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	7	19
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare different names used for Havanese and Shih Tzu. What other names are these breeds known by?	Bichon Habanero Bichon Havanais Bichon Havanes Havanese Cuban Bichon Havaneser Havanezer Bichon Havanese	Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog
Breed Classification Compare breed classifications between a Havanese and a Shih Tzu. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.	Purebred	Purebred

Havanese vs Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Which is bigger: a Havanese or a Shih Tzu? Compare size differences between these breeds.	Small	Small
Weight Statistics Compare weight ranges between a Havanese and a Shih Tzu. Which breed is heavier?	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 Range Compare puppy prices between a Havanese and a Shih Tzu. Which breed costs more?	$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

Intelligence Rating Which is smarter: a Havanese or a Shih Tzu? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.	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
Training Difficulty Which is easier to train: a Havanese or a Shih Tzu? Compare training requirements.	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 Rating Which makes a better watchdog: a Havanese or a Shih Tzu? Compare alertness levels.	Havanese dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Which is more protective: a Havanese or a Shih Tzu? Compare territorial behaviors.	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

Personality Traits Compare personalities of a Havanese and a Shih Tzu. How do their temperaments differ?	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

Barking Frequency Which breed barks more: a Havanese or a Shih Tzu? Compare vocalization tendencies.	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
Playful Nature Which breed is more playful: a Havanese or a Shih Tzu? Compare play drive and energy.	The Havanese is a highly playful breed. See more.	Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Which is better for apartments: a Havanese or a Shih Tzu? Compare living space needs.	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

Lifestyle Adaptability Which adapts better to changes: a Havanese or a Shih Tzu? Compare adaptability levels.	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.
Alone Time Tolerance 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 Risk Assessment Which has lower bite risk: a Havanese or a Shih Tzu? Compare biting tendencies.	Low 🔽 The Havanese has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Which is more mouthy: a Havanese or a Shih Tzu? Compare mouthing behaviors.	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.
Bite Strength Rating Which has a stronger bite: a Havanese or a Shih Tzu? Compare bite force PSI.	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

Havanese vs Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Which lives longer: a Havanese or a Shih Tzu? Compare average lifespans.	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
Climate Tolerance Which handles weather better: a Havanese or a Shih Tzu? Compare climate tolerances.	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.
Health Concerns Compare common health issues between a Havanese and a Shih Tzu. Which breed is healthier?	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
Vet Care Frequency 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
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

Havanese vs Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Which breed is more energetic: a Havanese or a Shih Tzu? Compare activity levels.	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

Obesity Tendency Which gains weight easier: a Havanese or a Shih Tzu? Compare obesity risks.	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
Food Consumption Which eats more: a Havanese or a Shih Tzu? Compare daily food needs.	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

Havanese vs Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Which is more hypoallergenic: a Havanese or a Shih Tzu? Compare allergy friendliness.	Yes See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors What color variations exist for Havanese and Shih Tzu? Compare breed colors.	Black White Fawn Reddish-Brown Havana Brown Tobacco	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold
Grooming Requirements Which needs more grooming: a Havanese or a Shih Tzu? Compare maintenance needs.	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
Drooling Tendency Which drools more: a Havanese or a Shih Tzu? Compare drooling amounts.	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.
Stinkiness Rating Which has less odor: a Havanese or a Shih Tzu? Compare natural smell levels.	Low 🔽 The Havanese has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics How do coats differ between a Havanese and a Shih Tzu? Compare fur types.	Soft Wavy Woolly Flat Long	Dense
Bathing Needs Which needs more baths: a Havanese or a Shih Tzu? Compare bathing frequencies.	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.
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

Havanese vs Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Which is better with children: a Havanese or a Shih Tzu? Compare kid-friendliness.	Havanese dogs are very 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.	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
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 Capability Which makes a better service dog: a Havanese or a Shih Tzu? Compare service capabilities.	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 Which is better for therapy work: a Havanese or a Shih Tzu? Compare therapy capabilities.	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 Which is better at detection work: a Havanese or a Shih Tzu? Compare scenting abilities.	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 Which is better for search and rescue: a Havanese or a Shih Tzu? Compare SAR abilities.	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 Which is better on boats: a Havanese or a Shih Tzu? Compare maritime abilities.	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.
Draft Work Capability Which is better at pulling: a Havanese or a Shih Tzu? Compare draft work capabilities.	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 history between Havanese and Shih Tzu. Which has stronger military background?	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

Puppy Litter Size Compare litter sizes between Havanese and Shih Tzu. Which has larger litters?	1-9 puppies, average 4	2-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare pregnancy duration between Havanese and Shih Tzu breeds.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding frequencies between Havanese and Shih Tzu. Which needs longer recovery?	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 Tzu Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC classifications of Havanese and Shih Tzu. Which groups do they belong to?	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 Classification Compare FCI classifications of Havanese and Shih Tzu. Which groups are they in?	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 kennel club recognition between Havanese and Shih Tzu. Which is more widely recognized?	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.