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

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

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	Poochon
Origins	Cuba	China	Australia
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank	23	20	560
Reviews	7	19	1
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Poochon breeds.	Bichon Habanero Bichon Havanais Bichon Havanes Havanese Cuban Bichon Havaneser Havanezer Bichon Havanese	Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog	No data available
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Poochon? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Cross Breed

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Poochon Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Poochon. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Poochon? Compare adult weight ranges.	7-13 pounds (3-6 kg)	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)	6-15 pounds (3-7 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	10 pounds (4.5 kg)	9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)	9.5 pounds (4.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Havanese or Shih Tzu or Poochon? Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Poochon height comparison:	8-11 inches (21-29 cm)	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)	10-15 inches (25-38 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	10 inches (25 cm)	9.5 inches (24 cm)	12.5 inches (31.5 cm)

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Poochon Price and Availability Comparison

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

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Poochon Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Poochon. Which breed ranks highest?	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.	Smart: The Poochon dogs have great intelligence. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Poochon. Which is easiest to train?	Havanese dogs are very easy to train. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Poochon dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Poochon. Which breed is most alert?	Havanese dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Poochon dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Poochon. Which breed is most protective?	Havanese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Poochon dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Poochon Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Poochon? Compare temperaments.	Playful Intelligent Responsive Affectionate Lively Gentle Companionable Sturdy Amiable Charming	Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle	Happy Intelligent Affectionate
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	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.	Sensitive: Poochon dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Poochon?	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.	High: Poochon 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 vs Poochon social needs comparison:	Havanese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Poochon dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Havanese dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Poochon dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.
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. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Poochon dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Poochon Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Poochon. Which breed is most vocal?	Low to Average: The Havanese rarely barks. See more.	A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Average to High: The Poochon is a vocal breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Poochon. Which breed is most playful?	The Havanese is a highly playful breed. See more.	Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. See more.	The Poochon is a playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Poochon. 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 Poochon breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Poochon Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Poochon. 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.	Poochon 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 Poochon?	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.	Poochon 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 Poochon Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Poochon. 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 Poochon has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Poochon. Which uses mouth most during play?	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.	Poochon dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Poochon. 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 🔽 Poochon bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Poochon Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Poochon. 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 Poochon: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Poochon. 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. 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.	Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Poochon. 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.	The Poochon 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?	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.	Average The Poochon 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 vs Poochon? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Poochon 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 Retinal Dysplasia Allergies Addison's Disease Bladder Stones Cushing's Syndrome

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Poochon Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Poochon. 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.	Poochon dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Poochon exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Havanese or Shih Tzu or Poochon? 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.	Poochon dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Havanese or Shih Tzu or Poochon?	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.	Poochon dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Poochon Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Poochon. 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. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Poochon's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Poochon. 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 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Poochon Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Poochon. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	Yes See more.	Yes See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Poochon. What colors are available?	Black White Fawn Reddish-Brown Havana Brown Tobacco	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold	Black Tan Cream Grey Apricot
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Poochon. Which requires most maintenance?	Average: The Havanese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Easy to groom: The Poochon doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Poochon. Which drools least?	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.	The Poochon is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Poochon. 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.	Low 🔽 The Poochon has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Poochon. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Soft Wavy Woolly Flat Long	Dense	Wavy Coarse
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Poochon. 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. See more.	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 Poochon? Havanese or Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding:	Havanese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Poochon dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Poochon Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Poochon. Which is best with kids?	Havanese dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.	Poochon dogs are 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.	Poochon dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Havanese or Shih Tzu or Poochon? Which dog is more friendly?	Havanese dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Poochon dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
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 or Poochon?	Havanese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Poochon dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Havanese or Shih Tzu or Poochon?	Havanese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Poochon 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 Poochon?	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 Poochon 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 Poochon 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.	Poochons are usually recommended for elderly people.

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Poochon As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Poochon. Which is best suited for service work?	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.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Poochon. Which excels in therapy work?	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.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Poochon. 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 Poochon. 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 Poochon. Which is best suited for water work?	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.	Not really Poochon breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Poochon. Which is best for draft work?	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.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Poochon. 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 Poochon Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Poochon. Which has most puppies?	1-9 puppies, average 4	2-5 puppies	2-4 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Poochon. 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 Poochon. 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 Poochon Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Poochon. 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.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Poochon. 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.	Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Poochon. 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	Not recognized by any clubs.

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