HavaneseVSShih Tzu

The Havanese is known for being cheerful, intelligent, outgoing, while the Shih Tzu is typically described as affectionate, outgoing, happy. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

When it comes to playfulness, the Havanese has the edge with a 5/5 rating compared to the Shih Tzu's 4/5. If you're looking for a dog that's always ready for a game of fetch, the Havanese is your pick.

The Havanese is a small breed standing 22–29 cm (9–11 in) tall and weighing 3–6 kg (7–13 lbs). In comparison, the Shih Tzu is a small breed at 20–28 cm (8–11 in) and 4–7 kg (9–15 lbs).

These two breeds are quite similar in size, so space and food requirements will be comparable for either choice.

The Havanese has a long coat available in white, black, havana brown, fawn, tobacco, while the Shih Tzu sports a long coat in black, white, gold, brindle, liver. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The Havanese has moderate energy (3/5) with low exercise needs (2/5). The Shih Tzu has low energy (2/5) and low exercise needs (2/5).

Both breeds have similar exercise requirements, so your daily activity routine won't change much regardless of which you choose. Plan for regular walks and play sessions to keep either breed content.

Both breeds shed at a similar rate (1/5), so you can expect comparable amounts of loose fur from either one.

Grooming-wise, the Shih Tzu needs more upkeep (5/5) than the Havanese (4/5). The Shih Tzu's long coat demands regular professional grooming to stay in top shape.

Annual grooming costs average around $400 for the Havanese and $500 for the Shih Tzu. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Havanese has a lifespan of 13–15 years, while the Shih Tzu lives 10–16 years. The Havanese tends to live longer on average.

In terms of overall health robustness, the Havanese scores 4/5 compared to the Shih Tzu's 3/5. The Havanese is generally a hardier breed with fewer genetic health concerns.

Common health issues for the Havanese include patellar luxation, cataracts, deafness, heart murmurs. The Shih Tzu is prone to brachycephalic syndrome, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, eye problems. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $400 for the Havanese and $450 for the Shih Tzu. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

The Havanese is easier to train with a trainability score of 4/5, making it more suitable for first-time dog owners. The Shih Tzu scores 3/5 and may require more patience and experience during training sessions.

The Havanese ranks higher in intelligence (4/5 vs 3/5), which can be both a blessing and a challenge. Smarter dogs learn commands faster but also get bored more easily and may develop behavioral issues without mental stimulation.

Regardless of which breed you choose, early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are key to raising a well-behaved dog. Puppy classes are a great investment for either breed.

For families with children, the Havanese is the stronger choice, scoring 5/5 for kid-friendliness compared to the Shih Tzu's 4/5. The Havanese's cheerful nature makes it a natural fit for households with young ones.

If you have other pets, the Havanese tends to get along better with other dogs (5/5) than the Shih Tzu (4/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the Havanese is naturally more sociable with canine companions.

The Havanese is more welcoming to strangers (5/5), while the Shih Tzu tends to be more reserved (4/5). If you frequently have guests, the Havanese's sociable nature will make entertaining easier.

The initial purchase price for a Havanese ranges from $1,000–$2,500, while a Shih Tzu typically costs $500–$2,000. The Havanese has a higher upfront cost.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,160 for the Havanese and $1,310 for the Shih Tzu. The Shih Tzu costs more annually, largely because of grooming expenses.

Monthly food costs run about $30 for the Havanese and $30 for the Shih Tzu. Over a typical lifespan, the total cost of ownership can differ by thousands of dollars, so it's worth factoring in the long-term financial commitment.