Havanese vs Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu Comparison - Dog breed selector: Bichon Habanero or Bichon A Poil Frise or Chrysanthemum Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Havanese vs Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu" Compare Havanese and Bichon Frise. Which is better: Havanese or Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Havanese	Bichon Frise	Shih Tzu
Origins	Cuba	Spain Belgium	China
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	23	46	20
Reviews	7	5	19
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Havanese, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu breeds.	Bichon Habanero Bichon Havanais Bichon Havanes Havanese Cuban Bichon Havaneser Havanezer Bichon Havanese	Bichon A Poil Frise Bichon Tenerife Purebred Bichon Tenerife Dog Bichon Frise	Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Havanese, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Havanese vs Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Havanese, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Havanese, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu? Compare adult weight ranges.	7-13 pounds (3-6 kg)	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)	10 pounds (4.5 kg)	9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Havanese or Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu? Havanese vs Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu height comparison:	8-11 inches (21-29 cm)	Male: 9-12 inches (23–30 cm) Female: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm)	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	10 inches (25 cm)	Male: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) Female: 10 inches (25.5 cm)	9.5 inches (24 cm)

Havanese vs Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Havanese, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Find price differences between these breeds.	$900-$1200	$700-$1000	$800-$1200
Availability Which is easier to get, Havanese or Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu?	Very frequent: The Havanese is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Bichon Frise is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.

Havanese vs Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Havanese, Bichon Frise, 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. See more.	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.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Havanese, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Which is easiest to train?	Havanese dogs are very easy to train. See more.	Bichon Frise dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Havanese, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most alert?	Havanese dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Bichon Frise dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Havanese, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most protective?	Havanese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Bichon Frise dogs are not the best to protect their territory. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Havanese vs Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Havanese, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu? Compare temperaments.	Playful Intelligent Responsive Affectionate Lively Gentle Companionable Sturdy Amiable Charming	Playful Sensitive Intelligent Affectionate Gentle Cheerful	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. See more.	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.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Havanese vs Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu?	High: Havanese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Bichon Frise 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.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Havanese vs Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu social needs comparison:	Havanese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Bichon Frise dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	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. See more.	Bichon Frise dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	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. See more.	Their prey drive is low. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Havanese vs Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Havanese, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most vocal?	Low to Average: The Havanese rarely barks. See more.	Average: The Bichon Frise barks occasionally. See more.	A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Havanese, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most playful?	The Havanese is a highly playful breed. See more.	The Bichon Frise is a playful breed. See more.	Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Havanese, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Havanese breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Bichon Frise breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Havanese vs Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Havanese, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most flexible?	Havanese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Bichon Frise 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 Bichon Frise 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.	Bichon Frise 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 Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Havanese, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Havanese has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Bichon Frise 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, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Which uses mouth most during play?	Havanese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Bichon Frise 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.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Havanese, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Havanese bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Bichon Frise bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Havanese vs Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Havanese, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Which breed lives longest?	14-16 years The average lifespan of Havanese: 15 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Bichon Frise: 13 years	10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Havanese, Bichon Frise, 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. See more.	Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. 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.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Havanese, Bichon Frise, 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.	The Bichon Frise 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.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
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.	Average The Bichon Frise 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.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Havanese vs Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Havanese vs Bichon Frise 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 Vaccination Sensitivity Bladder Stones Juvenile Cataracts	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 Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Havanese, Bichon Frise, 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.	Bichon Frise dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Havanese vs Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Havanese or Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Havanese dogs exercise need is very minimal.	Bichon Frise dogs exercise need is minimal.	Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Havanese or Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu?	Havanese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Bichon Frise dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.	Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Havanese vs Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Havanese, Bichon Frise, 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. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Bichon Frise'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.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Havanese, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Which needs most food?	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.	1/2 to 1.5 cups 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.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Havanese vs Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Havanese, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	Yes See more.	Yes See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Havanese, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. What colors are available?	Black White Fawn Reddish-Brown Havana Brown Tobacco	Cream White Buff Apricot	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Havanese, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Which requires most maintenance?	Average: The Havanese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Havanese, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Which drools least?	The Havanese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Bichon Frise 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.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Havanese, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Which has least natural smell?	Low 🔽 The Havanese has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Bichon Frise has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Havanese, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Soft Wavy Woolly Flat Long	Curly	Dense
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Havanese, Bichon Frise, 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. See more.	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.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Havanese or Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu? Havanese or Bichon Frise or {name3 shedding:	Havanese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Bichon Frise dogs are low shedders. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Havanese vs Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Havanese, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Which is best with kids?	Havanese dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Bichon Frise dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Havanese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Bichon Frise 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 Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?	Havanese dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Bichon Frise dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Havanese or Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu?	Havanese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Bichon Frise dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Havanese or Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu?	Havanese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Bichon Frise dogs are very 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 Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu?	Yes Havanese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Bichon Frise 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 Bichon Frise 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.	Bichon Frises are usually recommended for elderly people.	Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.

Havanese vs Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Havanese, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Which is best suited for service work?	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.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Havanese, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Which excels in therapy work?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Havanese, Bichon Frise, 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, Bichon Frise, 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, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Havanese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Bichon Frise 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, Bichon Frise, 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. See more.	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.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of Havanese, Bichon Frise, 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 Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Havanese, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu. Which has most puppies?	1-9 puppies, average 4	2-5 puppies	2-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Havanese, Bichon Frise, 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, Bichon Frise, 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 Bichon Frise vs Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Havanese, Bichon Frise, 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 1972 as a Non-Sporting breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Havanese, Bichon Frise, 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.	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Havanese, Bichon Frise, 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 The Bichon Frise 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

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