Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese vs Shih Tzu Comparison - Dog breed selector: Mal-Shi or Bichon Habanero or Chrysanthemum Dog? Find the right dog for you
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Compare Maltese Shih Tzu and Havanese. Which is better: Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese or Shih Tzu?
Name | Maltese Shih Tzu | Havanese | Shih Tzu |
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Origins | United States | Cuba | China |
Group | Designer Dogs | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs |
Popularity Rank | 622 | 23 | 20 |
Reviews | 3 | 5 | 15 |
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 |
Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog |
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Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese vs Shih Tzu breed type comparison: | Cross Breed | Purebred | Purebred |
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese vs Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison
Size
Which is bigger, Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese or Shih Tzu? Which is the smallest dog, Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese or Shih Tzu? | Small | Small | Small |
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Weight
Which is heavier, Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese or Havanese? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese vs Shih Tzu weight comparison: | 6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg) | 7-13 pounds (3-6 kg) | 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) |
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight? | 9 pounds (4 kg) | 10 pounds (4.5 kg) | 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) |
Height
Which is taller, Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese or Shih Tzu? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese vs Shih Tzu height comparison: | 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) | 8-11 inches (21-29 cm) | 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) |
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height? | 11 inches (27.5 cm) | 10 inches (25 cm) | 9.5 inches (24 cm) |
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese vs Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison
Price
Which is cheaper, Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese or Shih Tzu? Which is more expensive? | $500-$800 | $900-$1200 | $800-$1200 |
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Availability
Which is easier to get, Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese or Shih Tzu? | Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a commonly available dog breed. | Very frequent: The Havanese is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get. |
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese vs Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese vs Shih Tzu intelligence: | Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. | Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. | Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. |
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Trainability
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese vs Shih Tzu trainability comparison. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are easy to train. | Havanese dogs are very easy to train. | Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. |
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese or Shih Tzu? | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. | Havanese dogs are good watchdogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. |
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese or Shih Tzu?
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. | Havanese dogs strongly protect their territory. | Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. |
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese vs Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison
Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese or Shih Tzu? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese vs Shih Tzu behavior/temperament comparison: |
Active Curious Playful Intelligent Outgoing Adaptable |
Playful Intelligent Responsive Affectionate Lively Gentle Companionable Sturdy Amiable Charming |
Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle |
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Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference? | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. | Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. |
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese vs Shih Tzu? | Average to High: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are highly affectionate dogs. | High: Havanese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. |
Social Needs
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese vs Shih Tzu social needs comparison: | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs need for social interaction is average. | Havanese dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. |
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not the biggest explorers. | Havanese dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. | Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. |
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting? | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. | Havanese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. |
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese vs Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison
Playfulness
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese vs Shih Tzu playfulness comparison: | Average: Maltese Shih Tzus, like any other dog breed, like playing. | The Havanese is a highly playful breed. | Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. |
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese vs Shih Tzu? | Average to High: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a vocal breed. | Low to Average: The Havanese rarely barks. | A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. |
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese or Shih Tzu? | Very house-friendly dog the Maltese Shih Tzu breed. | Very house-friendly dog the Havanese breed. | Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed. |
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese vs Shih Tzu 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. | Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. |
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Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese or Shih Tzu? | 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. | Shih Tzu 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 vs Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison
Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese or Shih Tzu? | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese Shih Tzu bite force: Weak. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Havanese bite force: Weak. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak. |
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Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison: | Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Havanese has a low chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody. |
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese vs Shih Tzu mouthiness comparison: | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Havanese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. |
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese vs Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison
Health Issues
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese vs Shih Tzu health comparison. Which is the healthier: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese vs Shih Tzu? | 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. | The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. |
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Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese vs Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese vs Shih Tzu 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 | 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 |
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits? |
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. |
Average The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
Life Expectancy
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese vs Shih Tzu lifespan comparison. How long do Maltese Shih Tzu, Havanese and Shih Tzu breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? |
12-14 years The average lifespan of Maltese Shih Tzu: 13 years |
14-16 years The average lifespan of Havanese: 15 years |
10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years |
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese vs Shih Tzu? | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. |
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese vs Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison
Energy Level
Who has more energy a Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese or Shih Tzu?
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese vs Shih Tzu 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. | Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs. |
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Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese vs Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese or Shih Tzu? 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. | Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal. |
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese or Shih Tzu? | 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. | Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot. |
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese vs Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison
Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese or Shih Tzu? | 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. | 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. | Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day. |
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Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese vs Shih Tzu weight gain potential comparison: | Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu has an average risk for obesity. | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Havanese's weight, he can easily gain weight. | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight. |
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese vs Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison
Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese vs Shih Tzu coat comparison: |
Curly Silky Soft Wavy Long |
Soft Wavy Woolly Flat Long | Dense |
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Colors
What are the original Maltese Shih Tzu, Havanese and Shih Tzu color? |
Black White Brown White & Tan Black & White Brown & Black |
Black White Fawn Reddish-Brown Havana Brown Tobacco |
Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold |
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese or Shih Tzu? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese vs Shih Tzu grooming comparison: | Advanced: The Maltese Shih Tzu requires a lot of grooming. | Average: The Havanese requires average grooming effort. | Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. |
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese or Shih Tzu? Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese or {name3 shedding: | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. | Havanese dogs shed none to minimal. | Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. |
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese or Shih Tzu? | 3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. | 3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. |
Hypoallergenic
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese vs Shih Tzu hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not? | Yes See more. | Yes See more. | Yes See more. |
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese vs Shih Tzu? | Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell. | Low 🔽 The Havanese has a low chance of bad smell. | Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell. |
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? | The Maltese Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Havanese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese vs Shih Tzu 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. | Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. |
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Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese or Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly? | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers. | Havanese dogs are stranger-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers. |
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese or Shih Tzu? | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children. | Havanese dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs. |
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese or Shih Tzu? | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not cat-friendly dogs. | Havanese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. |
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese or Shih Tzu? | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. | Havanese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. |
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese vs Shih Tzu? |
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. |
Yes Shih Tzu 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. |
No Shih Tzu 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. | Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people. |
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese vs 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. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. |
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Maltese Shih Tzu or Havanese or Shih Tzu? Which is better for autism? | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. |
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: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese vs Shih Tzu? | Not really Maltese Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Havanese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
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. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
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. |
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese vs Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison
Gestation Length | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
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Litter Frequency | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Litter Size
How many puppies can Maltese Shih Tzu and Havanese and Shih Tzu have? | 3-5 puppies | 1-9 puppies, average 4 | 2-5 puppies |
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Havanese vs Shih Tzu 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. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed. |
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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. | Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan 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 |
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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