Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese Comparison - Dog breed selector: Mal-Shi or Chrysanthemum Dog or Bichon Habanero? Find the right dog for you
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Compare Maltese Shih Tzu and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu or Havanese?
Name | Maltese Shih Tzu | Shih Tzu | Havanese |
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Origins | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Group | Designer Dogs | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs |
Popularity Rank | 622 | 20 | 23 |
Reviews | 3 | 19 | 7 |
User Ratings |
Other Names
What other names do they have? |
Mal-Shi Malti Zu Malt-Tzu |
Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog |
Bichon Habanero Bichon Havanais Bichon Havanes Havanese Cuban Bichon Havaneser Havanezer Bichon Havanese |
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Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese breed type comparison: | Cross Breed | Purebred | Purebred |
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese Size and Weight Comparison
Size
Which is bigger, Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu or Havanese? Which is the smallest dog, Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu or Havanese? | Small | Small | Small |
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Weight
Which is heavier, Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese weight comparison: | 6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg) | 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) | 7-13 pounds (3-6 kg) |
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight? | 9 pounds (4 kg) | 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) | 10 pounds (4.5 kg) |
Height
Which is taller, Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu or Havanese? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese height comparison: | 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) | 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) | 8-11 inches (21-29 cm) |
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height? | 11 inches (27.5 cm) | 9.5 inches (24 cm) | 10 inches (25 cm) |
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese Price and Availability Comparison
Price
Which is cheaper, Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu or Havanese? Which is more expensive? | $500-$800 | $800-$1200 | $900-$1200 |
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Availability
Which is easier to get, Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu or Havanese? | Average: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a commonly available dog breed. | Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Havanese is quite easy to get. |
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese intelligence: | 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. | Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. |
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Trainability
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese trainability comparison. | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are easy to train. | Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. | Havanese dogs are very easy to train. |
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu or Havanese? | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. | Havanese dogs are good watchdogs. |
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Maltese Shih Tzu or 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. | Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. | Havanese dogs strongly protect their territory. |
Maltese Shih Tzu vs 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 Shih Tzu or Havanese? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese behavior/temperament comparison: |
Active Curious Playful Intelligent Outgoing Adaptable |
Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle |
Playful Intelligent Responsive Affectionate Lively Gentle Companionable Sturdy Amiable Charming |
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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. | 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. |
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese? | Average to High: Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are highly affectionate dogs. | High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: Havanese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. |
Social Needs
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese social needs comparison: | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs need for social interaction is average. | Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Havanese 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. | Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. | Havanese 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. | Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | Havanese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. |
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese Activity and Playfulness Comparison
Playfulness
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese playfulness comparison: | Average: Maltese Shih Tzus, like any other dog breed, like playing. | Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. | The Havanese is a highly playful breed. |
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese? | Average to High: The Maltese Shih Tzu is a vocal breed. | A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. | Low to Average: The Havanese rarely barks. |
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu or Havanese? | Very house-friendly dog the Maltese Shih Tzu breed. | Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed. | Very house-friendly dog the Havanese breed. |
Maltese Shih Tzu vs 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. | Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | Havanese 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 Shih Tzu or Havanese? | Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. | Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them. | 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 Shih Tzu vs Havanese Bite Characteristics Comparison
Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu or Havanese? | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese Shih Tzu bite force: Weak. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Havanese 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 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 Shih Tzu vs Havanese mouthiness comparison: | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than 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. | Havanese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. |
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese Health and Lifespan Comparison
Health Issues
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese health comparison. Which is the healthier: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese? | Maltese Shih Tzus tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. | The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. | The Havanese 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 Shih Tzu vs Havanese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese health problems comparison: |
Patellar Luxation White Dog Shaker Syndrome | 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 |
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? |
Frequent The Maltese Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. |
Average The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
Average The Havanese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
Life Expectancy
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese lifespan comparison. How long do Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu and Havanese breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? |
12-14 years The average lifespan of Maltese Shih Tzu: 13 years |
10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years |
14-16 years The average lifespan of Havanese: 15 years |
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Maltese Shih Tzu vs 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. | 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 Shih Tzu vs Havanese Energy and Activity Comparison
Energy Level
Who has more energy a Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu or Havanese?
Maltese Shih Tzu vs 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. | Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs. | Havanese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you. |
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Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu or Havanese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest? | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs have an average exercise need. | Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal. | Havanese dogs exercise need is very minimal. |
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese Shih Tzu or 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. | Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot. | Havanese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed. |
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese Diet and Weight Management Comparison
Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu or Havanese? | 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. | Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day. | 1/2 to 1 cup 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 Shih Tzu vs Havanese 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 Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight. | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Havanese's weight, he can easily gain weight. |
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese Allergies and Grooming Comparison
Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese coat comparison: |
Curly Silky Soft Wavy Long | Dense |
Soft Wavy Woolly Flat Long |
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Colors
What are the original Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu and Havanese color? |
Black White Brown White & Tan Black & White Brown & Black |
Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold |
Black White Fawn Reddish-Brown Havana Brown Tobacco |
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu or Havanese? Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese grooming comparison: | Advanced: The Maltese Shih Tzu requires a lot of grooming. | Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. | Average: The Havanese requires average grooming effort. |
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu or Havanese? Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding: | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. | Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. | Havanese dogs shed none to minimal. |
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Maltese Shih Tzu or 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. | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. | 3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. |
Hypoallergenic
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese 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 Shih Tzu vs Havanese? | Low 🔽 The Maltese Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell. | Low 🔽 The 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? | The Maltese Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Havanese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
Maltese Shih Tzu vs 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. | Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. | Havanese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. |
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Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu or Havanese? Which dog is more friendly? | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers. | Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers. | Havanese dogs are stranger-friendly dogs. |
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu or Havanese? | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children. | Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs. | Havanese dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. |
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu or Havanese? | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are not cat-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | Havanese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. |
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu or Havanese? | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. | Havanese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. |
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese? |
Yes Maltese Shih Tzu 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 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 Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed 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. | Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people. | Havaneses are one of the best breeds for elderly people. |
Maltese Shih Tzu vs 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. | 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 Shih Tzu or Havanese? 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 Shih Tzu vs Havanese? | Not really Maltese Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Havanese 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 Shih Tzu vs Havanese 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 Shih Tzu and Havanese have? | 3-5 puppies | 2-5 puppies | 1-9 puppies, average 4 |
Maltese Shih Tzu vs 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 1969 as a Toy breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996 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 Tibetan breeds section. | 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 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 United Kennel Club Havanese Club of America |
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