Quick Comparison
| Trait | Havanese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 14–16 yrs | 10–18 yrs |
| Weight | 7–13 lbs | 9–16 lbs |
| Height | 8–11" | 9–10" |
| Price | $1000–$2000 | $800–$1500 |
| AKC Rank | #25 | #20 |
| Group | Toy | Toy |
| Size | Small | Small |
Rating Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Havanese and Shih Tzu are both popular choices in 2026, but they suit different lifestyles. Havanese are natural clowns who live to entertain their families. They are nicknamed 'Velcro dogs' because they stick to their owners like glue and hate to be separated.. Shih Tzus are the original lap dogs, bred for centuries with no purpose other than to be a charming, affectionate companion, and they have perfected the art..
Size and Appearance
The Havanese (7–13 lbs, 8–11") is smaller than the Shih Tzu (9–16 lbs, 9–10"). This affects everything from food budget to the size of bed and crate you'll need.
Temperament
Energy: Havanese 3/5 vs. Shih Tzu 2/5. Trainability: 4/5 vs. 3/5. With children: 5/5 vs. 4/5. Highly trainable and eager to please, Havanese excel at tricks and obedience. They respond beautifully to positive methods and are sensitive to harsh treatment. Can be charmingly stubborn during training. They respond best to gentle, patient methods with plenty of treats. Housetraining can take longer than average.
Health and Lifespan
Lifespan: Havanese 14–16 years vs. Shih Tzu 10–18 years. Each breed has its own health profile—Patellar Luxation is a concern for the Havanese, while the Shih Tzu is prone to Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome. Health testing by breeders reduces both risks.
Cost
Purchase price: Havanese $1000–$2000 vs. Shih Tzu $800–$1500. Ongoing costs run $109/month for the Havanese and $91/month for the Shih Tzu.
Grooming and Maintenance
The Havanese (long silky coat, grooming 4/5, shedding 1/5) and Shih Tzu (long double coat coat, grooming 5/5, shedding 1/5) have similar maintenance levels. The Havanese is hypoallergenic. The Shih Tzu is hypoallergenic.
Living Situation
Apartment suitability: 5/5 (Havanese) vs. 5/5 (Shih Tzu). Exercise: 2/5 vs. 2/5. Exercise needs differ significantly between these two breeds.
The Verdict
Your lifestyle determines which breed is the better fit. Consider your space, schedule, experience level, and what you want from a canine companion.
Havanese: A small toy breed, 14–16 year lifespan, $1000–$2000. Best for: families with kids, apartment ok, moderate activity. Havanese are natural clowns who live to entertain their families. They are nicknamed 'Velcro dogs' because they stick to their owners like glue and hate to be separated.
Shih Tzu: A small toy breed, 10–18 year lifespan, $800–$1500. Best for: families with kids, apartment ok, moderate activity. Shih Tzus are the original lap dogs, bred for centuries with no purpose other than to be a charming, affectionate companion, and they have perfected the art.
Size and Physical Differences
When comparing the Havanese and Shih Tzu side by side, the physical differences become immediately apparent and play a significant role in determining which breed suits your home environment. The Havanese weighs 7–13 lbs, while the Shih Tzu comes in at 9–16 lbs. In terms of height, the Havanese stands 8–11" tall compared to the Shih Tzu at 9–10". These measurements directly impact how much space the dog needs to move comfortably, the size of crate and bed required, and even the cost of food and medication dosing since larger dogs require proportionally more of both.
Lifespan is another critical physical factor - the Havanese typically lives 14–16 yrs, whereas the Shih Tzu has an expected lifespan of 10–18 yrs. Larger breeds generally have shorter lifespans due to faster cellular aging and greater strain on joints and organs. This difference means a potentially longer commitment with one breed versus the other, affecting everything from total lifetime costs to the emotional timeline of companionship. Consider which lifespan range aligns with your family situation and long-term plans before making a decision between these two breeds.
Temperament and Lifestyle Fit
Beyond physical traits, the temperament profiles of the Havanese and Shih Tzu reveal which breed integrates more naturally into your daily life. The Havanese is the higher-energy breed at 3/5 compared to the Shih Tzu's 2/5, meaning it demands more daily exercise and mental stimulation to remain well-behaved. For trainability, the Havanese scores 4/5 versus 3/5 for the Shih Tzu, making it generally easier to train for first-time owners.
Both breeds are equally vocal at 3/5 for barking tendency. Consider which temperament profile aligns with your household dynamics, daily schedule, and activity preferences before choosing between these two breeds.
Cost of Ownership
The initial purchase price differs between these breeds: the Havanese typically costs $1000–$2000, while the Shih Tzu runs $800–$1500. However, the purchase price represents only a fraction of the total cost of dog ownership. First-year expenses including supplies, initial veterinary visits, vaccinations, spay or neuter surgery, and early training classes typically add $1,000–$2,500 on top of the acquisition cost regardless of breed. Larger breeds generally incur higher ongoing costs because they consume more food, require larger doses of medications, and need bigger crates, beds, and accessories.
Monthly costs for either breed include food ($30–$100 depending on size and dietary needs), pet insurance ($30–$60), routine grooming ($0–$100 depending on coat type), and miscellaneous supplies. Annual veterinary care adds $300–$800 for healthy dogs, with senior dogs and those with chronic conditions requiring significantly more. Over a full lifespan, total ownership costs for medium to large breeds commonly reach $15,000–$30,000, not including emergency veterinary care. Before deciding between the Havanese and Shih Tzu, create a realistic budget that accounts for these ongoing expenses to ensure you can provide excellent care throughout the dog's entire life without financial strain.
Hidden costs that prospective owners frequently overlook include professional training classes ($150–$500 for basic obedience), boarding or pet sitting during vacations ($30–$75 per night), dog-proofing your home ($100–$300), and replacement of items damaged during puppyhood. Renters should factor in pet deposits ($200–$500) and monthly pet rent ($25–$75) that many landlords charge. Pet insurance at $30–$60 per month is strongly recommended regardless of which breed you choose, as a single emergency can easily cost $3,000–$8,000. Establishing an emergency veterinary fund alongside insurance provides a financial safety net that prevents care decisions from being driven by budget constraints during your dog's most vulnerable moments.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Choose the Havanese if: You are looking for a breed that matches the Havanese's specific combination of traits and temperament characteristics outlined above. Consider this breed if your living situation, activity level, and experience with dogs align well with what the Havanese demands. Prospective owners should visit our full Havanese profile for detailed information on health issues, grooming requirements, training tips, and real ownership costs broken down by category.
Choose the Shih Tzu if: Your lifestyle and preferences align more closely with the Shih Tzu's temperament and physical characteristics. Review the complete Shih Tzu breed profile for in-depth coverage of health, temperament, cost breakdowns, and practical ownership advice. Spending time with both breeds before making a final decision is strongly recommended - attend breed-specific events, connect with local breed clubs, or visit reputable breeders and rescue organizations to interact with dogs of each breed in person.
Still undecided? Use our Dog Age Calculator and Puppy Weight Calculator to understand the growth and aging trajectory for each breed. Browse our expert guides for advice on training, nutrition, health care, and choosing the right breed for your specific situation. The right dog is not simply the most popular or the most attractive breed - it is the one whose daily needs, temperament, and care requirements align with what you can realistically provide over the next decade or more. Take the time to meet dogs of both breeds in person before committing - the investment in research and firsthand experience prevents the heartbreak of rehoming a dog that does not fit your lifestyle.