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Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso Comparison - Dog breed selector: Bichon Habanero or Chrysanthemum Dog or Lion Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso" Compare Havanese and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Havanese or Shih Tzu or Lhasa Apso?
 
 
 
Name Havanese Shih Tzu Lhasa Apso
OriginsCuba flagCuba China flagChina Tibet flagTibet
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank232077
Reviews7194
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso breeds.
Bichon Habanero
Bichon Havanais
Bichon Havanes
Havanese Cuban Bichon
Havaneser
Havanezer
Bichon Havanese
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Lion Dog
Lhasa
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso? Compare adult weight ranges.
7-13 pounds (3-6 kg) 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) 13-15 pounds (5.9-6.8 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
10 pounds (4.5 kg) 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) 14 pounds (5.9-6.8 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Havanese or Shih Tzu or Lhasa Apso? Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso height comparison:
8-11 inches (21-29 cm) 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) 10-11 inches (25-28 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
10 inches (25 cm) 9.5 inches (24 cm) 10.5 inches (26.5 cm)

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Find price differences between these breeds.
$900-$1200 $800-$1200 $500-$700
Availability
Which is easier to get, Havanese or Shih Tzu or Lhasa Apso?
Very frequent: The Havanese is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Lhasa Apso is quite easy to get.

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. 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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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. 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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Lhasa Apso dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Which breed is most alert?
Havanese dogs are good watchdogs.
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Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
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Lhasa Apso dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. 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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Lhasa Apso dogs are average defenders.
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Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Companionable
Sturdy
Amiable
Charming
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Playful
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Obedient
Devoted
Lively
Steady
Spirited
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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Sensitive: Lhasa Apso dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso?
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: Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso 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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Lhasa Apso dogs need for social interaction is average.
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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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Lhasa Apso dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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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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Lhasa Apso dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. 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: Lhasa Apso is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. 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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Average: Lhasa Apsos, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Havanese breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Lhasa Apso breed.

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. 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.
Lhasa Apso 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 or Lhasa Apso?
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.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. 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 Lhasa Apso has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. 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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Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso. 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 🔽

Lhasa Apso bite force: Weak.

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. 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 Lhasa Apso: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. 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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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 health problems common in Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. 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.
Lhasa Apsos 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 Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso 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
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Sebaceous Adenitis
Cherry Eye
Familial Inherited Renal Dysplasia
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. 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.
Lhasa Apso dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Havanese or Shih Tzu or Lhasa Apso? 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.
Lhasa Apso dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Havanese or Shih Tzu or Lhasa Apso?
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.
Lhasa Apso dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. 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 Lhasa Apso has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. 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. 1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. Yes See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. What colors are available?
Black
White
Fawn
Reddish-Brown
Havana Brown
Tobacco
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Black
Red
White
Brown
Yellow
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. 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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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. 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 Lhasa Apso is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. 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 Lhasa Apso has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Soft
Wavy
Woolly
Flat
Long
Dense Dense
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. 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.
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 or Lhasa Apso? 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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Lhasa Apso dogs shed above average.
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Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Which is best with kids?
Havanese dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Lhasa Apso dogs are very 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.
Lhasa Apso dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Havanese or Shih Tzu or Lhasa Apso? Which dog is more friendly?
Havanese dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Lhasa Apso dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Havanese or Shih Tzu or Lhasa Apso?
Havanese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Lhasa Apso dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Havanese or Shih Tzu or Lhasa Apso?
Havanese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Lhasa Apso dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso?
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
Lhasa Apso 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.
No
Lhasa Apso 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.
Lhasa Apsos are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. 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.
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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 Lhasa Apso. 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.
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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 Lhasa Apso. 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 Lhasa Apso. 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 Lhasa Apso. 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

Lhasa Apso breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. 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 Lhasa Apso. 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 Lhasa Apso Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. Which has most puppies?
1-9 puppies, average 4 2-5 puppies 4-6 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. 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 Lhasa Apso. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. 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 1935 as a Non-Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. 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 Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso. 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
Canadian Canine Registry

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