Havanese vs Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu Comparison - Dog breed selector: Bichon Habanero or Simkhyi or Mal-Shi? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Havanese vs Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu" Compare Havanese and Tibetan Spaniel. Which is better: Havanese or Tibetan Spaniel or Maltese 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	Tibetan Spaniel	Maltese Shih Tzu
Origins	Cuba	Tibet	United States
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank	23	121	622
Reviews	6	1	3
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Bichon Habanero Bichon Havanais Bichon Havanes Havanese Cuban Bichon Havaneser Havanezer Bichon Havanese	Simkhyi Tibbie	Mal-Shi Malti Zu Malt-Tzu
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Havanese vs Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Cross Breed

Havanese vs Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Havanese or Tibetan Spaniel or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which is the smallest dog, Havanese or Tibetan Spaniel or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Which is heavier, Havanese or Tibetan Spaniel or Tibetan Spaniel? Havanese vs Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu weight comparison:	7-13 pounds (3-6 kg)	9-15 pounds (4.1-6.8 kg)	6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	10 pounds (4.5 kg)	12 pounds (4.1-6.8 kg)	9 pounds (4 kg)
Height Which is taller, Havanese or Tibetan Spaniel or Maltese Shih Tzu? Havanese vs Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu height comparison:	8-11 inches (21-29 cm)	10 inches (25 cm)	10-12 inches (25-30 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	10 inches (25 cm)	10 inches (25 cm)	11 inches (27.5 cm)

Havanese vs Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Havanese or Tibetan Spaniel or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which is more expensive?	$900-$1200	$800-$1000	$500-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Havanese or Tibetan Spaniel or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Very frequent: The Havanese is quite easy to get.	Frequent: The Tibetan Spaniel is easier than average to get.	Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a commonly available dog breed.

Havanese vs Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Havanese vs Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu intelligence:	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Havanese vs Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu trainability comparison.	Havanese dogs are very easy to train. See more.	Tibetan Spaniel dogs are easy to train. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Havanese or Tibetan Spaniel or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Havanese dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Tibetan Spaniel dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Havanese or Tibetan Spaniel or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Havanese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Tibetan Spaniel dogs are not the best to protect their territory. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Havanese vs Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Havanese or Tibetan Spaniel or Maltese Shih Tzu? Havanese vs Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu behavior/temperament comparison:	Playful Intelligent Responsive Affectionate Lively Gentle Companionable Sturdy Amiable Charming	Aloof Independent Happy Intelligent Assertive Willful	Active Curious Playful Intelligent Outgoing Adaptable
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Sensitive: Tibetan Spaniel dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	Maltese 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 Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	High: Havanese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Tibetan Spaniel dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	Average to High: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are highly affectionate dogs. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Havanese vs Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu social needs comparison:	Havanese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Tibetan Spaniel dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs need for social interaction is average. 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.	Tibetan Spaniel dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not the biggest explorers. 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.	Tibetan Spaniel 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.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Havanese vs Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Havanese vs Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu playfulness comparison:	The Havanese is a highly playful breed. See more.	Average: Tibetan Spaniels, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Maltese Shih Tzus, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Havanese vs Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	Low to Average: The Havanese rarely barks. See more.	Low to Average: The Tibetan Spaniel rarely barks. See more.	Average to High: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a vocal breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Havanese or Tibetan Spaniel or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Very house-friendly dog the Havanese breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Tibetan Spaniel breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese Shih Tzu breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Havanese vs Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	Havanese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Tibetan Spaniel dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Average: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Havanese or Tibetan Spaniel or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Havanese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Tibetan Spaniel 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 Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Havanese or Tibetan Spaniel or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Havanese bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Tibetan Spaniel bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
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 Tibetan Spaniel has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Havanese vs Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu mouthiness comparison:	Havanese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Tibetan Spaniel dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.

Havanese vs Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Havanese vs Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu health comparison. Which is the healthier: Havanese vs Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	The Havanese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	Tibetan Spaniels tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.	Maltese Shih Tzus tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Havanese vs Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Havanese vs Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese 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	No data available	Patellar Luxation White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Average The Havanese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Frequent The Tibetan Spaniel should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.	Frequent The Maltese Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Havanese vs Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu lifespan comparison. How long do Havanese, Tibetan Spaniel and Maltese Shih Tzu breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	14-16 years The average lifespan of Havanese: 15 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Tibetan Spaniel: 13 years	12-14 years The average lifespan of Maltese Shih Tzu: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Havanese vs Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	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 warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. 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.

Havanese vs Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Havanese or Tibetan Spaniel or Maltese Shih Tzu? Havanese vs Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu energy level comparison:	Havanese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.	Tibetan Spaniel dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Havanese vs Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Havanese or Tibetan Spaniel or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Havanese dogs exercise need is very minimal.	Tibetan Spaniel dogs exercise need is minimal.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Havanese or Tibetan Spaniel or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Havanese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Tibetan Spaniel dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Havanese vs Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Havanese or Tibetan Spaniel or Maltese Shih Tzu?	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Havanese vs Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu weight gain potential comparison:	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Havanese's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average: The Tibetan Spaniel has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Havanese vs Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Havanese vs Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu coat comparison:	Soft Wavy Woolly Flat Long	Silky	Curly Silky Soft Wavy Long
Colors What are the original Havanese, Tibetan Spaniel and Maltese Shih Tzu color?	Black White Fawn Reddish-Brown Havana Brown Tobacco	Black Tan Red Cream White Silver Sable Gold	Black White Brown White & Tan Black & White Brown & Black
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Havanese or Tibetan Spaniel or Maltese Shih Tzu? Havanese vs Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu grooming comparison:	Average: The Havanese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The Tibetan Spaniel requires average grooming effort. See more.	Advanced: The Maltese Shih Tzu requires a lot of grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Havanese or Tibetan Spaniel or Maltese Shih Tzu? Havanese or Tibetan Spaniel or {name3 shedding:	Havanese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Tibetan Spaniel dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Havanese or Tibetan Spaniel or Maltese Shih Tzu?	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	2-3 weeks Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks. See more.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.
Hypoallergenic Havanese vs Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	Yes See more.	No See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Havanese vs Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	Low 🔽 The Havanese has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Tibetan Spaniel has an average chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?	The Havanese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Tibetan Spaniel is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Maltese Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Havanese vs Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Havanese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Tibetan Spaniel dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Havanese or Tibetan Spaniel or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?	Havanese dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Tibetan Spaniel dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Havanese or Tibetan Spaniel or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Havanese dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Tibetan Spaniel dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Havanese or Tibetan Spaniel or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Havanese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Tibetan Spaniel dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Havanese or Tibetan Spaniel or Maltese Shih Tzu?	Havanese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Tibetan Spaniel dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Havanese vs Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	Yes Havanese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Tibetan Spaniel dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Maltese 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 Tibetan Spaniel is not the best dog breed for office environment.	Yes Maltese Shih Tzu 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.	Tibetan Spaniels are usually recommended for elderly people.	Maltese Shih Tzus are commonly okay with elderly people.

Havanese vs Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Which one could be a service dog?	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 Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Havanese or Tibetan Spaniel or Maltese Shih Tzu? Which is better for autism?	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
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?	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 and Rescue Dog (SAR) Which one could be 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.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog Which one could be a boat dog: Havanese vs Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu?	Not really Havanese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Tibetan Spaniel breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Maltese Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
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. 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.
Fighting Dog / Military 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.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Havanese vs Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency	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.
Litter Size How many puppies can Havanese and Tibetan Spaniel and Maltese Shih Tzu have?	1-9 puppies, average 4	3-6 puppies	3-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Havanese vs Tibetan Spaniel vs Maltese Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison

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 1983 as a Non-Sporting breed.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
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.	Not recognized by FCI.
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	No data available	Not recognized by any clubs.

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