe Komondor is known for his strong guardian characteristics, especially with his human family. He is loving and loyal towards them while being wary of strangers.

True, his coat can make people think twice before making this dog a pet, but if you're game and ready to attend to his coat, he can make an excellent family pet. They're fine with other pets too, and he is also an intelligent dog, capable of being easily trained.

He needs a good deal of exercise and can become noisy and destructive without the right amount of stimulation. If you do your part with the Komondor and provide him with a loving, caring home, he will be an awesome pet and guard you with his life.

Health Problems

havanese puppies - health problemsA very healthy breed, the Havanese doesn’t have a lot of health issues, but they are not immune to the problems of small breed dogs. The issues they do have are:

  1. Luxating Patella – can result in arthritis or lameness
  2. Liver Disease – could be fatal
  3. Heart Disease – could be fatal
  4. Cataracts – can be discomforting by will not cause total blindness
  5. Retinal Dysplasia – this eye disease is more serious than the cataracts but is also non-progressive and is caused by a viral infection.
  6. Hip Dysplasia – causes lameness and arthritis -most small dogs are susceptible to this

komondor puppies - health problemsThe Komondor is a healthy dog breed who can live to be 10, 11 or 12 years if you look after him well. There aren't any known genetic disorders prominent with the dog, but it pays to know about some of those that could strike -

Entropion:

This is an irritating eye problem where the eyelash rubs up against the eyes.The result can be scratching of the cornea and eye infections. It is an eye problem which can be corrected with surgery.

Hip Dysplasia:

Hip dysplasia is a serious genetically inherited disorder and common in large dog breeds. It is caused by a malformation of the hip joint. It can cause problems for the dog, weakening the hip and making it incapable of supporting the weight of the dog.

It also leads to pain for the dog, difficulty with moving and even total lameness. Weight, size of dog, age and genetics are all factors which can increase the dog's likelihood of developing hip dysplasia.

Whimpering, lethargy and refusing to put weight on the leg are common signs of hip dysplasia and your vet will go ahead with ways to relieve the pain and symptoms of your Komondor.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

havanese dogs - caringFeed 3 to 4 times per day a high quality dry puppy food for toy or small dogs. Feed ¼ to ½ cup each time.

Feeding the adult

Remember these are small dogs and don’t overfeed. Feed a high quality dry food for small or toy dogs. Feed twice a day at about ½ cup each time.

Points for Good Health

The breed is generally very healthy.

Games and Exercises

This breed is not an overly active dog, but he does need some exercise. A nice walk once a day or a backyard to play in. They play inside as well as out. Don’t over exercise the Havanese. They do well in obedience and confirmation more so than agility or fly ball

Grooming:

komondor dogs - caringThe Komondor is most certainly not a low maintenance dog with that extraordinary coat.Before the dog turns 1, the coat begins to form its cords. These cords can become discolored and matted, In fact the cords will need to be separated to keep the dog clean and free of matted hair.

For those who keep the dog as a pet and who don't want him to be a show dog, he can be trimmed, otherwise the coat and its maintenance could turn out to be a real issue.

Of course once the distinctive coat has been sheared, he loses that typical and recognizable Komondor look.

Check his ears on a regular basis for wax- and dirt buildup so as to prevent ear infection.

Teeth need to be checked regularly to prevent tartar buildup and if you don't have the time or the knowledge to keep his teeth clean and maintained, take him to the vet as the teeth-treatments they do there will promote healthy teeth and gums.

Comparison with other breeds

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  9. Havanese vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Havanese vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Havanese vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
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  26. Komondor vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Komondor vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Komondor vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Komondor vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Komondor vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Komondor vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Komondor vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Komondor vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Komondor vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Komondor vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Komondor vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Komondor vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Komondor vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Komondor vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Komondor vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Komondor vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Komondor vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Komondor vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Komondor vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Komondor vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Komondor vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Komondor vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Komondor vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Komondor vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Komondor vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison