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Havanese vs Shih Tzu Comparison – Which dog is better Bichon Habanero or Chrysanthemum Dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Havanese vs Shih Tzu" Compare Havanese and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Havanese or Shih Tzu?
 
 
 
Name Havanese Shih Tzu
OriginsCuba flagCuba China flagChina
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank2320
Reviews515
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Bichon Habanero
Bichon Havanais
Bichon Havanes
Havanese Cuban Bichon
Havaneser
Havanezer
Bichon Havanese
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Havanese vs Shih Tzu breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred

Havanese vs Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, Havanese or Shih Tzu? Is the Havanese bigger than the Shih Tzu breed? Is a Havanese smaller than a Shih Tzu?
Small Small
Weight
Which is heavier, Havanese or Shih Tzu? Havanese vs Shih Tzu weight comparison:
7-13 pounds (3-6 kg) 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
10 pounds (4.5 kg) 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Havanese or Shih Tzu? Is a Havanese taller than a Shih Tzu?
8-11 inches (21-29 cm) 8-11 inches (20-28 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
10 inches (25 cm) 9.5 inches (24 cm)

Havanese vs Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Havanese or Shih Tzu? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Havanese and Shih Tzu?
$900-$1200 $800-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Havanese or Shih Tzu?
Very frequent: The Havanese is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.

Havanese vs Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Havanese or Shih Tzu smarter? Which is best? Havanese vs Shih Tzu intelligence:
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
See more.
Trainability
Havanese vs Shih Tzu trainability comparison. What's the difference between Havanese vs Shih Tzu?
Havanese dogs are very easy to train.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Havanese or Shih Tzu?
Havanese dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Havanese or Shih Tzu? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Havanese dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

Havanese vs Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Havanese or Shih Tzu? Havanese vs Shih Tzu behavior/temperament comparison:
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Companionable
Sturdy
Amiable
Charming
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Havanese vs Shih Tzu?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Havanese vs Shih Tzu?
High: Havanese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Havanese vs Shih Tzu social needs comparison:
Havanese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Havanese vs Shih Tzu?
Havanese dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Havanese vs Shih Tzu? Which can be better for hunting?
Havanese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Havanese vs Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Havanese vs Shih Tzu playfulness comparison:
The Havanese is a highly playful breed.
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Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Havanese vs Shih Tzu?
Low to Average: The Havanese rarely barks.
See more.
A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Havanese or Shih Tzu?
Very house-friendly dog the Havanese breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.

Havanese vs Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Havanese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Havanese or Shih Tzu?
Havanese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Havanese vs Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Havanese or Shih Tzu?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Havanese bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.
Biting Potential
Is a Havanese more dangerous than a Shih Tzu?

Low 🔽

The Havanese has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Havanese vs Shih Tzu mouthiness comparison:
Havanese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

Havanese vs Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Havanese vs Shih Tzu health comparison. Which is the healthier: Havanese vs Shih Tzu?
The Havanese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Havanese vs Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Havanese vs Shih Tzu health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Heart Murmurs
Hip Dysplasia
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Deafness
Chondrodysplasia
Elbow Dysplasia
Mitral Valve Disease
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Umbilical Hernias
Ear Infections
Distichiasis
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Bladder Stones
Ectopic Cilia
Reverse Sneezing
Dry Eye
Proptosis
Juvenile Renal Dysplasia
Keratitis
Retained Baby Teeth
Snuffles
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Havanese vs Shih Tzu?
Average
The Havanese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Havanese vs Shih Tzu lifespan comparison. How long do Havanese and Shih Tzu breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Havanese and Shih Tzu?
14-16 years
The average lifespan of Havanese: 15 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Havanese vs Shih Tzu?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.

Havanese vs Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Havanese or Shih Tzu? Havanese vs Shih Tzu energy level comparison:
Havanese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Havanese vs Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Havanese or Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Havanese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Havanese or Shih Tzu?
Havanese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.

Havanese vs Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Havanese or Shih Tzu? Does the Havanese breed eat more than the Shih Tzu breed?
1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Havanese vs Shih Tzu weight gain potential comparison:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Havanese's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.

Havanese vs Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Havanese vs Shih Tzu coat comparison:
Soft
Wavy
Woolly
Flat
Long
Dense
Colors
What are the original Havanese and Shih Tzu color? Havanese vs Shih Tzu color comparison:
Black
White
Fawn
Reddish-Brown
Havana Brown
Tobacco
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Havanese or Shih Tzu? Havanese vs Shih Tzu grooming comparison:
Average: The Havanese requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Havanese or Shih Tzu? Do Havanese dogs shed more than Shih Tzu dogs?
Havanese dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Havanese or Shih Tzu?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Havanese vs Shih Tzu hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
Yes See more. Yes See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Havanese or Shih Tzu?

Low 🔽

The Havanese has a low chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between Havanese vs Shih Tzu?
The Havanese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Havanese vs Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Havanese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Havanese or Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?
Havanese dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Havanese or Shih Tzu?
Havanese dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Havanese or Shih Tzu?
Havanese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Havanese or Shih Tzu? Can a Havanese and a Shih Tzu be friends? Do Havanese dogs get along with Shih Tzu dogs?
Havanese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Havanese vs Shih Tzu?
Yes
Havanese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Havanese is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Havaneses are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.

Havanese vs Shih Tzu As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Havanese or Shih Tzu? Which is better for autism?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Havanese vs Shih Tzu?

Not really

Havanese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Fighting Dog / Military Dog

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Havanese vs Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Havanese and Shih Tzu have? Havanese vs Shih Tzu litter size comparison:
1-9 puppies, average 4 2-5 puppies

Havanese vs Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Havanese Club of America
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

Rate This Comparsion - Havanese vs Shih Tzu

Reviews

  • Caitlyn

    Nov 26, 2019, 6:31:46 PM:

    Im a bit confused. You said havanese are very easy to train. Then you said they are not good with first time owners. They are amazing with first time owners. With shih tzus they do good with kids actually.

  • Erica

    Jan 11, 2021, 3:38:52 AM:

    I noticed the same thing as Caitlyn. The review said their easy to train, then said not recommended for first time owners because they're stubborn. Not sure I understand the reasoning behind that.

  • Karen

    Nov 15, 2021, 11:59:33 PM:

    My shitzu was amazing with little kids. He definitely didn't like a boat totally agree or water. Have to bring them for grooming every 2-3 months. Mine wasen't big on barking unless he saw another dog.