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?

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 Tzu
Origins	Cuba	China
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	23	20
Reviews	5	15
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 Size and Weight 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 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 Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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. 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
Trainability Havanese vs Shih Tzu trainability comparison. What's the difference between Havanese vs Shih Tzu?	Havanese dogs are very 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 Ability Which is the better watchdog: Havanese or Shih Tzu?	Havanese dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
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. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Havanese vs Shih Tzu Personality and 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:	Playful Intelligent Responsive Affectionate Lively Gentle Companionable Sturdy Amiable Charming	Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle
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. 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 Shih Tzu?	High: Havanese 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 Shih Tzu social needs comparison:	Havanese 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? What's the difference between Havanese vs Shih Tzu?	Havanese dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.
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. 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 Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Havanese vs Shih Tzu playfulness comparison:	The Havanese is a highly playful breed. See more.	Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Havanese vs Shih Tzu?	Low to Average: The Havanese rarely barks. 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
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.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Havanese vs 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.	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?	Havanese 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 Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI 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.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
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.
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. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.

Havanese vs Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan 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.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
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 Heart Murmurs Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Deafness Chondrodysplasia Elbow Dysplasia Mitral Valve Disease Portosystemic Liver Shunt	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
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.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
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
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
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. 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 Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

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.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
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.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Havanese vs Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

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.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
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. 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

Havanese vs Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming 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 White Fawn Reddish-Brown Havana Brown Tobacco	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Havanese or Shih Tzu? Havanese vs Shih Tzu grooming comparison:	Average: The Havanese 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
Shedding Level Who sheds more Havanese or Shih Tzu? Do Havanese dogs shed more than Shih Tzu dogs?	Havanese 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
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. See more.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.
Hypoallergenic Havanese vs Shih Tzu hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	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 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. See more.	The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Havanese vs 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.	Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
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.
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 Shih Tzu?	Havanese dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
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 Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
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 Havanese 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 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 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.	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 Shih Tzu? Which is better for autism?	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
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. See more.	Not really 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.
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. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.
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
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

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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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.