Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese Comparison - Dog breed selector: Bichon Habanero or Chrysanthemum Dog or Chinese Spaniel? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese" Compare Havanese and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Havanese or Shih Tzu or Pekingese?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Havanese	Shih Tzu	Pekingese
Origins	Cuba	China	China
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	23	20	88
Reviews	7	19	3
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese breeds.	Bichon Habanero Bichon Havanais Bichon Havanes Havanese Cuban Bichon Havaneser Havanezer Bichon Havanese	Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog	Chinese Spaniel Lion Dog Peke Peking Palasthund Pelchie Dog Peking Lion Dog
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese? Compare adult weight ranges.	7-13 pounds (3-6 kg)	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)	8-10 pounds (3.6-4.5 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	10 pounds (4.5 kg)	9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)	9 pounds (3.6-4.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Havanese or Shih Tzu or Pekingese? Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese height comparison:	8-11 inches (21-29 cm)	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)	6-9 inches (30.4-45 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	10 inches (25 cm)	9.5 inches (24 cm)	7.5 inches (30.24.5 cm)

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. Find price differences between these breeds.	$900-$1200	$800-$1200	$600-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Havanese or Shih Tzu or Pekingese?	Very frequent: The Havanese is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Pekingese is quite easy to get.

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. Which breed ranks highest?	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. See more.	Low: The Pekingese is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. Which is easiest to train?	Havanese dogs are very easy to train. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Pekingese dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. Which breed is most alert?	Havanese dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Pekingese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. Which breed is most protective?	Havanese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Pekingese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese? Compare temperaments.	Playful Intelligent Responsive Affectionate Lively Gentle Companionable Sturdy Amiable Charming	Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle	Stubborn Intelligent Affectionate Aggressive Good-natured Opinionated
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	Pekingese dogs are less sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese?	High: Havanese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Pekingese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese social needs comparison:	Havanese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Pekingese dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Havanese dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Pekingese dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Havanese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Pekingese dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. Which breed is most vocal?	Low to Average: The Havanese rarely barks. See more.	A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Average to High: The Pekingese is a vocal breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. Which breed is most playful?	The Havanese is a highly playful breed. See more.	Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. See more.	Pekingeses don't really like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Havanese breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Pekingese breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. Which breed is most flexible?	Havanese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Pekingese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Havanese or Shih Tzu or Pekingese?	Havanese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Havanese has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Pekingese has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. Which uses mouth most during play?	Havanese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Pekingese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Havanese bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Pekingese bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. Which breed lives longest?	14-16 years The average lifespan of Havanese: 15 years	10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years	13-15 years The average lifespan of Pekingese: 14 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. Which handles climate changes best?	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Pekingese can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. Which has fewer health issues?	The Havanese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	Pekingeses are commonly healthy dogs.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Average The Havanese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Rare The Pekingese should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese health problems comparison:	Cataracts Heart Murmurs Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Deafness Chondrodysplasia Elbow Dysplasia Mitral Valve Disease Portosystemic Liver Shunt	Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Allergies Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Umbilical Hernias Ear Infections Distichiasis Portosystemic Liver Shunt Bladder Stones Ectopic Cilia Reverse Sneezing Dry Eye Proptosis Juvenile Renal Dysplasia Keratitis Retained Baby Teeth Snuffles	Cataracts Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Entropion Intervertebral Disk Disease Exposure Keratopathy Syndrome Distichiasis Mitral Valve Disease Cryptorchidism Ectopic Cilia Cleft Palate Brachycephalic Syndrome Hydrocephalus Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. Which breed is most active?	Havanese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.	Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.	Pekingese dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Havanese or Shih Tzu or Pekingese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Havanese dogs exercise need is very minimal.	Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.	Pekingese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Havanese or Shih Tzu or Pekingese?	Havanese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.	Pekingese dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. Which is most prone to obesity?	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Havanese's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average: The Pekingese has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. Which needs most food?	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.	Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day.	1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	Yes See more.	Yes See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. What colors are available?	Black White Fawn Reddish-Brown Havana Brown Tobacco	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold	Black Gray Red Cream White Fawn
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. Which requires most maintenance?	Average: The Havanese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. Which drools least?	The Havanese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Pekingese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. Which has least natural smell?	Low 🔽 The Havanese has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	High 🔼 The Pekingese has a high chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Soft Wavy Woolly Flat Long	Dense	Dense
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. Which requires most frequent baths?	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Havanese or Shih Tzu or Pekingese? Havanese or Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding:	Havanese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Pekingese dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. Which is best with kids?	Havanese dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.	Pekingese dogs are not kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Havanese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Pekingese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Havanese or Shih Tzu or Pekingese? Which dog is more friendly?	Havanese dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Pekingese dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Havanese or Shih Tzu or Pekingese?	Havanese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Pekingese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Havanese or Shih Tzu or Pekingese?	Havanese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Pekingese dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese?	Yes Havanese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Pekingese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Havanese is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Pekingese is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Havaneses are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.	Pekingeses are not recommended for elderly people.

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. Which is best suited for service work?	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. Which excels in therapy work?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. Which has best nose work ability?	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential Compare search and rescue potential between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. Which is best for SAR work?	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Compare boating aptitude between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Havanese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Pekingese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. Which is best for draft work?	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. Which has most military use?	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. Which has most puppies?	1-9 puppies, average 4	2-5 puppies	2-4 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. What's recommended?	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.

Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1906 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. How are they classified internationally?	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Japan Chin and Pekingese section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. Which has most recognition?	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club United Kennel Club Havanese Club of America	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club Canadian Canine Registry	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club Pekingese Club Of America

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