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Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier Comparison - Dog breed selector: Bichon Habanero or Chrysanthemum Dog or Toto Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier" Compare Havanese and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Havanese or Shih Tzu or Cairn Terrier?
 
 
 
Name Havanese Shih Tzu Cairn Terrier
OriginsCuba flagCuba China flagChina Scotland flagScotland
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank232069
Reviews7193
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Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier breeds.
Bichon Habanero
Bichon Havanais
Bichon Havanes
Havanese Cuban Bichon
Havaneser
Havanezer
Bichon Havanese
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Toto Dog
Cairn
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier? Compare adult weight ranges.
7-13 pounds (3-6 kg) 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) Male: 14-18 pounds (6-8 kg), Female: 13-17 pounds (6-8 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
10 pounds (4.5 kg) 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) Male: 16 pounds (7 kg), Female: 15 pounds (7 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Havanese or Shih Tzu or Cairn Terrier? Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier height comparison:
8-11 inches (21-29 cm) 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) Male: 10-13 inches (25-33 cm), Female: 9-12 inches (23-30 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
10 inches (25 cm) 9.5 inches (24 cm) Male: 11.5 inches (29 cm), Female: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm)

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Find price differences between these breeds.
$900-$1200 $800-$1200 $700-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Havanese or Shih Tzu or Cairn Terrier?
Very frequent: The Havanese is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Cairn Terrier is quite easy to get.

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed ranks highest?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
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Smart: The Cairn Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which is easiest to train?
Havanese dogs are very easy to train.
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Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
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Cairn Terrier dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed is most alert?
Havanese dogs are good watchdogs.
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Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
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Cairn Terrier dogs are good watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed is most protective?
Havanese dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Cairn Terrier dogs are average defenders.
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Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Companionable
Sturdy
Amiable
Charming
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Active
Courageous
Intelligent
Fearless
Assertive
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Cairn Terrier dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier?
High: Havanese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Cairn Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier social needs comparison:
Havanese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Cairn Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Havanese dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Cairn Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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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.
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Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Cairn Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Havanese rarely barks.
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A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
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A lot: Cairn Terrier is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed is most playful?
The Havanese is a highly playful breed.
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Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
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The Cairn Terrier is a playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Havanese breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Cairn Terrier indoors.

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed is most flexible?
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.
Average: Cairn Terrier dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Havanese or Shih Tzu or Cairn Terrier?
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.
Cairn Terrier 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 vs Cairn Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Havanese has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Cairn Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which uses mouth most during play?
Havanese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Cairn Terrier dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Havanese bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Cairn Terrier bite force: Weak.

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed lives longest?
14-16 years
The average lifespan of Havanese: 15 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Cairn Terrier: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. 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.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Cairn Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. 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 Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Cairn Terriers tend to have more frequent health issues than other 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 Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Frequent
The Cairn Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier 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
Cataracts
Legg-perthes Disease
Luxating Patella
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Cryptorchidism
Glaucoma
Craniomandibular Osteopathy
Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy
Microvascular Dysplasia
Portosystemic Vascular Anomaly (PSVA)

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. 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 Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Cairn Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Havanese or Shih Tzu or Cairn Terrier? 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.
Cairn Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Havanese or Shih Tzu or Cairn Terrier?
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.
Cairn Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. 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.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Cairn Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which needs most food?
1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day. 0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. What colors are available?
Black
White
Fawn
Reddish-Brown
Havana Brown
Tobacco
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Black
Gray
Red
Cream
Silver
Brindle
Wheaten
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Havanese requires average grooming effort.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Average: The Cairn Terrier requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which drools least?
The Havanese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Cairn Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which has least natural smell?

Low 🔽

The Havanese has a low chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Cairn Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Soft
Wavy
Woolly
Flat
Long
Dense Waterproof
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. 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.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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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 Tzu or Cairn Terrier? Havanese or Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding:
Havanese dogs shed none to minimal.
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Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
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Cairn Terrier dogs shed moderately.
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Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which is best with kids?
Havanese dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Cairn Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
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.
Cairn Terrier dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Havanese or Shih Tzu or Cairn Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?
Havanese dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Havanese or Shih Tzu or Cairn Terrier?
Havanese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Havanese or Shih Tzu or Cairn Terrier?
Havanese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier?
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.
Yes
Cairn Terrier 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.
Yes
Cairn Terrier 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 Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.
Cairn Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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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.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. 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 Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. 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 Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Havanese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Cairn Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. 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 Tzu vs Cairn Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which has most puppies?
1-9 puppies, average 4 2-5 puppies 2-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. 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 Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. 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 Tzu vs Cairn Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1913 as a Terrier breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. How are they classified internationally?
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. Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. 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
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
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
Club Espanol De Terriers

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