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Havanese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu Comparison - Dog breed selector: Bichon Habanero or Yorkie or Chrysanthemum Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Havanese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu" Compare Havanese and Yorkshire Terrier. Which is better: Havanese or Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu?
 
 
 
Name Havanese Yorkshire Terrier Shih Tzu
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Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank23920
Reviews72319
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Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu breeds.
Bichon Habanero
Bichon Havanais
Bichon Havanes
Havanese Cuban Bichon
Havaneser
Havanezer
Bichon Havanese
Yorkie Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Havanese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu? Compare adult weight ranges.
7-13 pounds (3-6 kg) 2-3 kg (4-7 pounds) 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
10 pounds (4.5 kg) 2.5 kg (5.5 pounds) 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Havanese or Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu? Havanese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu height comparison:
8-11 inches (21-29 cm) 20-23 cm (8-9 inches) 8-11 inches (20-28 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
10 inches (25 cm) 21.5 cm (8.5 inches) 9.5 inches (24 cm)

Havanese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Find price differences between these breeds.
$900-$1200 $600-$1000 $800-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Havanese or Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu?
Very frequent: The Havanese is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Yorkshire Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.

Havanese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which breed ranks highest?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Smart: The Yorkshire Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which is easiest to train?
Havanese dogs are very easy to train.
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Yorkshire Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
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Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most alert?
Havanese dogs are good watchdogs.
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Yorkshire Terrier dogs are good watchdogs.
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Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most protective?
Havanese dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Yorkshire Terrier dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Havanese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Companionable
Sturdy
Amiable
Charming
Playful
Independent
Energetic
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Loyal
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Sensitive: Yorkshire Terrier dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Havanese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu?
High: Havanese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Yorkshire Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Havanese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu social needs comparison:
Havanese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Yorkshire Terrier 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?
Havanese dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Yorkshire Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Havanese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Yorkshire Terrier dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Havanese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Havanese rarely barks.
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A lot: Yorkshire Terrier is a particularly loud breed.
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A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most playful?
The Havanese is a highly playful breed.
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Average: Yorkshire Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Havanese breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Yorkshire Terrier breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.

Havanese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most flexible?
Havanese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Yorkshire Terrier 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.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Havanese or Yorkshire Terrier 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.
Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Havanese has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Yorkshire Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which uses mouth most during play?
Havanese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Yorkshire Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Havanese bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Yorkshire Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Havanese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which breed lives longest?
14-16 years
The average lifespan of Havanese: 15 years
12-16 years
The average lifespan of Yorkshire Terrier: 14 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which handles climate changes best?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which has fewer health issues?
The Havanese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Yorkshire Terriers are commonly healthy dogs.
The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Havanese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The Yorkshire Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Havanese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Havanese vs Yorkshire Terrier 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
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
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

Havanese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Havanese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Havanese's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Low to Average: The Yorkshire Terrier has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which needs most food?
1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 3/4 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day.

Havanese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. What colors are available?
Black
White
Fawn
Reddish-Brown
Havana Brown
Tobacco
Black
Tan
Blue
Gold
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Havanese requires average grooming effort.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which drools least?
The Havanese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Yorkshire Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which has least natural smell?

Low 🔽

The Havanese has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Yorkshire Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Soft
Wavy
Woolly
Flat
Long
Fine Dense
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which requires most frequent baths?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Havanese or Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu? Havanese or Yorkshire Terrier or {name3 shedding:
Havanese dogs shed none to minimal.
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Yorkshire Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
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Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.

Havanese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which is best with kids?
Havanese dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are not kid-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Havanese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Havanese or Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?
Havanese dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Havanese or Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu?
Havanese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Havanese or Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu?
Havanese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Havanese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu?
Yes
Havanese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Yorkshire Terrier 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
Yorkshire Terrier 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.
Yorkshire Terriers are not recommended for elderly people.
Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.

Havanese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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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 Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which has best nose work ability?

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.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which is best for SAR work?

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.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Havanese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Yorkshire Terrier 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.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which has most military use?

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.

Not really

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

Havanese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which has most puppies?
1-9 puppies, average 4 4-6 puppies 2-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Havanese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Toy Terriers section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which has most recognition?
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
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

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