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

"Find similarities and differences between Havanese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu" Compare Havanese and Shih-Poo. Which is better: Havanese or Shih-Poo 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	Shih-Poo	Maltese Shih Tzu
Origins	Cuba	China Tibet	United States
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Designer Dogs	Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank	23	562	622
Reviews	7	2	3
User Ratings

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

Havanese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare adult weight ranges.	7-13 pounds (3-6 kg)	8-15 pounds (4-7 kg) 7-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	10 pounds (4.5 kg)	11.5 pounds (5.5 kg)	9 pounds (4 kg)
Height Which is taller, Havanese or Shih-Poo or Maltese Shih Tzu? Havanese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu height comparison:	8-11 inches (21-29 cm)	8-15 inches (20-38 cm)	10-12 inches (25-30 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	10 inches (25 cm)	11.5 inches (29 cm)	11 inches (27.5 cm)

Havanese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Find price differences between these breeds.	$900-$1200	$800-$1200	$500-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Havanese or Shih-Poo or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Very frequent: The Havanese is quite easy to get.	Frequent: The Shih-Poo is easier than average to get.	Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a commonly available dog breed.

Havanese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Maltese 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.	Smart: The Shih-Poo dogs have great intelligence. 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
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is easiest to train?	Havanese dogs are very easy to train. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs are quite 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 Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is most alert?	Havanese dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is most protective?	Havanese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs are average defenders. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Havanese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Maltese Shih Tzu? Compare temperaments.	Playful Intelligent Responsive Affectionate Lively Gentle Companionable Sturdy Amiable Charming	Intelligent Loyal Sweet Companionable	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 Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	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.	Average to High: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are highly affectionate dogs. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Havanese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu social needs comparison:	Havanese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Shih-Poo 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.	Shih-Poo 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.	Shih-Poo dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. 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 Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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 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
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which breed is most playful?	The Havanese is a highly playful breed. See more.	The Shih-Poo is a playful breed. See more.	Average: Maltese Shih Tzus, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Havanese breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Shih-Poo breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese Shih Tzu breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Havanese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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: Maltese Shih Tzu 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 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.	Shih-Poo 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 Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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 Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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.	Maltese 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, Shih-Poo, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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 🔽 Maltese Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Havanese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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	12-14 years The average lifespan of Maltese Shih Tzu: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Maltese 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 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 Maltese 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 Shih-Poo is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	Maltese Shih Tzus tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
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.	Frequent The Maltese Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Havanese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Havanese vs Shih-Poo 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	Heatstroke Dental Problems	Patellar Luxation White Dog Shaker Syndrome

Havanese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Maltese 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.	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.	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 Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Havanese or Shih-Poo or Maltese Shih Tzu? 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.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Havanese or Shih-Poo or Maltese Shih Tzu?	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.	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 Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Maltese 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 Shih-Poo'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
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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.	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Havanese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Maltese 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, Shih-Poo, and Maltese Shih Tzu. What colors are available?	Black White Fawn Reddish-Brown Havana Brown Tobacco	Black White Brown Brindle Various combinations	Black White Brown White & Tan Black & White Brown & Black
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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.	Advanced: The Maltese Shih Tzu requires a lot of grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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 Maltese Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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 Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Maltese Shih Tzu. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Soft Wavy Woolly Flat Long	Curly Straight Curly & Straight	Curly Silky Soft Wavy Long
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Maltese 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.	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 Maltese Shih Tzu? Havanese or Shih-Poo or {name3 shedding:	Havanese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Havanese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Maltese Shih Tzu. Which is best with kids?	Havanese dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Shih-Poo dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
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.	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 Shih-Poo or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?	Havanese dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Shih-Poo dogs are 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
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Havanese or Shih-Poo or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Havanese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Shih-Poo 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 Shih-Poo or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Havanese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Shih-Poo dogs are not the most 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 Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	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 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 Shih-Poo 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.	Shih-Poos are commonly okay with elderly people.	Maltese Shih Tzus are commonly okay with elderly people.

Havanese vs Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Maltese 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, Shih-Poo, and Maltese 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, Shih-Poo, and Maltese 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, Shih-Poo, and Maltese 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, Shih-Poo, and Maltese 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 Shih-Poo breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Maltese Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Maltese 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, Shih-Poo, and Maltese 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 Shih-Poo vs Maltese Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison

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

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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 Maltese 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.	Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Havanese, Shih-Poo, and Maltese 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	Not recognized by any clubs.	Not recognized by any clubs.

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