Havanese vs Shih Tzu: Which Is Right for You?

Compare Havanese and Shih Tzu side-by-side — temperament, grooming, health, trainability and apartment suitability to help you choose the best small companion.

Quick Comparison Table

Overview

Both the Havanese and the Shih Tzu are small, affectionate companion breeds that do well in homes and apartments. They share long, flowing coats and a reputation for being loving lap dogs, but they differ in energy levels, grooming needs, and certain health risks. This guide breaks down the important differences so you can match a breed to your lifestyle.

Temperament: social styles compared

• Havanese: The Havanese (a Bichon-type breed from Cuba) is typically outgoing, playful and highly social. They were bred as companion dogs and often form strong attachments to their family. They are usually eager to please, adaptable with strangers, and enjoy interactive play. Havanese can be more vocal — they alert and “talk” to their people more often, which can be useful if you want an attentive little watchdog but a downside if you need strict quiet.

• Shih Tzu: The Shih Tzu (a toy companion breed with roots in Tibet/China) tends to be sweet-natured, dignified and calm. Many Shih Tzu are affectionate without being overly demanding; they enjoy lap time and gentle play but can also be content to relax. They can show a streak of independence and sometimes stubbornness, which can affect training speed.

Exercise and activity needs

• Havanese: Moderate energy. Expect about 30–60 minutes of activity daily — a couple of short walks plus play sessions or mental enrichment. They enjoy interactive games and can do well with agility or nosework.

• Shih Tzu: Lower to moderate energy. About 20–40 minutes of daily activity is typical — a gentle walk and some indoor play. Because many Shih Tzu are brachycephalic (short-nosed), avoid strenuous exercise or hot-weather exertion.

Grooming: time, frequency and realistic maintenance

Both breeds have long, double-layer or single coats that can be kept long (show/traditional look) or trimmed into a “puppy cut” for easier maintenance.

• Daily brushing: Recommended for both breeds to prevent mats and tangles. (5–15 minutes/day depending on coat length.)
• Professional grooming: Havanese — every 6–8 weeks if kept long; Shih Tzu — every 4–8 weeks (many owners choose more frequent trims near the face and feet). Price per groom varies widely ($40–$120 depending on location and services).
• Bathing: Every 3–6 weeks as needed; more often if they roll in dirt. Face cleaning (to prevent tear stains and watch for eye discharge) is important for both, especially the Shih Tzu.

Trainability and behavior

• Havanese: Generally quick learners, motivated by praise and treats. They respond well to positive reinforcement and early socialization. Havanese are used successfully in obedience, trick competitions and many therapy-dog programs due to their friendliness.

• Shih Tzu: Intelligent but can be independent or easily distracted. They do best with patient, consistent, reward-based training. House-training sometimes takes longer in Shih Tzu than in more food-driven breeds.

Health issues to watch for

No breed is perfectly healthy; each has breed-specific predispositions. Regular vet check-ups and buying from a reputable breeder who screens parents for common conditions reduces risk.

Havanese common concerns:

• Patellar luxation (kneecap slipping) — common in many small breeds
• Cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (some lines)
• Congenital portosystemic shunt (rare but reported) and other liver issues
• Heart murmurs and mitral valve disease in some lines
• Dental issues due to small mouths

• Brachycephalic airway syndrome — can cause noisy breathing, exercise intolerance, heat sensitivity
• Eye issues: corneal ulcers, dry eye, proptosis (eyes are prominent)
• Dental crowding and periodontal disease
• Patellar luxation and hip dysplasia in some individuals
• Intervertebral disc disease can occur with aging

Apartment suitability and living considerations

Both breeds are well-suited to apartment living, provided their needs are met:

• Noise: Havanese can be more vocal and alert barkers; training and socialization can reduce nuisance barking. Shih Tzu are usually quieter but can be chatty.
• Air quality and heat: Shih Tzu’s brachycephalic anatomy means apartments without air conditioning in hot climates can be risky. Avoid strenuous exercise in warm weather.
• Space: Both breeds need little indoor space for activity but do require mental stimulation and access to short walks or play.

Cost: purchase and ongoing care

• Puppy price (typical range): Havanese $1,200–$3,000+; Shih Tzu $500–$2,000+. Prices vary by breeder reputation, health testing, location and lineage.
• First-year costs (est.): $1,500–$3,000 (vaccines, spay/neuter, microchip, initial grooming, supplies). Ongoing annual costs usually $700–$2,000 (food, routine vet care, grooming, pet insurance or unexpected health costs).
• Grooming bills: Professional grooms every 4–8 weeks can add $40–$120 per session. DIY trims and brushing lower costs but require time investment.

Which Breed Is Right For You?

Below are common lifestyle scenarios and which breed traits match them. These are guidelines — individual dogs vary.

• You want a very social, energetic little dog who loves attention and interactive games: Havanese. Their playful nature and eagerness to please suit owners who want an active lapdog that’s also game for tricks and agility.

• You live in a hot climate or don’t have reliable air conditioning: Lean toward Havanese (but still avoid heat and humidity). Shih Tzu are more vulnerable to heat and breathing problems due to their flat faces.

• You prefer a calmer, dignified companion who’s content with short walks and lots of lap time: Shih Tzu. They typically require slightly less structured exercise and are content to lounge with you.

• You have noise-sensitive neighbors or strict apartment rules: Shih Tzu may be easier regarding barking, but both breeds can be trained. If you want the friendlier, more outgoing dog who may bark to alert, Havanese fits that profile.

• You’re a first-time dog owner who wants easier training: Havanese may be more trainable and responsive to positive reinforcement. Shih Tzu are fine for first-time owners but benefit from patient, consistent training.

• You have young children who may be rough: Neither breed is indestructible; supervise all child–dog interactions. Havanese may tolerate active play more, while Shih Tzu prefer gentler handling.

• You want a low-allergen dog: Both breeds are often labeled “hypoallergenic” because they shed less than many breeds, but no dog is truly allergen-free. Spend time with the breed before adopting if allergies are a concern.

Pros and Cons

Havanese — Pros:

• Highly social, affectionate and trainable
• Energetic and playful yet adaptable to apartment life
• Often excels at tricks, agility and therapy work
• Longer average lifespan (~14–16 years)

• Can be vocal and alert-barkers
• Needs regular grooming and daily brushing
• Prone to some genetic issues (patellar luxation, eye and liver concerns)

• Calm, affectionate, often less demanding of activity
• Excellent lap dog and family companion
• Adaptable to apartment living and short outings

• Brachycephalic-related breathing and heat issues
• Prominent eyes prone to injury and disease
• Can be stubborn in training; house-training may take longer
• Regular grooming and face-care needs

Key Takeaways

• Both Havanese and Shih Tzu make loving companion dogs and are well-suited to apartment life when their exercise and grooming needs are met.
• Choose Havanese if you want a highly social, trainable, playful dog that is vocal and energetic. Expect daily brushing and moderate exercise (30–60 minutes/day).
• Choose Shih Tzu if you prefer a calmer, dignified lap dog with lower exercise needs (20–40 minutes/day) but be mindful of breathing, eye and dental care associated with brachycephaly.
• Grooming is a commitment for both — daily brushing and regular professional trims are typical unless you keep a short “puppy cut.”
• Buy from a reputable, health-testing breeder or consider rescue; early vet care, dental cleaning, weight control and consistent training greatly improve quality of life for either breed.

If you want, I can:

• Provide a one-page care checklist for either breed (exercise routine, grooming schedule, vet checks)
• Walk through questions to ask a breeder or rescue
• Help you compare specific breeders or local rescues in your area

Frequently Asked Questions