Shih Tzu vs. Havanese: An In-Depth Comparison for Dog Lovers
Introduction
As a dog lover, you may find yourself drawn to the small, fluffy lap dogs known as the shih tzu and havanese. With their endearing expressions and outgoing personalities, it‘s easy to see why these breeds have captured hearts around the world. According to the American Kennel Club‘s most recent popularity rankings, the shih tzu and havanese place at 20th and 24th out of 197 recognized breeds.
While they do share many similarities, the shih tzu and havanese also have some distinct differences that may make one breed a better fit for your lifestyle than the other. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll dive deep into the history, appearance, temperament, training, exercise, health, grooming, and care requirements of the shih tzu versus the havanese. By the end, you‘ll have all the information you need to decide which of these charming companion dogs is the ideal match for you.
Breed History and Background
Both the shih tzu and havanese boast fascinating histories as lapdogs to nobility in ancient civilizations. The shih tzu, also known as the "Lion Dog," originated in China over 1,000 years ago. They were prized possessions of Chinese royals, who zealously guarded the breeding of these small dogs to keep them exclusive to the imperial court. Shih tzu were so revered that for centuries, they could not be bought or sold – they could only be received as gifts.
It wasn‘t until the 1930s that the first shih tzu were imported to Europe and England, where they quickly gained popularity. The breed made its way to the United States shortly after, and the American Kennel Club recognized the shih tzu in 1969. Today, the shih tzu ranks as the 20th most popular breed in America with over 16,000 new registrations in 2020.
The havanese, on the other hand, hails from the island of Cuba. These little dogs accompanied Spanish settlers to Cuba in the 1500s, where they adapted to the tropical climate and became the favored pets of wealthy sugar plantation owners. The breed gets its name from the capital city of Havana.
As Cubans fled the country during the 1959 revolution, some brought their beloved havanese dogs with them to the United States. These "Immigrant Dogs" formed the foundation for the breed in America. The AKC recognized the havanese in 1996, making it the first and only breed native to Cuba in the registry. The havanese currently ranks 24th in popularity with nearly 6,000 registrations in 2020.
Appearance Comparison
| Trait | Shih Tzu | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 9-10.5 inches | 8.5-11.5 inches |
| Weight | 9-16 pounds | 7-13 pounds |
| Coat Type | Double coat with dense undercoat and long, straight topcoat | Single coat, long and silky |
| Colors | All colors permissible, most commonly black, white, liver, gold, combinations | All colors permissible, often parti or multi-colored |
| Facial Features | Round head, short flat muzzle, pronounced underbite, large round eyes, droopy ears | Slightly rectangular head, medium-length muzzle, scissors bite, almond-shaped eyes, drop ears |
At a glance, the shih tzu and havanese can be difficult to tell apart due to their long, luxurious coats. However, there are some key physical differences between the breeds.
Shih tzu tend to be slightly larger and sturdier than havanese, with a height of 9 to 10.5 inches and weight of 9 to 16 pounds. Havanese stand 8.5 to 11.5 inches tall and weigh 7 to 13 pounds on average.
"Shih tzu have a very dense double coat that sheds minimally, while havanese have a lighter single coat that sheds even less," explains Laura Agnelli-Levin, a certified master groomer with over 30 years of experience. "The havanese coat is actually more similar in texture to human hair than traditional dog fur."
The shih tzu‘s most distinct feature is arguably its "chrysanthemum face," created by a round head, short muzzle, and pronounced underbite that causes the lower jaw to protrude. Large, round eyes and droopy ears complete the trademark shih tzu look. In contrast, the havanese has a slightly more rectangular head with a medium-length muzzle, scissors bite, almond-shaped eyes, and drop ears.
Shih tzu most commonly come in solid colors like black, white, liver, and gold, or combinations of two to three colors. Havanese display a wider range of colors and patterns, often with patches or ticking of different shades. "In my experience, it‘s more common to see a solid-colored shih tzu and a multi-colored havanese, although there are plenty of exceptions," notes Agnelli-Levin.
Temperament Differences
Both the shih tzu and havanese were bred to be companion dogs, so it‘s no surprise that they share many endearing personality traits. "These breeds absolutely thrive on human interaction and affection," says Dr. Julia Roehrich, a veterinarian specializing in behavior. "They want nothing more than to be with their owners all the time."
Where the breeds diverge is in their degree of attachment and independence. Shih tzu tend to be slightly more self-sufficient than havanese, content to entertain themselves with toys or rest in their bed while you‘re occupied. Havanese, on the other hand, become deeply bonded to their owners and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone too long or too frequently.
"For shih tzu, I usually recommend crate training and alone time practice so they learn to feel safe and secure even when you‘re not there," advises Dr. Roehrich. "With havanese, it‘s best if someone is home with them most of the day. If you work long hours or travel frequently, a havanese may not be the right fit."
Both breeds are generally outgoing and friendly with new people and animals when socialized properly. They can fit well into families with children, other dogs, and even cats. However, the shih tzu may be a little more discerning with strangers, while the havanese is likely to greet everyone as an instant friend.
As small watchdogs, the shih tzu and havanese are alert barkers who will let you know when someone‘s at the door or a squirrel runs by the window. "Some individuals are definitely yappier than others," says Dr. Roehrich. "If barking is a major concern, meet the parents and assess their tendency to vocalize before committing to a puppy."
Training Tips
The shih tzu and havanese are both intelligent breeds eager to please their owners, but they can also have an independent (some might say stubborn) streak. Patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement using praise and treats are essential when training these sensitive dogs.
House training is one of the most common challenges cited by owners of both breeds. "Small dogs like shih tzu and havanese have tiny bladders and may need to go out every 2-4 hours, even as adults," notes certified dog trainer Mallory Cheung. "Crate training is a lifesaver for preventing accidents and teaching puppies to hold it between potty breaks."
Cheung recommends taking shih tzu and havanese puppies out first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, and before bedtime to establish a consistent routine. Rewarding the puppy with a treat immediately after they go in the designated spot helps reinforce the behavior.
Excessive barking is another frequent complaint among shih tzu and havanese owners. Teaching a "quiet" command and rewarding the dog for calm behavior can curb unnecessary vocalization. "Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise for these smart little dogs," adds Cheung. "Puzzle toys, scent games, trick training, and interactive play help tire them out and reduce boredom barking."
Both breeds can excel in dog sports like obedience and agility with consistent training and positive encouragement. Havanese, with their strong retrieving instinct, may also enjoy dock diving and flyball. Participating in dog sports provides valuable socialization, mental stimulation, and a chance for breed enthusiasts to connect.
Exercise Needs
The shih tzu and havanese are both considered low- to moderate-energy breeds, adaptable to apartment and city living. However, they still require regular exercise and activity to maintain physical and mental health.
Dr. Jennifer Lee, a veterinarian specializing in sports medicine, recommends at least one 20- to 30-minute walk per day for adult shih tzu and havanese, supplemented with play sessions, backyard exploration, and brain games. "The key is to let the dog set the pace and not overdo it, especially for puppies whose joints are still developing," says Dr. Lee.
Heat sensitivity is a concern for both breeds due to their long coats and short muzzles. Avoid exercising shih tzu and havanese in hot weather and always provide access to fresh water and shade. "If you live in a warm climate, consider an early morning or evening walk when temperatures are cooler," suggests Dr. Lee.
Obesity is a major health risk for shih tzu and havanese if their diet and exercise aren‘t properly managed. An estimated 30-40% of these breeds are overweight or obese, according to a 2019 study by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. Regular weigh-ins, portion control, and an active lifestyle are key to keeping these dogs at a healthy weight.
Health and Care
As toy breeds, the shih tzu and havanese share some common health concerns but also face breed-specific issues.
Orthopedic conditions like patellar luxation and hip dysplasia affect both breeds, with shih tzu also prone to intervertebral disc disease. "Patellar luxation occurs in up to 18% of shih tzu and 10% of havanese," notes Dr. Eric Linder, a board-certified veterinary surgeon.
Respiratory problems are a serious concern for shih tzu due to their flat faces and short airways. Brachycephalic airway syndrome affects an estimated 36% of the breed, causing labored breathing, snoring, and exercise intolerance. Havanese, with their longer muzzles, are less impacted.
Eye disorders are prevalent in both breeds, including cataracts, corneal ulcers, and dry eye. "Shih tzu and havanese owners should have their dogs‘ eyes checked annually by a veterinarian as part of a comprehensive wellness exam," recommends Dr. Linder.
Liver shunts, heart murmurs, and allergies are occasionally seen in havanese. Shih tzu may be predisposed to kidney disease, bladder stones, and hypothyroidism.
Prospective owners should research breeders carefully and ask for documentation of health clearances on the parents, such as OFA and CERF certificates. "While no dog is completely free of health risks, choosing a puppy from health-tested parents stacks the odds in your favor," says Dr. Linder.
Grooming Needs
One look at the shih tzu and havanese‘s magnificent coats is enough to know grooming will be a major part of caring for these breeds. "If you can‘t commit to brushing your dog at least every other day, you may want to consider a breed with a shorter, lower-maintenance coat," advises groomer Laura Agnelli-Levin.
The shih tzu‘s dense double coat requires thorough brushing to the skin to prevent matting and tangling. The havanese‘s silky hair is slightly less prone to matting but still needs regular brushing and combing. Both breeds should see a professional groomer every 4-6 weeks for a bath, haircut, and sanitary trim.
"The most common haircut I do for pet shih tzu and havanese is a cute teddy bear trim that keeps the hair about 1-2 inches long all over the body," shares Agnelli-Levin. "It‘s a good compromise between maintaining the breed look and keeping the coat manageable for owners."
Some havanese owners opt to cord their dog‘s coat into dreadlocks, a style that‘s traditional in the breed‘s native Cuba. "Cording is a labor-intensive process that takes several months and requires separating the forming mats daily," warns Agnelli-Levin. "It‘s not a decision to take lightly."
In addition to coat care, shih tzu and havanese need their facial hair trimmed away from their eyes, ears cleaned weekly to prevent infection, and nails clipped every 2-4 weeks. Daily tooth brushing is ideal for minimizing plaque and tartar buildup, to which small breeds are especially prone.
Tales from Real Owners
To truly understand what it‘s like to live with a shih tzu or havanese, we asked real owners to share their stories. Here‘s what they had to say:
"My shih tzu, Biscuit, is the ultimate companion. He‘s always up for snuggling on the couch, going for a walk around the block, or charming everyone he meets with his cute underbite smile. He‘s not a fan of being alone, but he‘s gotten better with age and training." – Megan T., shih tzu owner for 6 years
"I never knew a little dog could have such a big personality until I got my havanese, Lola. She‘s a total social butterfly who loves meeting new people and dogs at the park. The only downside is that she gets really anxious when I leave for work. I‘ve had to hire a dog walker to come by midday so she‘s not alone for too long." – Jake R., havanese owner for 2 years
"Grooming is definitely the most time-consuming part of owning a shih tzu. Even with regular brushing and trips to the groomer, Toby still manages to get mats behind his ears and in his armpits. But seeing his cute face peeking out from that luscious coat makes it all worth it." – Emily W., shih tzu owner for 4 years
"As a first-time dog owner, I couldn‘t have asked for a better breed than the havanese. My little guy, Charlie, was so easy to train and adapt to apartment living. He‘s always up for a game of fetch or hide-and-seek. The only thing I wish I had known beforehand is how much havanese love to jump up on people to say hello – we‘re still working on that!" – Olivia G., havanese owner for 1 year
Final Thoughts
The shih tzu and havanese are both charming, affectionate breeds that make wonderful companions for the right owners. While they share many similarities, the shih tzu may be a better fit for those who work outside the home or prefer a slightly more independent lapdog. The havanese tends to thrive with owners who are home often and can provide plenty of attention and interaction throughout the day.
Ultimately, the best way to decide between a shih tzu and havanese is to meet both breeds in person, interact with them, and get a feel for their unique personalities. Consider your lifestyle, grooming capabilities, and exercise preferences when making your choice. With proper socialization, training, and care, either breed can be a loving, loyal addition to your family for many years to come.
