Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Havanese Comparison - Dog breed selector: Chrysanthemum Dog or Maltese lion dog or Bichon Habanero? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Havanese" Compare Shih Tzu and Maltese. Which is better: Shih Tzu or Maltese 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	Shih Tzu	Maltese	Havanese
Origins	China	Italy	Cuba
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	20	33	23
Reviews	19	3	7
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Havanese breeds.	Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog	Bichon Habanero Bichon Havanais Bichon Havanes Havanese Cuban Bichon Havaneser Havanezer Bichon Havanese
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Havanese? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Havanese Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Havanese. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Havanese? Compare adult weight ranges.	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	7-13 pounds (3-6 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)	10 pounds (4.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Shih Tzu or Maltese or Havanese? Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Havanese height comparison:	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)	8-11 inches (21-29 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	9.5 inches (24 cm)	Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)	10 inches (25 cm)

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Havanese Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Havanese. Find price differences between these breeds.	$800-$1200	$600-$800	$900-$1200
Availability Which is easier to get, Shih Tzu or Maltese or Havanese?	Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Havanese is quite easy to get.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Havanese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Havanese. Which breed ranks highest?	Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. 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
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Havanese. Which is easiest to train?	Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Maltese dogs are quite 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 Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Havanese. Which breed is most alert?	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Havanese dogs are good watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Havanese. Which breed is most protective?	Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Havanese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Havanese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Havanese? Compare temperaments.	Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing	Playful Intelligent Responsive Affectionate Lively Gentle Companionable Sturdy Amiable Charming
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	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.	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: Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Havanese?	High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. 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 Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Havanese social needs comparison:	Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Havanese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Maltese 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? Which can be better for hunting?	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. 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

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Havanese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Havanese. Which breed is most vocal?	A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. See more.	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud 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
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Havanese. Which breed is most playful?	Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. See more.	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Havanese is a highly playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Havanese. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Havanese breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Havanese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Havanese. Which breed is most flexible?	Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Maltese 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: Shih Tzu or Maltese or Havanese?	Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Maltese 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.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Havanese Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Havanese. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Havanese has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Havanese. Which uses mouth most during play?	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Maltese dogs have an 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.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Havanese. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese 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

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Havanese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Havanese. Which breed lives longest?	10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years	14-16 years The average lifespan of Havanese: 15 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Shih Tzu, Maltese, 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. 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.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Havanese. Which has fewer health issues?	The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Maltese 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.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Average The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Maltese 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.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Havanese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Havanese health problems comparison:	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	Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome	Cataracts Heart Murmurs Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Deafness Chondrodysplasia Elbow Dysplasia Mitral Valve Disease Portosystemic Liver Shunt

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Havanese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Havanese. Which breed is most active?	Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.	Maltese 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 Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Havanese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shih Tzu or Maltese or Havanese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.	Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.	Havanese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Shih Tzu or Maltese or Havanese?	Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.	Maltese 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

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Havanese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Havanese. Which is most prone to obesity?	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average: The Maltese 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
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Havanese. Which needs most food?	Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day.	Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Havanese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Havanese. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	Yes See more.	Yes See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Havanese. What colors are available?	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold	White	Black White Fawn Reddish-Brown Havana Brown Tobacco
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Havanese. Which requires most maintenance?	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The Havanese requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Havanese. Which drools least?	The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Maltese 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.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Havanese. Which has least natural smell?	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Havanese has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Havanese. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Dense	Feathered	Soft Wavy Woolly Flat Long
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Havanese. Which requires most frequent baths?	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. 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.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Shih Tzu or Maltese or Havanese? Shih Tzu or Maltese or {name3 shedding:	Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Maltese 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

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Havanese Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Havanese. Which is best with kids?	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Havanese dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Maltese 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 Shih Tzu or Maltese or Havanese? Which dog is more friendly?	Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Havanese dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Shih Tzu or Maltese or Havanese?	Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very 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 Shih Tzu or Maltese or Havanese?	Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Maltese 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: Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Havanese?	Yes Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Maltese 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?	No Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Maltese 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?	Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.	Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.	Havaneses are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Havanese As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Havanese. Which is best suited for service work?	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 Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Havanese. Which excels in therapy work?	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
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Shih Tzu, Maltese, 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 Shih Tzu, Maltese, 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 Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Havanese. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Maltese 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.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Shih Tzu, Maltese, 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. 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.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of Shih Tzu, Maltese, 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.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Havanese Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Havanese. Which has most puppies?	2-5 puppies	3-5 puppies	1-9 puppies, average 4
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Shih Tzu, Maltese, 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 Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Havanese. What's recommended?	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.

Shih Tzu vs Maltese vs Havanese Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Havanese. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Havanese. How are they classified internationally?	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.	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 Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Havanese. Which has most recognition?	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 New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club	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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Reviews

Rico Sanford
Sep 10, 2021, 5:32:45 AM:
Thorough.After comparing all differences and similarities I am FINALLY convinced that my wonderful doggy is a...HAVANESE!!!Thank you.