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

"Find similarities and differences between Havanese vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu" Compare Havanese and Maltese. Which is better: Havanese or Maltese 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	Maltese	Shih Tzu
Origins	Cuba	Italy	China
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	23	33	20
Reviews	7	3	19
User Ratings

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

Havanese vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Havanese, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Havanese, Maltese, and Shih Tzu? Compare adult weight ranges.	7-13 pounds (3-6 kg)	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	10 pounds (4.5 kg)	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)	9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Havanese or Maltese or Shih Tzu? Havanese vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu height comparison:	8-11 inches (21-29 cm)	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	10 inches (25 cm)	Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)	9.5 inches (24 cm)

Havanese vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

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

Havanese vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Havanese, Maltese, 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.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. 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, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. Which is easiest to train?	Havanese dogs are very easy to train. See more.	Maltese 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, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most alert?	Havanese dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Havanese, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most protective?	Havanese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Havanese vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Havanese, Maltese, and Shih Tzu? Compare temperaments.	Playful Intelligent Responsive Affectionate Lively Gentle Companionable Sturdy Amiable Charming	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing	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 Maltese vs Shih Tzu?	High: Havanese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Maltese 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 Maltese vs Shih Tzu social needs comparison:	Havanese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Maltese 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.	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. 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.	Maltese 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.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Havanese vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Havanese, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most vocal?	Low to Average: The Havanese rarely barks. See more.	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. 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, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most playful?	The Havanese is a highly playful breed. See more.	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Havanese, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Havanese breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Havanese vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Havanese, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Havanese has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Maltese 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, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. Which uses mouth most during play?	Havanese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Maltese 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, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Havanese bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese 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 Maltese vs Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Havanese, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. Which breed lives longest?	14-16 years The average lifespan of Havanese: 15 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 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, Maltese, 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 warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. 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, Maltese, 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 Maltese 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 Maltese 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 Maltese vs Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Havanese vs Maltese 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 White Dog Shaker Syndrome	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 Maltese vs Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Havanese vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Havanese, Maltese, 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: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. 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, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. Which needs most food?	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.	Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 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.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Havanese vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Havanese, Maltese, 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, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. What colors are available?	Black White Fawn Reddish-Brown Havana Brown Tobacco	White	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Havanese, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. Which requires most maintenance?	Average: The Havanese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. 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, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. Which drools least?	The Havanese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Maltese 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, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. Which has least natural smell?	Low 🔽 The Havanese has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Maltese 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, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Soft Wavy Woolly Flat Long	Feathered	Dense
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Havanese, Maltese, 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.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. 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 Maltese or Shih Tzu? Havanese or Maltese or {name3 shedding:	Havanese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Havanese vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Havanese, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. Which is best with kids?	Havanese dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Maltese 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.	Maltese 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 Maltese or Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?	Havanese dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Maltese 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 Maltese or Shih Tzu?	Havanese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Maltese 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 Maltese or Shih Tzu?	Havanese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Maltese 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 Maltese vs Shih Tzu?	Yes Havanese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Maltese 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 Maltese 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.	Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.	Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.

Havanese vs Maltese vs Shih Tzu As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Havanese, Maltese, 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, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. Which excels in therapy work?	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.	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, Maltese, 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, Maltese, 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, Maltese, 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 Maltese 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, Maltese, 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, Maltese, 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 Maltese vs Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Havanese, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. Which has most puppies?	1-9 puppies, average 4	3-5 puppies	2-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Havanese, Maltese, 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, Maltese, 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 Maltese vs Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Havanese, Maltese, 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 1888 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Havanese, Maltese, 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 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.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Havanese, Maltese, 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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Reviews

Rico Sanford
Sep 10, 2021, 5:32:45 AM:
Thorough.After comparing all differences and similarities I am FINALLY convinced that my wonderful doggy is a...HAVANESE!!!Thank you.