Havanese vs Shiba Inu
A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.
Havanese
Also known as: Havana Silk Dog, Bichon Havanais, Cuban Bichon
The Havanese is a small, sturdy dog breed known for its friendly and affectionate nature, as well as its distinctive silky coat. Originating from Cuba, this breed is highly sociable and adaptable, making it a popular choice for families and urban dwellers alike.
Extra Small
Medium
14-16 yrs
23-28 cm
3.2-5.9 kg
Shiba Inu
Also known as: Japanese Shiba Inu, Shiba Ken, Brushwood Dog
The Shiba Inu is not a 'dog' in the traditional Western sense - it's a primitive Japanese hunting breed that behaves more like a cat. While their 'Doge' meme popularity has skyrocketed, this has led to high surrender rates due to mismatch between expectation and reality. They require experienced owners who understand their stubborn, independent nature.
Small
Medium
14.6 yrs
35-43 cm
8-11 kg
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Havanese | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming Needs | ||
| Family Friendly | ||
| Independence |
Key Characteristics
| Good with Kids | ||
| Good with Dogs | ||
| Good with Cats | ||
| Hypoallergenic | ||
| Apartment Friendly | ||
| First-Time Owner OK |
| Detail | Havanese | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Extra Small | Small |
| Energy Level | Medium | Medium |
| Grooming | High | Medium |
| Trainability | Easy | challenging |
| Barking Level | Medium | Low |
| Shedding Level | Low | High |
| Chew strength | Light | Moderate |
| Housing | Apartment | Apartment |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Havanese | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Beginner | Intermediate to Advanced |
| First-Time Owner | ||
| Ideal Owner | Someone who works from home or has flexible schedule. Willing to commit to grooming maintenance. Patient with housebreaking challenges. Looking for affectionate companion who wants to be with them 24/7. | Working single or couple without young children. Appreciates cat-like independence. Patient with stubborn behavior. Has secure fenced yard or commits to always-leashed walks. Understands operant conditioning and positive reinforcement. |
Havanese Dealbreakers
- Work 8+ hours away from home daily
- Want a dog that lives outside
- Cannot afford professional grooming ($800+/year)
- Want a dog that is instantly potty trained
Shiba Inu Dealbreakers
- Want a cuddle buddy - get a Golden Retriever. Shibas sit near you, not on you
- Want an off-leash hiking dog - get a Border Collie. Shibas will run away
- Have toddlers - risk of bite due to handling intolerance is too high
- Cannot handle stubborn refusal (the 'Shiba Halt')
Surrender Risk
| Factor | Havanese | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | Low | Medium |
| Primary Reasons | Owner lifestyle change (divorce, moving, death), Housebreaking failure - people underestimate potty training commitment | He bites when I try to take his toy - resource guarding, He attacks other dogs - same-sex dog aggression, Many bought for 'meme' factor without realizing they're buying a primitive hunting dog |
Temperament & Personality
Behavior Comparison
| Trait | Havanese | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Havanese | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | Medium | Low |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | Medium | Low |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Havanese | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Low | Moderate to High |
Havanese Social Traits
Low
Low - generally loves other dogs
Shiba Inu Social Traits
High
High - same-sex aggression common. Play rough (body slamming, growling) which other breeds misinterpret.
Training
Havanese
- Use their high food drive and social drive for training
- Sensitivity means harsh corrections cause shutdown or submissive urination
- Consistency is key - don't let them get away with bad behavior just because they're small
Shiba Inu
- Make it worth their while - they only work for valuable rewards
- Never force into scary situations - creates permanent reactivity
- Start handling desensitization day one for vet visits and nail trims
- Accept that recall will never be reliable off-leash
Havanese Considerations
Bred for centuries solely as companions to Cuban aristocracy - genetically wired to be with humans. Leaving them alone 8+ hours results in destructive chewing, excessive barking, and house soiling.
Notoriously slow to potty train. Small bladders and 'sneaky soiling' means they may not be fully reliable until 6-8 months old, sometimes older. Requires consistent positive reinforcement.
Excellent watchdogs who announce every delivery truck, neighbor, and squirrel. In apartments with thin walls, this requires dedicated training to manage.
Unless you learn to groom yourself, expect $60-100 every 4-6 weeks for professional grooming. That's $700-1,200 annually just for haircuts.
Shiba Inu Considerations
Extreme stubbornness. If a Shiba doesn't want to walk, it will plant its feet and refuse to move. This is not a training failure - it's a personality trait.
Unlike Golden Retrievers that tolerate hugs, Shibas have strict bodily autonomy boundaries. They may snap or scream if touched in a way they dislike - risky for families with toddlers.
Highly common for Shibas to develop aggression toward dogs of the same sex, typically emerging at 18-24 months. Dog parks become impossible.
You can almost NEVER trust a Shiba off-leash. Their prey drive and independence override training. If they see a squirrel or decide to explore, they're gone.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | Havanese | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Excellent - generally great with cats | Proceed with caution - high prey drive, may chase running cats |
| Small Mammals | Safe - low prey drive makes them one of safest breeds for rabbits and guinea pigs | UNSAFE - will hunt them |
| Birds / Reptiles | Safe - generally lacks drive to harm, though always supervise | Unsafe |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | Havanese | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Arrested | Full |
| Biddability | High | Low |
| Noise Sensitivity | Medium | Medium |
| Territorial Barking | ||
| Same-Sex Aggression Onset | N/A | 18 months |
Havanese: May 'Eye' and 'Chase' for play but 'Grab-Bite' and 'Kill-Bite' largely absent. Safe with hamsters and birds if supervised. High biddability but can learn bad habits fast (like barking for attention).
Shiba Inu: Full predatory sequence (Eye -> Stalk -> Chase -> Grab -> Kill) retained from hunting heritage. High adaptive intelligence (problem solving - opening latches, escaping crates) but will fail obedience tests because they don't see the point.
First Year & Life Stages
First Year Challenges
| Challenge | Havanese | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 4-12 | 6-12 |
| House Training | Hard | Easy |
| Crate Training | Medium | Medium |
| Adolescent Regression |
Havanese: Sweet and generally non-destructive compared to larger breeds. Main challenge is housebreaking frustration - their 'tell' (sign they need to go) is subtle. Adolescent regression at 6-10 months coincides with 'blowing coat' phase where grooming becomes a nightmare.
Shiba Inu: While exceptionally clean and often house-trained by 8 weeks with zero accidents, the 'land shark' phase is intense - they bite hard and frequently during play. Their intolerance for handling makes vet visits and nail trims a battle from day one if not desensitized.
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | Havanese | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 12 months | 12 months |
| Adolescence | 6-18 | 6-18 |
| Adult Years | 2-9 | 2-10 |
| Senior Onset | ~10 years | ~10 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-3 years | 1-3 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | Havanese | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-28 cm | 35-43 cm |
| Weight | Not enough data yet | Not enough data yet |
| Size Category | Extra Small | Small |
| Lifespan | 14–16 years | 15 years |
| Litter Size | 4-6 | 2-4 |
Havanese Coat
Shiba Inu Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Havanese | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | Companion dog for Cuban aristocracy - bred to sit on laps, act as bed warmers, and entertain | Hunting small game (birds, rabbits) and occasionally wild boar in dense mountainous brush in Japan |
| Origin | Cuba, 18th-19th century (descended from Blanquito de la Habana and Bichon Tenerife) | Japan, ancient breed - smallest of six native Japanese Spitz breeds (Nihon Ken) |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Havanese | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Low | Low |
| Whelping Difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Low |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Havanese | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | Low | Low |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Low | Low |
| Min Fence Height | 1m | 1.5m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | Low | High |
Health & Common Conditions
Havanese Health Issues
Shiba Inu Health Issues
Havanese Suggested Tests
- Hip Evaluation (OFA)
- Patella Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation (CAER)
- BAER Hearing Test
Shiba Inu Suggested Tests
- OFA Eyes (goniodysplasia/glaucoma)
- OFA Patellas
- OFA Hips
- DNA Testing for GM1 Gangliosidosis
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | Havanese | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Low | Low |
| Cardiac Risk | Medium | Low |
| Neurological Risk | Low | Low |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Low | Low |
| Vet Burden Tier | Medium | Medium |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | Havanese | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Low | Medium |
| Food Allergies | Chicken, Beef, Environmental (grass, pollen) |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | Havanese | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Normal | Normal |
| Eye Care Needs | High | High |
| Anal Gland Issues | Occasional | Rare |
Senior Care & Aging
Havanese Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Cataracts
- Heart murmurs (Mitral Valve Disease)
- Hearing loss
- Arthritis
Generally stay sharp mentally. Ramps for furniture recommended to protect backs and joints in senior years.
Shiba Inu Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Cognitive dysfunction (dementia) in very old Shibas (15+)
- Arthritis
- Vision decline (glaucoma risk)
Long-lived breed. VetCompass UK data shows median lifespan of 14.6 years - significantly higher than average for dogs.
Grooming & Care
Havanese
high maintenanceShiba Inu
medium maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Havanese Daily Life
Shiba Inu Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Havanese | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | Under 25lbs | Under 25lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Havanese | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | Medium | Low |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Havanese | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Excellent | Good |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Havanese | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | Medium | None |
| Therapy Dog | High | None |
| Deep Pressure Therapy | ||
| Canicross / Bikejoring | ||
| Apartment Adaptable | ||
| Tactile / Sensory Friendly | ||
| Livestock Guardian | ||
| Medical Alert | Low | None |
Costs & Expenses
Upfront Costs
| Cost | Havanese | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,500-3,500+ | $1,500-3,500 |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,500–$3,500 | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | Havanese | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $100–$200 | $80–$150 |
| Yearly Range | $1,500–$2,500 | $960–$1,800 |
| Food / Month | $20-40 | $40-60 |
| Insurance / Month | $30-50 | $30-50 |
| Grooming / Session | $60-100 | $0-50 |
| Vet Routine / Year | $300-500 | $300-500 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Havanese Lifetime Cost
$20,000-35,000
Shiba Inu Lifetime Cost
$15,000-25,000
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Havanese | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Rare | Rare |
| Slobber Level | None | None |
| Smell When Wet | Mild | Low |
| Zoomies Frequency | Daily | Daily |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | None | Medium |
Havanese Quirks
Paper Shredding
Many Havanese love to shred tissues, toilet paper, and napkins - it's a common breed quirk
Perching Like a Cat
Often sit on backs of sofas or look out windows from high vantage points
Run Like Hell (RLH)
The Havanese version of zoomies - they tuck their butts and sprint in circles at high speed
Shadow Dog
Will follow you to the bathroom - they are true velcro dogs
Shiba Inu Quirks
The Shiba Scream
A high-pitched, deafening vocalization when unhappy, stressed, or simply don't want to do something (like nail trims). Can be heard blocks away.
The Shiba 500
Explosive zoomies around the house or yard, often at random times
Cat-Like Cleanliness
Groom themselves like cats, avoid puddles, hate baths. One of easiest breeds to housebreak.
Drama Queens
If they step on a leaf wrong, they may scream as if their leg is broken. Extremely sensitive to physical discomfort.
The 'What's In It For Me?' Factor
Unlike Labs that work for praise, Shibas work only for high-value rewards (cheese, freeze-dried liver). If reward isn't worth the effort, they ignore you.
Frequently Asked Questions
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