Havanese vs Shih-Poo vs Mal-Shi Comparison - Dog breed selector: Bichon Habanero or Pooshi or Malti Zu? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Havanese vs Shih-Poo vs Mal-Shi" Compare Havanese and Shih-Poo. Which is better: Havanese or Shih-Poo or Mal-Shi?

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	Shih-Poo	Mal-Shi
Origins	Cuba	China Tibet	United States Canada
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Designer Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	23	562	222
Reviews	7	2	2
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Mal-Shi breeds.	Bichon Habanero Bichon Havanais Bichon Havanes Havanese Cuban Bichon Havaneser Havanezer Bichon Havanese	Pooshi Shoodle	Malti Zu Malt-Tzu Malshi
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Mal-Shi? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Cross Breed	Cross Breed

Havanese vs Shih-Poo vs Mal-Shi Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Mal-Shi. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Mal-Shi? Compare adult weight ranges.	7-13 pounds (3-6 kg)	8-15 pounds (4-7 kg) 7-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	5-15 pounds (2.3-6.8 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	10 pounds (4.5 kg)	11.5 pounds (5.5 kg)	10 pounds (2.3-6.8 kg)
Height Which is taller, Havanese or Shih-Poo or Mal-Shi? Havanese vs Shih-Poo vs Mal-Shi height comparison:	8-11 inches (21-29 cm)	8-15 inches (20-38 cm)	10-20 inces (25-51 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	10 inches (25 cm)	11.5 inches (29 cm)	10-20 inces (38 cm)

Havanese vs Shih-Poo vs Mal-Shi Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Mal-Shi. Find price differences between these breeds.	$900-$1200	$800-$1200	$800-$1000
Availability Which is easier to get, Havanese or Shih-Poo or Mal-Shi?	Very frequent: The Havanese is quite easy to get.	Frequent: The Shih-Poo is easier than average to get.	Average: The Mal-Shi is a commonly available dog breed.

Havanese vs Shih-Poo vs Mal-Shi Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Mal-Shi. Which breed ranks highest?	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Smart: The Shih-Poo dogs have great intelligence. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Mal-Shi. Which is easiest to train?	Havanese dogs are very easy to train. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Mal-Shi 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, Shih-Poo, and Mal-Shi. Which breed is most alert?	Havanese dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Mal-Shi dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Mal-Shi. Which breed is most protective?	Havanese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs are average defenders. See more.	Mal-Shi dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Havanese vs Shih-Poo vs Mal-Shi Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Mal-Shi? Compare temperaments.	Playful Intelligent Responsive Affectionate Lively Gentle Companionable Sturdy Amiable Charming	Intelligent Loyal Sweet Companionable	Playful Loving Independent Alert Intelligent Affectionate Going Social Quiet
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.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Havanese vs Shih-Poo vs Mal-Shi?	High: Havanese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Shih-Poo dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Mal-Shi dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Havanese vs Shih-Poo vs Mal-Shi social needs comparison:	Havanese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Mal-Shi dogs are a social breed. 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.	Shih-Poo dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Mal-Shi 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.	Shih-Poo dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. See more.	Mal-Shi 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.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Havanese vs Shih-Poo vs Mal-Shi Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Mal-Shi. Which breed is most vocal?	Low to Average: The Havanese rarely barks. See more.	Low to Average: The Shih-Poo rarely barks. See more.	Average: The Mal-Shi barks occasionally. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Mal-Shi. Which breed is most playful?	The Havanese is a highly playful breed. See more.	The Shih-Poo is a playful breed. See more.	Average: Mal-Shis, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Mal-Shi. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Havanese breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Shih-Poo breed.	It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Mal-Shi indoors.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Havanese vs Shih-Poo vs Mal-Shi Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Mal-Shi. Which breed is most flexible?	Havanese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Shih-Poo dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Average: Mal-Shi dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Havanese or Shih-Poo or Mal-Shi?	Havanese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Shih-Poo dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Mal-Shi dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Havanese vs Shih-Poo vs Mal-Shi Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Havanese vs Shih-Poo vs Mal-Shi Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Mal-Shi. Which breed lives longest?	14-16 years The average lifespan of Havanese: 15 years	14-16 years The average lifespan of Shih-Poo: 15 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Mal-Shi: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Mal-Shi. 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 cold weather conditions The Shih-Poo 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.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Mal-Shi. 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 Shih-Poo is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Mal-Shi 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 Shih-Poo should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Mal-Shi 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 Shih-Poo vs Mal-Shi? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Havanese vs Shih-Poo vs Mal-Shi health problems comparison:	Cataracts Heart Murmurs Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Deafness Chondrodysplasia Elbow Dysplasia Mitral Valve Disease Portosystemic Liver Shunt	Heatstroke Dental Problems	No data available

Havanese vs Shih-Poo vs Mal-Shi Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Mal-Shi. 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.	Shih-Poo dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.	Mal-Shi 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 Shih-Poo vs Mal-Shi exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Havanese or Shih-Poo or Mal-Shi? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Havanese dogs exercise need is very minimal.	Shih-Poo dogs have an average exercise need.	Mal-Shi dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Havanese or Shih-Poo or Mal-Shi?	Havanese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Shih-Poo dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Mal-Shi 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 Shih-Poo vs Mal-Shi Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Mal-Shi. 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 Shih-Poo's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Mal-Shi's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Mal-Shi. Which needs most food?	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.	1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Havanese vs Shih-Poo vs Mal-Shi Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Mal-Shi. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	Yes See more.	Yes See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Mal-Shi. What colors are available?	Black White Fawn Reddish-Brown Havana Brown Tobacco	Black White Brown Brindle Various combinations	Black Gray White Brown Yellow
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Mal-Shi. Which requires most maintenance?	Average: The Havanese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Easy to groom: The Shih-Poo doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.	Average: The Mal-Shi requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Mal-Shi. Which drools least?	The Havanese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Shih-Poo is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Mal-Shi is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Mal-Shi. Which has least natural smell?	Low 🔽 The Havanese has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Shih-Poo has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Mal-Shi has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Mal-Shi. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Soft Wavy Woolly Flat Long	Curly Straight Curly & Straight	Silky Soft Wavy Double
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Mal-Shi. 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.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Havanese or Shih-Poo or Mal-Shi? Havanese or Shih-Poo or {name3 shedding:	Havanese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Mal-Shi dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Havanese vs Shih-Poo vs Mal-Shi Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Mal-Shi. Which is best with kids?	Havanese dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Shih-Poo dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.	Mal-Shi dogs are 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.	Shih-Poo dogs are generally with other pets.	Mal-Shi dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Havanese or Shih-Poo or Mal-Shi? Which dog is more friendly?	Havanese dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Shih-Poo dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Mal-Shi 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 Shih-Poo or Mal-Shi?	Havanese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Shih-Poo dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Mal-Shi dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Havanese or Shih-Poo or Mal-Shi?	Havanese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Shih-Poo dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.	Mal-Shi dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Havanese vs Shih-Poo vs Mal-Shi?	Yes Havanese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Shih-Poo dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Mal-Shi dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Havanese is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Shih-Poo is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Mal-Shi is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Havaneses are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Shih-Poos are commonly okay with elderly people.	Mal-Shis are usually recommended for elderly people.

Havanese vs Shih-Poo vs Mal-Shi As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Mal-Shi. 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, Shih-Poo, and Mal-Shi. 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, Shih-Poo, and Mal-Shi. 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, Shih-Poo, and Mal-Shi. 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, Shih-Poo, and Mal-Shi. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Havanese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Shih-Poo breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Mal-Shi breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Mal-Shi. 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, Shih-Poo, and Mal-Shi. 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 Shih-Poo vs Mal-Shi Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Mal-Shi. Which has most puppies?	1-9 puppies, average 4	3-4 puppies	4-8 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Mal-Shi. 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, Shih-Poo, and Mal-Shi. 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 Shih-Poo vs Mal-Shi Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Mal-Shi. How are they classified?	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 Classification Compare FCI groups for Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Mal-Shi. 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.	Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Mal-Shi. 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	Not recognized by any clubs.	No data available

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