Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese Comparison – Which dog is better Mal-Shi or Bichon Habanero?

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

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	Maltese Shih Tzu	Havanese
Origins	United States	Cuba
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Designer Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	622	23
Reviews	3	6
User Ratings

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

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese Size and Weight Comparison

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

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Maltese Shih Tzu and Havanese?	$500-$800	$900-$1200
Availability Which is easier to get, Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese?	Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a commonly available dog breed.	Very frequent: The Havanese is quite easy to get.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese smarter? Which is best? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese 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.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese trainability comparison. What's the difference between Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are easy to train. See more.	Havanese dogs are very easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Havanese dogs are good watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average defenders. See more.	Havanese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese behavior/temperament comparison:	Active Curious Playful Intelligent Outgoing Adaptable	Playful Intelligent Responsive Affectionate Lively Gentle Companionable Sturdy Amiable Charming
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese?	Average to High: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are highly affectionate dogs. See more.	High: Havanese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese social needs comparison:	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Havanese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Havanese dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese? Which can be better for hunting?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.	Havanese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	Average: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.	Havanese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese?	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.	Havanese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese health comparison. Which is the healthier: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese?	Maltese Shih Tzus tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.	The Havanese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese health problems comparison:	Patellar Luxation White Dog Shaker Syndrome	Cataracts Heart Murmurs Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Deafness Chondrodysplasia Elbow Dysplasia Mitral Valve Disease Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese?	Frequent The Maltese Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.	Average The Havanese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese lifespan comparison. How long do Maltese Shih Tzu and Havanese breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Maltese Shih Tzu and Havanese?	12-14 years The average lifespan of Maltese Shih Tzu: 13 years	14-16 years The average lifespan of Havanese: 15 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese?	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.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese energy level comparison:	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.	Havanese 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 Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average exercise need.	Havanese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Havanese 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

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese? Does the Maltese Shih Tzu breed eat more than the Havanese breed?	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? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese weight gain potential comparison:	Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Havanese's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese coat comparison:	Curly Silky Soft Wavy Long	Soft Wavy Woolly Flat Long
Colors What are the original Maltese Shih Tzu and Havanese color? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese color comparison:	Black White Brown White & Tan Black & White Brown & Black	Black White Fawn Reddish-Brown Havana Brown Tobacco
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese grooming comparison:	Advanced: The Maltese Shih Tzu requires a lot of grooming. See more.	Average: The Havanese requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese? Do Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed more than Havanese dogs?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Havanese 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: Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese?	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. 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 Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	Yes See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese?	Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Havanese has a low chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese?	The Maltese Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Havanese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.	Havanese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese? Which dog is more friendly?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Havanese dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.	Havanese dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.	Havanese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese? Can a Maltese Shih Tzu and a Havanese be friends? Do Maltese Shih Tzu dogs get along with Havanese dogs?	Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Havanese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is best for first time owners: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese?	Yes Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Havanese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	Yes Maltese Shih Tzu is one of the best dog breeds for office environment	No Havanese is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Maltese Shih Tzus are commonly okay with elderly people.	Havaneses are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese 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.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese? 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.
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.
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.
Boat and Sailor Dog Which one could be a boat dog: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese?	Not really Maltese Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Havanese 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.
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.

Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length	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.
Litter Size How many puppies can Maltese Shih Tzu and Havanese have? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese litter size comparison:	3-5 puppies	1-9 puppies, average 4
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Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996 as a Toy breed.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.
Breed Recognition What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?	Not recognized by any clubs.	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

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