Havanese vs Shih Tzu: Choosing a Small Companion

Size, lifespan, and household fit side by side

VCA lists Havanese at about 7–13 pounds and Shih Tzu at 9–16 pounds. Its lifespan guides are roughly 12–14 years and 11–14 years respectively. These ranges overlap, and they are not guarantees for an individual. Both are compact dogs whose care still requires time and planning.

Activity: both enjoy play and appropriate walks, not simply being carried everywhere. Grooming: both need brushing and combing to prevent tangles, and a dog comb that reaches the base of the coat makes that job easier. Training: reward-based methods suit both, though VCA notes a stubborn streak and possible housetraining challenges in Shih Tzu. Best fit depends on your patience, routine, and grooming commitment. If you are also weighing another small breed, our Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso comparison and Shih Tzu breed profile cover the other side.

Compare the companion you want to engage with

The AKC describes Havanese as lively, sociable companions, and VCA notes responsiveness to games and rewards. If you enjoy teaching tricks and including a dog in ordinary household activities, ask how an individual Havanese responds to people and how it manages quieter parts of the day.

VCA describes Shih Tzu as affectionate and playful while noting that learning may require patience. Avoid treating persistence as a reason for force. Ask about the particular dog’s routines, including toileting, handling, and introductions, so you can continue familiar expectations while teaching anything new.

Make a real plan for coat care

Long Havanese coats can range from straight to curly, while Shih Tzu coats are long and dense. VCA recommends regular combing and brushing for both to prevent matting. A shorter pet trim may make care more manageable, but it does not eliminate the need to inspect and maintain the coat.

Ask a groomer what the chosen style requires between appointments and whether the dog is comfortable being handled. Pay attention to the Shih Tzu’s eye area and hygiene, as VCA advises. Budget time as well as money rather than assuming a small dog will take almost no maintenance.

Keep play, walks, and comfort appropriate

Both dogs benefit from suitable activity and mental engagement, and for indoor games a soft squeaky plush toy or a small-dog chew toy is made for small dogs. VCA notes that Shih Tzu still need outdoor walking and sniffing even when indoor games provide some exercise. Let the individual dog’s health and comfort guide the outing instead of measuring success against a much larger dog’s routine, and a small dog harness is one option for walking either breed.

The Shih Tzu’s short muzzle makes overheating an important consideration. Discuss warm-weather activity with your veterinarian and do not push a dog showing discomfort. With either small breed, supervise play with children and larger dogs; being sociable does not make a small body resistant to accidental injury.

Choose an individual with care you can sustain

Review medical records and ask your veterinarian about the individual dog’s eyes, mouth, skin, breathing, and mobility. VCA highlights dental care in Shih Tzu. Ask about any established grooming or handling difficulties before committing, particularly if your household expects several people to share care.

Seek veterinary advice for new eye irritation, pain, difficulty breathing, or a marked change in behavior. Neither a cute face nor a reputation as a lap dog should hide discomfort. Choose the companion whose everyday needs you can meet through both active and quieter years. Whichever you choose, you can browse toys for Shih Tzus and more small dog harnesses when the time comes.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.