Havanese vs Shih Tzu: full comparison
| Trait | Havanese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Small |
| Energy level | Medium | Medium |
| Trainability | High | Medium |
| Friendliness | Very High | Very High |
| Good with children | Very High | High |
| Grooming needs | Very High | Very High |
| Shedding | Low | Low |
| Barking | Medium | Medium |
| Protectiveness | Low | Low |
| Adaptability | Very High | Very High |
| Typical lifespan | 15 years | 14 years |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes | Yes |
Size and living space
The Havanese is a compact little dog that fits small homes easily and never crowds a room. By comparison, the Shih Tzu is a compact little dog that fits small homes easily and never crowds a room. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.
Exercise and energy needs
The Havanese thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play. The Shih Tzu thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.
Grooming and shedding
The Havanese is a serious grooming commitment, with daily brushing and regular salon visits and drops very little hair. The Shih Tzu is a serious grooming commitment, with daily brushing and regular salon visits and drops very little hair. Both are considered hypoallergenic, so either works well for allergy-conscious homes. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.
Temperament, training and family life
The Havanese is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is famously gentle and patient with children. The Shih Tzu is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. On guarding instinct, Havanese is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors, whereas Shih Tzu is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors.
Which is better for…
- For apartment or apartment living, Havanese and Shih Tzu are an even match — either can work well.
- For families with young children, Havanese has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
- For first-time dog owners, Havanese has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
- For being left alone during the workday, Shih Tzu has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
- For allergy sufferers, Havanese and Shih Tzu are an even match — either can work well.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Havanese if you want the more child-friendly companion, you want an easier dog to train, or you want a longer-lived breed.
Choose the Shih Tzu if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Havanese on temperament, size and care.
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Havanese or the Shih Tzu better for families with children?
- The Havanese tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
- Which sheds more, the Havanese or the Shih Tzu?
- The Havanese and Shih Tzu shed a similar amount (low).
- Which is easier to train, the Havanese or the Shih Tzu?
- The Havanese is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
- Is Havanese or Shih Tzu bigger?
- Havanese and Shih Tzu are a similar size (Small).
- Which barks more, Havanese or Shih Tzu?
- Both bark a similar amount (medium).
- Which is better for apartment living, Havanese or Shih Tzu?
- For apartment or apartment living, Havanese and Shih Tzu are an even match — either can work well.