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
"Find similarities and differences between Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese"
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 |
---|---|---|---|
Origins | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Group | Designer Dogs | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs |
Popularity Rank | 622 | 20 | 23 |
Reviews | 3 | 19 | 7 |
User Ratings |
Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese breeds. |
Mal-Shi Malti Zu Malt-Tzu |
Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog |
Bichon Habanero Bichon Havanais Bichon Havanes Havanese Cuban Bichon Havaneser Havanezer Bichon Havanese |
---|---|---|---|
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese? Compare their breeding categories. | Cross Breed | Purebred | Purebred |
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese Size and Weight Comparison
Size Classification
Compare size differences between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which breed is the largest? | Small | Small | Small |
---|---|---|---|
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese? Compare adult weight ranges. | 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 Range
Compare puppy costs for Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Find price differences between these breeds. | $500-$800 | $800-$1200 | $900-$1200 |
---|---|---|---|
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
Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which breed ranks highest? | 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. |
---|---|---|---|
Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which is easiest to train? | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are easy to train. | Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. | Havanese dogs are very easy to train. |
Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which breed is most alert? | Maltese Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. | Havanese dogs are good watchdogs. |
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which breed is most protective? | 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
Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese? Compare temperaments. |
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 |
---|---|---|---|
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
Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which breed is most vocal? | 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. |
---|---|---|---|
Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which breed is most playful? | 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. |
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which adapts best to small spaces? | 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
Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which breed is most flexible? | 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. |
---|---|---|---|
Alone Time Tolerance
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 Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which has lowest bite risk? | 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. |
---|---|---|---|
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which uses mouth most during play? | 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. |
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which has the strongest bite? | 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. |
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese Health and Lifespan Comparison
Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which breed lives longest? |
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 |
---|---|---|---|
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. 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. | 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. |
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which has fewer health issues? | 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. |
Vet Care Frequency
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. |
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 |
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese Energy and Activity Comparison
Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which breed is most active? | 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. |
---|---|---|---|
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
Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which is most prone to obesity? | 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. |
---|---|---|---|
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. 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. | 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. |
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese Allergies and Grooming Comparison
Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which is best for allergy sufferers? | Yes See more. | Yes See more. | Yes See more. |
---|---|---|---|
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. What colors are available? |
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 Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which requires most maintenance? | 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. |
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which drools 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. |
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which has least natural smell? | 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. |
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. How do their fur characteristics differ? |
Curly Silky Soft Wavy Long | Dense |
Soft Wavy Woolly Flat Long |
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. 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. | 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. |
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. |
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese Good With Comparison
Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which is best with kids? | 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. |
---|---|---|---|
Pet Compatibility
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. |
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. |
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 Capability
Compare service dog potential between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which is best suited for service work? | 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. |
---|---|---|---|
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which excels in therapy work? | 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. |
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. 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 Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. 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 Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which is best suited for water work? | 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. |
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which is best for draft work? | 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. |
Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. 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. |
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese Reproducibility Comparison
Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which has most puppies? | 3-5 puppies | 2-5 puppies | 1-9 puppies, average 4 |
---|---|---|---|
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Any breeding differences? | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. What's recommended? | 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. |
Maltese Shih Tzu vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese Recognition Comparison
AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. How are they classified? | 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. |
---|---|---|---|
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. How are they classified internationally? | 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. |
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Maltese Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which has most recognition? | 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 |
Popular Dog Compares
Sharing is caring.
Help our free service by spreading information about dog breeds.
Link to this: 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
<a href="https://dogell.com/en/compare-dog-breeds/maltese-shih-tzu-vs-shih-tzu-vs-havanese">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</a>
Help our free service by spreading information about dog breeds.
Link to this: 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
<a href="https://dogell.com/en/compare-dog-breeds/maltese-shih-tzu-vs-shih-tzu-vs-havanese">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</a>