Havanese vs Shih Tzu

Side-by-side comparison of two popular breeds — temperament, exercise, grooming, lifespan and common health issues. Use it to decide which breed fits your home.

Havanese vs Shih Tzu — at a glance

The Havanese (3–6 kg, 14–16 years) and the Shih Tzu (4–7 kg, 10–16 years) sit in different — or sometimes overlapping — corners of dog ownership. Here's how they really compare for an everyday Irish or UK family.

Both breeds have similar energy demands — Havanese tips slightly higher but neither is a couch dog.

Both have manageable grooming routines — the Shih Tzu demands slightly more, but neither needs daily fuss.

Insurance premiums for breeds with brachycephalic, joint or cancer predispositions run 20–40% above average — check before you commit. We have a free quote calculator here.

	Havanese	Shih Tzu
Group	Toy	Toy
Origin	Cuba	Tibet / China
Weight	3–6 kg	4–7 kg
Height	21–29 cm	20–28 cm
Lifespan	14–16 years	10–16 years
Energy level
Trainability
Grooming needs
Good with kids
Good with other pets
Hypoallergenic
Watchdog instinct
Novice-owner OK

Havanese

Temperament

Affectionate, friendly, gentle, playful. Havanese thrive on family company and don't do well left alone for long.

Exercise

30–60 minutes of daily walking plus indoor play. Mental work is just as important as physical.

Grooming

Long silky double coat. Daily brushing if kept long; most owners do a "puppy clip" every 6 weeks. Low-shedding.

Health

Patellar luxation. Eye conditions (cataracts, cherry eye, PRA). Hip dysplasia. Heart murmurs. Generally a long-lived breed.

Full Havanese profile →

Shih Tzu

Temperament

Gentle, friendly, slightly aloof, content. Shih Tzus thrive on company and dislike being left alone. They're playful but not high-energy, and generally good with children, other dogs and cats.

Exercise

30 minutes of daily walking plus indoor play is plenty. Brachycephalic features mean they overheat easily — avoid hot weather and strenuous exercise.

Grooming

Long double coat. Daily brushing if kept long; most owners choose a "puppy cut" every 4–6 weeks for ease. Hair around eyes needs daily wiping (eye discharge collects). Top-knot to keep hair out of eyes.

Health

Brachycephalic airway syndrome (mild). Eye issues (proptosis — eye popping out — in trauma). Patellar luxation. Hip dysplasia. Dental disease (small crowded mouths). Generally long-lived for a brachycephalic breed.

Full Shih Tzu profile →

Which is right for you?

Pick the Havanese if

Allergy-sensitive families, retirees, apartment dwellers, multi-pet homes.

Pick the Shih Tzu if

First-time owners, retirees, apartment dwellers, allergy-sensitive families.

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