Havanese vs Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu Comparison - Dog breed selector: Bichon Habanero or Cavoodle or Mal-Shi? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Havanese vs Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu" Compare Havanese and Cavapoo. Which is better: Havanese or Cavapoo or Maltese 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	Cavapoo	Maltese Shih Tzu
Origins	Cuba	Australia	United States
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank	23	555	622
Reviews	7	10	3
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Bichon Habanero Bichon Havanais Bichon Havanes Havanese Cuban Bichon Havaneser Havanezer Bichon Havanese	Cavoodle	Mal-Shi Malti Zu Malt-Tzu
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Havanese vs Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu breed type comparison:	Purebred	Cross Breed	Cross Breed

Havanese vs Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Havanese or Cavapoo or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which is the smallest dog, Havanese or Cavapoo or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Small	Small Medium	Small
Weight Which is heavier, Havanese or Cavapoo or Cavapoo? Havanese vs Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu weight comparison:	7-13 pounds (3-6 kg)	12-24 pounds (5.4-11 kg)	6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	10 pounds (4.5 kg)	18 pounds (5.7.5 kg)	9 pounds (4 kg)
Height Which is taller, Havanese or Cavapoo or Maltese Shih Tzu? Havanese vs Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu height comparison:	8-11 inches (21-29 cm)	11-18 inches (28-45 cm)	10-12 inches (25-30 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	10 inches (25 cm)	14.5 inches (36.5 cm)	11 inches (27.5 cm)

Havanese vs Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Havanese or Cavapoo or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which is more expensive?	$900-$1200	$1200-$1800	$500-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Havanese or Cavapoo or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Very frequent: The Havanese is quite easy to get.	Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.	Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a commonly available dog breed.

Havanese vs Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Havanese vs Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu intelligence:	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Very smart: Cavapoo is an excellent dog breed. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Havanese vs Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu trainability comparison.	Havanese dogs are very easy to train. See more.	Cavapoo dogs are very easy to train. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Havanese or Cavapoo or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Havanese dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Cavapoo dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Havanese or Cavapoo or Maltese 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.	Cavapoo dogs are not the best to protect their territory. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Havanese vs Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Havanese or Cavapoo or Maltese Shih Tzu? Havanese vs Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu behavior/temperament comparison:	Playful Intelligent Responsive Affectionate Lively Gentle Companionable Sturdy Amiable Charming	Loving Intelligent Gentle	Active Curious Playful Intelligent Outgoing Adaptable
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.	Maltese 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 Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	High: Havanese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Cavapoo dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	Average to High: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are highly affectionate dogs. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Havanese vs Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu social needs comparison:	Havanese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Cavapoo dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs need for social interaction is average. 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.	Cavapoo dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not the biggest explorers. 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.	Cavapoo dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Havanese vs Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Havanese vs Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu playfulness comparison:	The Havanese is a highly playful breed. See more.	Average: Cavapoos, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Maltese Shih Tzus, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Havanese vs Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	Low to Average: The Havanese rarely barks. See more.	Average: The Cavapoo barks occasionally. See more.	Average to High: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a vocal breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Havanese or Cavapoo or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Very house-friendly dog the Havanese breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Cavapoo breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese Shih Tzu breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Havanese vs Cavapoo vs Maltese 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.	Cavapoo dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Average: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Havanese or Cavapoo or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Havanese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Cavapoo dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Havanese vs Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Havanese or Cavapoo or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Havanese bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Cavapoo bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Biting Potential Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:	Low 🔽 The Havanese has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Cavapoo has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Havanese vs Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu mouthiness comparison:	Havanese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Cavapoo dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.

Havanese vs Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Havanese vs Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu health comparison. Which is the healthier: Havanese vs Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	The Havanese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	Very healthy dog breed.	Maltese Shih Tzus tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Havanese vs Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Havanese vs Cavapoo vs Maltese 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	Patellar Luxation White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Veterinarian Visits 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 Cavapoo should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Frequent The Maltese Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Havanese vs Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu lifespan comparison. How long do Havanese, Cavapoo and Maltese Shih Tzu breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	14-16 years The average lifespan of Havanese: 15 years	9-15 years The average lifespan of Cavapoo: 12 years	12-14 years The average lifespan of Maltese Shih Tzu: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Havanese vs Cavapoo vs Maltese 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.	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Cavapoo can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. 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 Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Havanese or Cavapoo or Maltese Shih Tzu? Havanese vs Cavapoo vs Maltese 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.	Cavapoo dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Havanese vs Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Havanese or Cavapoo or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Havanese dogs exercise need is very minimal.	Cavapoo dogs have an average exercise need.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Havanese or Cavapoo or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Havanese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Cavapoo dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Havanese vs Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Havanese or Cavapoo or Maltese Shih Tzu?	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.	0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Havanese vs Cavapoo vs Maltese 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 Cavapoo's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Havanese vs Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Havanese vs Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu coat comparison:	Soft Wavy Woolly Flat Long	Curly Wavy Straight	Curly Silky Soft Wavy Long
Colors What are the original Havanese, Cavapoo and Maltese Shih Tzu color?	Black White Fawn Reddish-Brown Havana Brown Tobacco	Black Cream White Sable Tricolor Chestnut Apricot Red sable Phantom	Black White Brown White & Tan Black & White Brown & Black
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Havanese or Cavapoo or Maltese Shih Tzu? Havanese vs Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu grooming comparison:	Average: The Havanese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Advanced: The Cavapoo requires a lot of grooming. See more.	Advanced: The Maltese Shih Tzu requires a lot of grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Havanese or Cavapoo or Maltese Shih Tzu? Havanese or Cavapoo or {name3 shedding:	Havanese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Cavapoo dogs shed moderately. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Havanese or Cavapoo or Maltese 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.	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.
Hypoallergenic Havanese vs Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	Yes See more.	Yes See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Havanese vs Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	Low 🔽 The Havanese has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Cavapoo has an average chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?	The Havanese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Cavapoo is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Maltese Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Havanese vs Cavapoo vs Maltese 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.	Cavapoo dogs are generally with other pets.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Havanese or Cavapoo or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?	Havanese dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Cavapoo dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Havanese or Cavapoo or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Havanese dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Cavapoo dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Havanese or Cavapoo or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Havanese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Cavapoo dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Havanese or Cavapoo or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Havanese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Cavapoo dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Havanese vs Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	Yes Havanese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Cavapoo dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Maltese 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 Cavapoo is not the best dog breed for office environment.	Yes Maltese Shih Tzu is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Havaneses are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Cavapoos are commonly okay with elderly people.	Maltese Shih Tzus are commonly okay with elderly people.

Havanese vs Cavapoo vs Maltese 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.	Yes This breed makes good 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 Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Havanese or Cavapoo or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which is better for autism?	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
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.	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.	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 Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	Not really Havanese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Yes Cavapoo breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.	Not really Maltese 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.	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.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Havanese vs Cavapoo vs Maltese Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length	60-64 days See more.	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.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.
Litter Size How many puppies can Havanese and Cavapoo and Maltese Shih Tzu have?	1-9 puppies, average 4	2-8 puppies	3-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Havanese vs Cavapoo vs Maltese 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.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
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.	Not recognized by FCI.	Not recognized by FCI.
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	Dog Registry of America Inc. American Canine Hybrid Club Designer Breed Registry Designer Dogs Kennel Club International Designer Canine Registry	Not recognized by any clubs.

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