At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Havanese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs |
| Size | Small | Small |
| Height | 8 to 11 inches | 9 to 10 inches |
| Weight | 7 to 13 pounds | 9 to 16 pounds |
| Life span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Background
Where they come from.
The Havanese
Cuba's national dog, descended from Bichon-type dogs brought by Spanish settlers and kept by the Cuban aristocracy. It nearly vanished after the revolution, and the US population was rebuilt from a few dogs.
Its silky coat sheds little but needs regular brushing to prevent mats.
Health to watch
- Patellar luxation
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
- Chondrodysplasia
- Cataracts
The Shih Tzu
A Tibetan and Chinese palace dog, bred for centuries by the imperial court. Its name means little lion.
Its flat face and prominent eyes need care in heat and from injury.
Health to watch
- Brachycephalic airway issues
- Eye problems (dry eye, proptosis)
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Renal dysplasia
- Dental disease
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Easy to train
The Havanese is easier to train than the Shih Tzu.
Copes alone
The Shih Tzu copes better when left alone than the Havanese.
Energy
The Havanese has more energy than the Shih Tzu.
Exercise needs
The Havanese needs more exercise than the Shih Tzu.
Good with other dogs
The Havanese gets on better with other dogs than the Shih Tzu.
Shedding
The Shih Tzu sheds more than the Havanese.
Which to choose
Havanese or Shih Tzu?
Choose the Havanese if…
- You want a dog that is easier to train
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
- You want a dog that gets on better with other dogs
Choose the Shih Tzu if…
- You want a dog that copes better when left alone
- You’d like a calmer pet (it is calmer)
- You have less time for long walks (it needs less exercise)
Questions.
Which is easier to train, the Havanese or the Shih Tzu?
The Havanese is generally easier to train than the Shih Tzu. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Havanese or the Shih Tzu?
Both are usually good with children when well socialised. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Havanese sheds less than the Shih Tzu. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Havanese and Shih Tzu have?
The Havanese is prone to patellar luxation, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, chondrodysplasia. The Shih Tzu is prone to brachycephalic airway issues, eye problems (dry eye, proptosis), intervertebral disc disease. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
