Havanese vs Shih Tzu Comparison – Which dog is better Bichon Habanero or Chrysanthemum Dog?
"Find similarities and differences between Havanese vs Shih Tzu"
Compare Havanese and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Havanese or Shih Tzu?
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| Name | Havanese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Origins |  Cuba |  China |
| Group | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs |
| Popularity Rank | 23 | 20 |
| Reviews | 5 | 12 |
| User Ratings |
| Other Names
What other names do they have? |
Bichon Habanero Bichon Havanais Bichon Havanes Havanese Cuban Bichon Havaneser Havanezer Bichon Havanese |
Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Havanese vs Shih Tzu breed type comparison: | Purebred | Purebred |
Havanese vs Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison
| Price
Which is cheaper, Havanese or Shih Tzu? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Havanese and Shih Tzu? | $900-$1200 | $800-$1200 |
|---|---|---|
| Availability
Which is easier to get, Havanese or Shih Tzu? | Very frequent: The Havanese is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get. |
Havanese vs Shih Tzu Size Comparison
| Size
Which dog is bigger, Havanese or Shih Tzu?
Is the Havanese bigger than the Shih Tzu breed?
Is a Havanese smaller than a Shih Tzu? | Small | Small |
|---|---|---|
| Weight
Which is heavier, Havanese or Shih Tzu? Havanese vs Shih Tzu weight comparison: | 7-13 pounds (3-6 kg) | 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) |
| Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight? | 10 pounds (4.5 kg) | 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) |
| Height
Which is taller, Havanese or Shih Tzu? Is a Havanese taller than a Shih Tzu? | 8-11 inches (21-29 cm) | 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) |
| Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height? | 10 inches (25 cm) | 9.5 inches (24 cm) |
Havanese vs Shih Tzu Grooming, Hair and Care Comparison
| Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Havanese vs Shih Tzu coat comparison: |
Soft Wavy Woolly Flat Long | Dense |
|---|---|---|
| Colors
What are the original Havanese and Shih Tzu color? Havanese vs Shih Tzu color comparison: |
Black Reddish-Brown Fawn White Havana Brown Tobacco |
Brindle Liver Silver Blue Gold Red Black |
| Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Havanese or Shih Tzu? Havanese vs Shih Tzu grooming comparison: | Average: The Havanese requires average grooming effort. | Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. |
| Shedding Level
Who sheds more Havanese or Shih Tzu? Do Havanese dogs shed more than Shih Tzu dogs? | Havanese dogs shed none to minimal. | Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. |
| Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Havanese or Shih Tzu? | 3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. |
Havanese vs Shih Tzu Personality / Temperament Comparison
| Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Havanese or Shih Tzu? Havanese vs Shih Tzu behavior/temperament comparison: |
Affectionate Gentle Playful Companionable Intelligent Responsive Sturdy Lively Amiable Charming |
Active Friendly Happy Lively Playful Courageous Gentle Intelligent Outgoing |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Havanese or Shih Tzu smarter? Which is best? Havanese vs Shih Tzu intelligence: | Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. | Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. |
| Trainability
Havanese vs Shih Tzu trainability comparison. What's the difference between Havanese vs Shih Tzu? | Havanese dogs are very easy to train. | Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. |
| Playfulness
Havanese vs Shih Tzu playfulness comparison: | The Havanese is a highly playful breed. | Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. |
| Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Havanese vs Shih Tzu? | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. | Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. |
| Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Havanese vs Shih Tzu? | High: Havanese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. |
| Social Needs
Havanese vs Shih Tzu social needs comparison: | Havanese dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. |
| Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Havanese vs Shih Tzu? | Low to Average: The Havanese rarely barks. | A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. |
| Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Havanese or Shih Tzu? | Havanese dogs are good watchdogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. |
| Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Havanese or 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. | Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. |
| Biting Potential
Is a Havanese more dangerous than a Shih Tzu? | Low 🔽 The Havanese has a low chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody. |
| Bite Force
Which bite is stronger: Havanese or Shih Tzu? | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Havanese bite force: Weak. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak. |
| Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Havanese vs Shih Tzu mouthiness comparison: | Havanese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. |
| Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Havanese vs Shih Tzu? | Havanese dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. | Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. |
| Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Havanese vs Shih Tzu? Which can be better for hunting? | Havanese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. |
| Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Havanese or Shih Tzu? | Very house-friendly dog the Havanese breed. | Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed. |
| 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. | Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. |
| Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Havanese or Shih Tzu? | Havaneses tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them. | Shih Tzus tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them. |
Havanese vs Shih Tzu Good With Comparison
| Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Havanese or Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly? | Havanese dogs are stranger-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers. |
|---|---|---|
| Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets? | Havaneses are one of the friendliest dog breeds. | Shih Tzus are one of the friendliest dog breeds. |
| Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Havanese or Shih Tzu? | Havanese dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs. |
| Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Havanese or Shih Tzu? | Havanese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. |
| Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Havanese or Shih Tzu? Can a Havanese and a Shih Tzu be friends? Do Havanese dogs get along with Shih Tzu dogs? | Havanese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. |
| Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Havanese vs Shih Tzu? |
Yes Havaneses are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Yes Shih Tzus 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 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. | Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people. |
Havanese vs Shih Tzu Health Comparison
| Health Issues
Havanese vs Shih Tzu health comparison. Which is the healthier: Havanese vs Shih Tzu? | The Havanese 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. |
|---|---|---|
| Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Havanese vs Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Havanese vs Shih Tzu health problems comparison: |
Cataracts Chondrodysplasia Deafness Elbow Dysplasia Heart Murmurs Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes Disease Mitral Valve Disease Patellar Luxation Portosystemic Liver Shunt |
Allergies Bladder Stones Distichiasis Dry Eye Ear Infections Ectopic Cilia Hip Dysplasia Juvenile Renal Dysplasia Keratitis Patellar Luxation Portosystemic Liver Shunt Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Proptosis Retained Baby Teeth Reverse Sneezing Snuffles Umbilical Hernias |
| Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Havanese vs Shih Tzu? |
Average The Havanese 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. |
| Life Expectancy
Havanese vs Shih Tzu lifespan comparison. How long do Havanese and Shih Tzu breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Havanese and Shih Tzu? |
14-16 years The average lifespan of Havanese: 15 years |
10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years |
| Hypoallergenic
Havanese vs Shih Tzu hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not? | Yes See more. | Yes See more. |
| Energy Level
Who has more energy a Havanese or Shih Tzu?
Havanese vs 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. | Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs. |
| Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Havanese vs Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Havanese or Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest? | Havanese dogs exercise need is very minimal. | Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal. |
| Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Havanese or Shih Tzu? | Havanese 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. |
| Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Havanese or Shih Tzu? Does the Havanese breed eat more than the Shih Tzu breed? | 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. | Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day. |
| Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Havanese vs 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. | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight. |
| Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Havanese vs Shih Tzu? | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. |
| Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Havanese or Shih Tzu? | Low 🔽 The Havanese has a low chance of bad smell. | Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell. |
| Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between Havanese vs Shih Tzu? | The Havanese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
Havanese vs 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. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. |
|---|---|---|
| Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Havanese or Shih Tzu? Which is better for autism? | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Havanese vs Shih Tzu? | Not really Havanese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
| 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. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
| 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. |
Havanese vs Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison
| Gestation Length | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
|---|---|---|
| Litter Frequency | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
| Litter Size
How many puppies can Havanese and Shih Tzu have? Havanese vs Shih Tzu litter size comparison: | 1-9 puppies, average 4 | 2-5 puppies |
Havanese vs 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. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed. |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section. |
| 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 |
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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Rate This Comparsion - Havanese vs Shih Tzu
Reviews
- Caitlyn
Nov 26, 2019, 6:31:46 PM:
Im a bit confused. You said havanese are very easy to train. Then you said they are not good with first time owners. They are amazing with first time owners. With shih tzus they do good with kids actually.
- Erica
Jan 11, 2021, 3:38:52 AM:
I noticed the same thing as Caitlyn. The review said their easy to train, then said not recommended for first time owners because they're stubborn. Not sure I understand the reasoning behind that.
- Karen
Nov 15, 2021, 11:59:33 PM:
My shitzu was amazing with little kids. He definitely didn't like a boat totally agree or water. Have to bring them for grooming every 2-3 months. Mine wasen't big on barking unless he saw another dog.