Compare breeds
Havanese vs Shih Tzu
Havanese
Long
Shih Tzu
Long
Choose the Havanese if you want…
- a family with children
- a dog or cat that learns quickly
- less time spent grooming
- an active companion for long walks and play
Choose the Shih Tzu if you want…
- a quieter companion
- a calmer companion
Side by side
| Trait | Havanese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Toy |
| Weight | 3–6 kg (7–13 lb) | 4–7.5 kg (9–17 lb) |
| Height | 22–29 cm (9–11 in) | 20–28 cm (8–11 in) |
| Life span | 14–16 years | 10–16 years |
| Origin | Cuba | China and Tibet |
| Energy | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Trainability | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Good with children | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Good with other pets | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Suits a flat | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Shedding | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Grooming needs | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Barking / vocal | 3/5 | 2/5 |
Quick answers
Which is bigger, the Havanese or the Shih Tzu?
The Shih Tzu — typically about 1.3 times the weight. Havanese: 3–6 kg (7–13 lb); Shih Tzu: 4–7.5 kg (9–17 lb).
Which lives longer, the Havanese or the Shih Tzu?
The Havanese, on average. Havanese: 14–16 years; Shih Tzu: 10–16 years.
Is the Havanese or the Shih Tzu better with children?
The Havanese scores higher in our profiles (5 vs 4 out of 5). Always supervise young children with any pet.
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Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts