Havanese vs Shih Tzu
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
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small and affectionate dog breed known for its luxurious, flowing coat and friendly, outgoing personality. Originally bred as a companion for Chinese royalty, the Shih Tzu is cherished today as a loving and devoted family pet.
Small
Low
10-16 years yrs
N/A
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Havanese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Extra Small | Small |
| Energy Level | Medium | Low |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Trainability | Easy | challenging |
| Barking Level | Medium | High |
| Shedding Level | Low | Low |
| Chew strength | Light | Light |
| Housing | Apartment | Apartment |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Havanese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Beginner | Experienced |
| 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. | Active individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a Shih Tzu. |
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
Shih Tzu Dealbreakers
- Cannot meet 20-30 min daily exercise
- Cannot commit to grooming needs
Surrender Risk
| Factor | Havanese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | Low | Medium |
| Primary Reasons | Owner lifestyle change (divorce, moving, death), Housebreaking failure - people underestimate potty training commitment | Underestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of care |
Temperament & Personality
Behavior Comparison
| Trait | Havanese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Havanese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | Medium | High |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | Medium | Low |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Havanese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Low | Low |
Havanese Social Traits
Low
Low - generally loves other dogs
Shih Tzu Social Traits
Moderate
Generally friendly
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
Shih Tzu
- **: Positive reinforcement only. This breed shuts down or becomes defensive with harsh correction.
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.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | Havanese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Excellent - generally great with cats | Generally safe with proper introduction |
| Small Mammals | Safe - low prey drive makes them one of safest breeds for rabbits and guinea pigs | Supervision required |
| Birds / Reptiles | Safe - generally lacks drive to harm, though always supervise | Caution advised |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | Havanese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Arrested | Medium |
| Biddability | High | Low |
| Noise Sensitivity | Medium | Low |
| 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).
First Year & Life Stages
First Year Challenges
| Challenge | Havanese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 4-12 | 4-10 |
| House Training | Hard | Moderate |
| 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.
Shih Tzu: Shih Tzu puppies require consistent training and patience.
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | Havanese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 12 months | 12 months |
| Adolescence | 6-18 | 6-18 |
| Adult Years | 2-9 | 2-8 |
| Senior Onset | ~10 years | ~8 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-3 years | 1-3 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | Havanese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-28 cm | N/A |
| Weight | Not enough data yet | Not enough data yet |
| Size Category | Extra Small | Small |
| Lifespan | 14–16 years | 10–16 years |
| Litter Size | 4-6 | 4-8 |
Havanese Coat
Shih Tzu Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Havanese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | Companion dog for Cuban aristocracy - bred to sit on laps, act as bed warmers, and entertain | The Shih Tzu ("Lion Dog") was developed in the palaces of the Chinese Emperor, likely by crossing th |
| Origin | Cuba, 18th-19th century (descended from Blanquito de la Habana and Bichon Tenerife) | Tibet) with the Pekingese |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Havanese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Low | Varies |
| Whelping Difficulty | Easy | Medium |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Low |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Havanese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | Low | Low |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Low | Low |
| Min Fence Height | 1m | 1.5m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | Low | Low |
Health & Common Conditions
Havanese Health Issues
Shih Tzu Health Issues
Havanese Suggested Tests
- Hip Evaluation (OFA)
- Patella Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation (CAER)
- BAER Hearing Test
Shih Tzu Suggested Tests
- Renal Dysplasia (wedge biopsy or ultrasound)
- CERF/CAER eye clearances
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | Havanese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Low | Medium |
| Cardiac Risk | Medium | Low |
| Neurological Risk | Low | Low |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Low | Low |
| Vet Burden Tier | Medium | Medium |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | Havanese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Low | Low |
| Food Allergies |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | Havanese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Normal | Normal |
| Eye Care Needs | High | Low |
| Anal Gland Issues | Occasional | Occasional |
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.
Shih Tzu Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis
- Vision decline
- Cognitive changes
Senior care varies by individual health.
Grooming & Care
Havanese
high maintenanceShih Tzu
high maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Havanese Daily Life
Shih Tzu Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Havanese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | Under 25lbs | Under 50lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Havanese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | Medium | Medium |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Havanese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Excellent | Good |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Havanese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | Medium | Low |
| Therapy Dog | High | Low |
| Deep Pressure Therapy | ||
| Canicross / Bikejoring | ||
| Apartment Adaptable | ||
| Tactile / Sensory Friendly | ||
| Livestock Guardian | ||
| Medical Alert | Low | Low |
Costs & Expenses
Upfront Costs
| Cost | Havanese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,500-3,500+ | N/A |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,500–$3,500 | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | Havanese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $100–$200 | $70–$120 |
| Yearly Range | $1,500–$2,500 | $840–$1,440 |
| Food / Month | $20-40 | $30-50 |
| Insurance / Month | $30-50 | $40-70 |
| Grooming / Session | $60-100 | $60-100 |
| Vet Routine / Year | $300-500 | $500-800 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Havanese Lifetime Cost
$20,000-35,000
Shih Tzu Lifetime Cost
N/A
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Havanese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Rare | Occasional |
| Slobber Level | None | Low |
| Smell When Wet | Mild | Moderate |
| Zoomies Frequency | Daily | Occasional |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | None | Low |
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
Frequently Asked Questions
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Compare with Other Breeds
Based on comprehensive breed research data.