Havanese vs Shih Tzu
Side-by-side comparison for prospective owners weighing both breeds.
| Trait | Havanese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 7–13 lbs | 9–16 lbs |
| Lifespan | 14–16 yrs | 10–16 yrs |
| Est. monthly cost | $70–$130 | $80–$150 |
| Energy level | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Good with kids | ||
| Good with other pets | ||
| Vocalization |
Where Havanese and Shih Tzu differ most
- Lifespan: Havanese 14–16 yrs · Shih Tzu 10–16 yrsHavanese much longer-lived
- Adult weight: Havanese 7–13 lbs · Shih Tzu 9–16 lbsShih Tzu heavier
- Energy level: Havanese 3/5 · Shih Tzu 2/5Havanese higher-energy
- Grooming needs: Havanese 4/5 · Shih Tzu 5/5Shih Tzu more upkeep
- Trainability: Havanese 4/5 · Shih Tzu 3/5Havanese easier to train
- Good with kids: Havanese 5/5 · Shih Tzu 4/5Havanese rated higher
Full trait-by-trait breakdown
| Trait | Havanese | Shih Tzu | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult weight | 7–13 lbs | 9–16 lbs | Shih Tzu heavier |
| Energy level | 3/5 | 2/5 | Havanese higher-energy |
| Daily exercise | ~30 min | ~30 min | About the same |
| Grooming needs | 4/5 | 5/5 | Shih Tzu more upkeep |
| Shedding | 1/5 | 1/5 | About the same |
| Trainability | 4/5 | 3/5 | Havanese easier to train |
| Good with kids | 5/5 | 4/5 | Havanese rated higher |
| Good with other pets | 4/5 | 4/5 | About the same |
| Vocalization | 3/5 | 3/5 | About the same |
| Lifespan | 14–16 yrs | 10–16 yrs | Havanese much longer-lived |
| Est. monthly cost | $70–130 | $80–150 | Shih Tzu costlier |
Which one should you choose?
Two low-shedding toy lapdogs with heavy grooming demands but genuinely different personalities. The Havanese tends toward a livelier, more playful energy, often described as more athletic than its size suggests, while the Shih Tzu asks for far less activity, content simply parked on a lap for most of the day.
Coat care is intensive for both, requiring regular brushing to prevent matting despite the lighter shed that makes each appealing to allergy-sensitive households. Young kids should always be supervised with either breed given how small and physically delicate both are, and both bond closely with their household.
Choose the Havanese if a bit more playfulness and activity appeals within a toy-breed footprint. Choose the Shih Tzu if an even calmer, more classically lap-focused companion suits your household better — grooming commitment is real either way.
Whichever breed fits your life, consider adoption or breed-specific rescue first — many purebred and mixed-breed dogs and cats are already waiting for homes.
General breed information, not veterinary advice — consult a vet for your pet's specific health, diet, and behavior needs.