Shih Tzu vs Havanese: Which Breed Is Right for You?
If you are looking for a small, charming, and loyal companion dog, you will inevitably come across two of the most fascinating breeds in the companion dog category. This is exactly where many prospective dog owners face the big question: Shih Tzu vs Havanese – which of these two little heartbreakers is actually better suited to my life? Both breeds belong to the FCI Group 9; both captivate with their long, flowing coats and an enormous amount of affection for their owners. However, beneath the fluffy surface lie two completely different personalities.
As a dog expert, I am often asked to help with this decision. It is not enough to just look at pictures. You have to understand the history, temperament, and daily needs of both breeds. In this comprehensive guide, we dive deep into the world of these two breeds. Whether you are looking for a relaxed companion for cozy evenings on the couch or a cheerful little clown for the family – by the end of this article, you will know whether to choose a Shih Tzu or a Havanese.
A Quick Overview: Facts and Figures in Direct Comparison
Before we dive deep into character traits, a look at the hard facts helps. Here is a direct Shih Tzu comparison with the Havanese that shows you the fundamental differences and similarities at a glance.
| Feature | Shih Tzu | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | China (Tibet) | Cuba |
| Temperament | Affectionate, playful, outgoing, sometimes stubborn | Intelligent, outgoing, funny, very eager to learn |
| Height (Shoulder) | 25–27 cm | 23–27 cm |
| Weight (Male) | 4–7 kg | 5–8 kg |
| Coat Type | Dense, straight, long topcoat without undercoat | Long, soft topcoat, weakly developed undercoat |
| Energy Level | 2 out of 5 (rather calm) | 3 out of 5 (moderately active) |
| Trainability | 3 out of 5 (requires some patience) | 5 out of 5 (very easy to train) |
| Grooming Effort | 5 out of 5 (very high) | 4 out of 5 (high) |
| Shedding | 1 out of 5 (very low) | 1 out of 5 (very low) |
| Life Expectancy | 10–16 years | 13–15 years |
| Price Range | 1,200–2,500 EUR | 1,800–3,000 EUR |
Character and Temperament: Aristocrat Meets Cuban Clown
To understand a dog's nature, we have to look at what it was originally bred for. The Shih Tzu is a true king among small dogs. In the Chinese imperial palaces, its only job was to look beautiful, provide company, and warm the cold hands of aristocrats. This royal ancestry is still reflected today in its proud, sometimes slightly arrogant demeanor. It is affectionate and cheerful but also possesses a certain stubbornness. When you call a Shih Tzu, it sometimes considers whether coming is actually worth it.
The Havanese, on the other hand, has a completely different history. As the national dog of Cuba and a favorite of the high society there in the 18th and 19th centuries, and later as a witty street and circus dog, it had to convince people through charm and cleverness. This makes the Havanese an extremely intelligent, funny, and people-oriented companion. It loves being the center of attention and learning new tricks.
Who learns faster?
When we look at trainability, the Havanese wins clearly (5/5). It is a classic "will-to-please" dog that wants to make its owner happy. The Havanese learns commands incredibly fast and is even excellent for dog dancing or agility on a small scale. In the Shih Tzu breed profile, we see a trainability of 3/5. It is by no means stupid – it is simply selectively motivated. A Shih Tzu requires loving, patient consistency and, above all, the right bribe (i.e., high-quality treats) to cooperate.
Everyday life and energy level
Both breeds are considered perfect city dogs (5/5), although their energy levels differ. The Shih Tzu (2/5) loves its quiet phases. A leisurely walk around the block is often completely enough for it on rainy days. Indoors, it is often calm and follows you like a little shadow. The Havanese (3/5) has a bit more "pep in its step." It is lively, likes to run, and actively demands playtime. For a more detailed picture of its character, it is worth looking at the Havanese breed profile.
Grooming and Care: Beauty Has Its Price
One thing must be said up front: anyone who decides on a long-haired companion dog must plan time for grooming. Both breeds shed extremely little (shedding 1/5), making them excellent roommates if you don't like dog hair on the sofa. But precisely because they don't shed, the hair constantly grows and must be maintained.
Grooming effort in detail
In any reputable Havanese comparison, you will read that its long, soft topcoat is beautiful but must be brushed daily to avoid matting. The Havanese has a weakly developed undercoat, which makes combing slightly easier (grooming effort 4/5).
The Shih Tzu takes it a step further (grooming effort 5/5). Its dense, straight hair is extremely prone to knots. Daily combing and brushing is mandatory. Many owners choose to keep both breeds in a sporty "puppy clip" (short haircut). This significantly reduces daily grooming effort but requires a visit to a professional dog groomer every 6 to 8 weeks.
Eye and ear care
Especially with the Shih Tzu, attention must be paid to facial hygiene. Due to its head shape, the eyes tear more often, and the long hair on the face must be tied back with a bow or trimmed so it does not irritate the cornea. For both breeds, regular ear checks are important, as floppy ears with thick hair growth are prone to infections.
Health and Life Expectancy
As a responsible dog owner, the health of your future companion is a central issue. Both breeds are generally robust and can live long lives. The Havanese lives on average 13 to 15 years, the Shih Tzu reaches a proud 10 to 16 years.
However, there are anatomical differences you should be aware of. The Shih Tzu is a brachycephalic (short-headed) breed. The more extreme the breeding, the shorter the snout, which can lead to breathing problems (BOAS - Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome). A Shih Tzu does not handle extreme heat well and should be protected on hot summer days. To minimize health risks, it is essential to buy from a breeder affiliated with the VDH (German Kennel Club) who monitors respiratory health.
The Havanese has a more natural head shape and does not suffer from these respiratory problems. It is generally a very healthy little dog. With this breed, one should mainly look out for patellar luxation (dislocated kneecap), a weakness of many small dogs. The German Federal Chamber of Veterinarians also recommends paying special attention to dental hygiene in small dog breeds, as they are often prone to tartar due to their small jaw. Regular tooth brushing should be practiced with both breeds from puppyhood.
Costs: What can you expect financially?
Purchasing a purebred dog from a reputable breeder has its price. Here, slight differences appear on the market.
- Shih Tzu: The price range is usually between 1,200 and 2,500 euros.
- Havanese: This breed has become extremely popular in recent years. The increased demand is reflected in the price, which is often between 1,800 and 3,000 euros.
However, the purchase price is only the beginning. With both dogs, you must calculate the ongoing costs for the dog groomer (approx. 40 to 80 euros per visit, every two months). Add to that high-quality nutrition, vet visits, dog taxes, and insurance. If you are looking for a reputable breeder, be sure to check our verified listings. You can find safe and healthy Shih Tzu puppies as well as lovingly raised Havanese puppies here.
Target Audience: Who is which breed better for?
No dog is perfect for everyone, but there is a perfect dog for almost everyone. Let's look at which life situation calls for which breed.
For families with children
Both the Shih Tzu and the Havanese score full marks (5/5) for being child-friendly. They are sturdy enough to play a bit more wildly but small enough not to knock children over. However, there is a slight tendency towards the Havanese here. Why? Because due to its higher energy level and playfulness, the Havanese is often more enduring when it comes to playing fetch and romping around with children. The Shih Tzu is more likely to retreat if it gets too hectic.
For singles, seniors, and couch potatoes
If you lead a quiet life, love to read, watch series, and are looking for a dog that shares exactly that with you, then the Shih Tzu is your perfect match. It does not need hours of hiking but is content with moderate exercise and lots of cuddle time. Its dignified, calm nature makes it an excellent companion for older people.
For dog beginners
Are you facing the choice of Shih Tzu or Havanese as your very first dog? Then the Havanese is often the slightly easier choice. Its high trainability (5/5) forgives beginner mistakes in training more quickly. It wants to please you and understands in a flash what you want from it. Due to its charming stubbornness, the Shih Tzu needs an owner who can remain consistent without getting loud.
For city dwellers
There is a clear tie here. Both dogs are excellent city dogs (city suitability 5/5). They do not bark excessively, do not need a huge garden, and handle the hustle and bustle of a city well, provided they are used to it from an early age. They fit easily into the subway or a café.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Shih Tzus and Havanese stay alone well?
Both breeds were bred exclusively as companion dogs (FCI Group 9). This means their sole purpose in life is to be with their humans. Accordingly, both struggle to stay alone for long periods. With patient training as a puppy, they can learn to spend a few hours (approx. 4 hours) alone at home. However, anyone who works full-time away from home and cannot take the dog with them will not be happy with either breed.
Are these breeds suitable for allergy sufferers?
Dogs that do not shed (like the Shih Tzu and Havanese) are often called "hypoallergenic." As an expert, I must qualify that: There is no such thing as a 100% allergy-free dog. Allergies are usually triggered by dander or saliva, not just by the hair. Nevertheless, many mild allergy sufferers report that they react significantly better or not at all to the Havanese and Shih Tzu thanks to the lack of shedding undercoat. However, prior extensive contact at the breeder's is an absolute must for allergy sufferers.
How compatible are they with other dogs and pets?
Both breeds score very well in compatibility with other dogs (4/5). They generally do not have a strong hunting instinct, which is why living with cats works wonderfully if introduced early. The Havanese is usually exuberantly happy about every other dog in the park, while the Shih Tzu sometimes meets strange dogs with aristocratic ignorance at first before warming up.
Do these dogs bark a lot?
Neither the Shih Tzu nor the Havanese are classic "yappers." They might bark briefly if the doorbell rings or someone enters the property, but they calm down quickly. They are therefore ideal for apartments with immediate neighbors.
Conclusion: It Depends on Your Life
The Shih Tzu vs Havanese decision is ultimately not a question of "better or worse," but a question of how well they fit your individual lifestyle.
Choose the Shih Tzu if you are looking for a rather calm, unshakably loyal, and strong-willed companion that follows you like a little shadow and also loves cozy days on the sofa. However, you must be willing to invest a lot of time in its elaborate grooming and to smile over its lovable stubbornness during training.
Decide on the Havanese if you are looking for a cheerful, light-footed, and very eager-to-learn dog. It brings a bit more energy, is more playful, and is great for families or people who enjoy teaching their dog tricks. It also requires intensive grooming but scores with absolute ease of training.
No matter which of the two charming fluff-heads wins your heart in the end – buying a dog is a decision for a whole decade or longer. We at HonestDog are committed to ensuring that you find exactly the dog that perfectly matches you, and exclusively from a responsible, verified source. Continue to inform yourself in our breed profiles, exchange ideas with experts, and find transparent and secure listings for your future dream dog with us. Your perfect companion might already be waiting for you!