Havanese vs Shih Tzu Comparison – Which dog is better Bichon Havanese or Chinese Lion Dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Havanese vs Shih Tzu" Compare Havanese and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Havanese or Shih Tzu?

General Appearance & Basic Info Hair & Care Characteristics Good With Health Factors Reproducibility 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	11
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Bichon Havanese, Bichon Habanero, Havanese Cuban Bichon, Bichon Havanais, Bichon Havanês, Havaneser, Havanezer	Chinese Lion Dog, Chrysanthemum Dog
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Havanese vs Shih Tzu breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred
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
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	Very frequent	Very frequent

Havanese vs Shih Tzu General Appearance & Basic Info Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Havanese or Shih Tzu? Havanese vs Shih Tzu size comparison:	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)
Avg. 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? Havanese vs Shih Tzu height comparison:	8-11 inches (21-29 cm)	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)
Avg. Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	10 inches (25 cm)	9.5 inches (24 cm)

Havanese vs Shih Tzu Hair & 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 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? Havanese vs Shih Tzu shedding:	Havaneses shed none to minimal.	Shih Tzus 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.	4-6 weeks Average.

Havanese vs Shih Tzu Characteristics 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:	Átlagos: Átlagos intelligenciájú Havanese.	Low: The Shih Tzu if 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?	Havaneses are very easy to train.	Shih Tzus 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 Tzus 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?	Havaneses are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.	Shih Tzus are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
Social Needs Havanese vs Shih Tzu social needs comparison:	Havaneses need a lot of social interaction.	Shih Tzus need a lot of social interaction.
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Havanese vs Shih Tzu?	Low to Average: The Havanese rarely barks.	Nagyon sokat: Shih Tzu kimondottan hangos fajta.
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Havanese or Shih Tzu?	Havaneses are good watchdogs.	Shih Tzus are average watchdogs.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Havaneses strongly protect their territory.	Shih Tzus strongly protect their territory.
Biting Potential Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:	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 The weakest: Dogs that have the weakest bite force below 200 PSI.	Between 100 and 200 PSI The weakest: Dogs that have the weakest bite force below 200 PSI.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Havanese vs Shih Tzu mouthiness comparison:	Havaneses have an average tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.	Shih Tzus have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Havanese vs Shih Tzu?	Havaneses tend to escape less than other breeds.	Shih Tzus 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?	Havaneses have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.	Shih Tzus 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?	Kimondottan lakásbarát kutya Havanese fajta.	Kimondottan lakásbarát kutya Shih Tzu fajta.
Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	Havaneses adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Shih Tzus 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.
Fighting 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 Good With Comparison

Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Havanese or Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?	Havaneses are stranger friendly dogs.	Shih Tzus are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Havanese or Shih Tzu?	Havaneses are very kid-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzus are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Havanese or Shih Tzu?	Havaneses are very cat-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzus are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Havanese or Shih Tzu?	Havaneses are very dog-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzus are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is best for first time owners: Havanese vs Shih Tzu?	No Havaneses are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.	Yes Shih Tzus are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
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 generally not used as a therapy dog.	Not really This breed generally not used as a therapy dog.
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?	Not really A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.	Not really A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.
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.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR) Which one could be a search and rescue dog?	Not really The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people.	Not really The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people.
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.
Boat 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.
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.
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.

Havanese vs Shih Tzu Health Factors 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	10-16 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Hypoallergenic Havanese vs Shih Tzu hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	Yes	Yes
Energy Level Who has more energy a Havanese or Shih Tzu? Havanese vs Shih Tzu energy level comparison:	Havaneses have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.	Shih Tzus 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?	Havaneses exercise need is very minimal.	Shih Tzus exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Havanese or Shih Tzu?	Havaneses sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered as a lazy breed.	Shih Tzus like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Avg. 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.	Average to High.
Weather & Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Havanese vs Shih Tzu?	Tolerates warm and cold weather.	Tolerates warm and cold weather.
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells least? Which dog smells 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 for very low drooling tendency.	The Shih Tzu is a perfect example for very low drooling tendency.

Havanese vs Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length	60-64 days	60-64 days
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
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Popular Dog Compares

Despite the best intentions, there may be errors. If you find one, please let us know and we will fix it as soon as possible. Contact us here.

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.