Havanese vs Shih Tzu

Compare the Havanese to the Shih Tzu. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Havanese and Shih Tzus.

Havanese vs Shih Tzu
Havanese
Shih Tzu
Havanese
Shih Tzu
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General Details
Havanese
Shih Tzu
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
Yes
Yes
Lifespan
12-15 Years
10-15 Years
Height
8-11 Inches
9-10 Inches
Weight
7-13 Pounds
9-16 Pounds
Intelligence
Average
Average
History
Havanese
Shih Tzu
Origin Country
Cuba
China
Origin Year
1800 AD
618 AD
Temperament
Havanese
Shih Tzu
Overall Friendliness
Above Average
Above Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Pet Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Personality
Havanese
Shih Tzu
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Needy
Separation Anxiety
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Loving
Needy
Separation Anxiety
Snuggle
Living Environment
Havanese
Shih Tzu
Apartment
Yes
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
No
No
Medium Yard
No
No
Large Yard
No
No
Temperature Tolerance
50-75 °F
55-80 °F
Barks/Howls
Average
Average
Exercise Needs
Havanese
Shih Tzu
Energy Level
High
Medium
Exercise Required
Medium
Low
Top Running Speed
12 MPH
12 MPH
Strength
Low
Low
Grooming Needs
Havanese
Shih Tzu
Coat Maintenance
Medium
Medium
Shedding
None to Low
None
Dander
Low
None
Drool
None
None
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Havanese
Shih Tzu
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
Yes
Yes
Independent
No
No
Breed Focus
Havanese
Shih Tzu
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
No
No
Breed Instincts
Havanese
Shih Tzu
Aggression
None
None
Burrow / Digging
Below Average
Below Average
Chasing
Below Average
Below Average
Follow Commands
Below Average
Below Average
Fighting
Below Average
Below Average
Guarding
None
Below Average
Herding
Below Average
Below Average
Hunting
Below Average
Below Average
Protection
Below Average
Below Average
Remove Vermin
Below Average
Below Average
Sled Pulling
None
Below Average
Watch / Guardian
None
Below Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Havanese
Shih Tzu
Average Lifespan
12-15 Years
10-15 Years
Health Concerns
Havanese
Shih Tzu
Common Health Issues
Mitral valve disease
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Patellar luxation
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
Heart murmurs
Elbow dysplasia
Portosystemic shunt
Deafness
Chondrodysplasia
Hip dysplasia
Ear infections
Patellar luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Juvenile renal disease
Bladder stones
Corneal ulcer
Proptosis
Distichiasis
Ectopic cilia
Dry eye
Retained baby teeth
Umbilical hernias
Portosystemic shunt
Snuffles
Reverse sneezing
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Havanese
Shih Tzu
Coat Type
Fur
Hair
Coat Layering
Double
Double
Coat Texture
Silky
Wavy
Silky
Coat Length
Long
Long
Coat Coloring
Havanese
Shih Tzu
Breed Colors
Black
Black and Silver
Black and Tan
Black Brindle
Blue
Blue Brindle
Chocolate
Chocolate Brindle
Cream
Fawn
Gold
Gold Brindle
Red
Silver
Silver Brindle
White
Black
Black and White
Blue
Blue and White
Brindle
Brindle and White
Gold
Gold and White
Liver
Liver and White
Red
Red and White
Silver
Silver and White
White
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