Shih Tzu vs Havanese

Small in size but big on personality, the Shih Tzu is adored by everyone they meet. An agile and adaptable pet, your pint-sized pooch will love cuddling with you on the couch in front of the TV, but they’re equally happy trotting by your side in the park.

A fun-loving breed, Shih Tzus enjoy playing with older children, who understand how to play gently with a small dog, and other four-legged pets as long as proper introductions have been made (they are descended from royalty after all). They aren’t known for biting, but like any dog, they may bite if pushed too far in rough play. Be sure to teach all children how to gently interact with dogs, and to supervise your Shih Tzu puppy around young children who may mistake this adorable pup for their favorite stuffy.

With their ability to assess situations much faster than other small breeds, the Shih Tzu is so much more than a pretty face. They make excellent watchdogs; they are always on alert for someone approaching your home and will let you know they’re coming. Even though they may exhibit a stubborn streak and require extra patience when training, they are worth the effort. Their loyalty and calm manner in all types of situations serve them in good stead as emotional support animals when their small size is not an issue.

If you feel that strangers are just friends you haven’t met yet, then you and the Havanese are MFEO (made for each other). These friendly, playful social butterflies can’t help but pick up ten new friends on a three-block walk. They love people, and people can’t help but love their frisky and fun personalities.

Their big personalities belie their small stature, and they give affection in leaps and bounds. They may look dainty with that silky hair and wagging tail, but the small, solidly built Havanese dog keeps up easily when out making the neighborhood rounds. Keeping a spare hostess gift with you at all times may not be a bad idea, as Havanese like to visit with the people they meet. More petting is a primary goal for these affectionate pups, and it’s just impossible to ignore that cuteness factor.

Even with all that attention, your dog’s favorite place is going to be with you. They’ll lie on your lap when you’re relaxing and watching a movie and will even keep you company when you’re folding clothes. (And they won’t judge you for the way you fold your shirts.) And if they happen to be lounging on the floor, it’s guaranteed they’ll be on your feet; you’ve got the best foot warmer in town.

Havanese are intelligent clowns by nature and will find ways to put a smile on your face. They’ll let you know it’s time for a play break when they drop a toy at your feet and give you that look with their head cocked to one side. When they get the zoomies, you better watch out! They’ll tear through the home and use your furniture for parkour. And you’d better hold on to your notepads: Havanese love paper. They’ll hunt for it around your house and may even wait by your printer for what’s coming out. (You’ll never be lying when you say, “My dog ate my homework.”)

Most Havanese dogs have incredible mental competency and are easily trained and eager to learn. (They’ve lived previous lives as circus performers.) Their repertoire of tricks is guaranteed to be crowd-pleasers at your next party. (And you’ll look like a genius for teaching your dog so many tricks—we promise never to tell.)

A major concern for many families is how the dog will interact with kids and other pets. No problems here! When they aren’t chilling with you, your fur baby will love spending time with two and four-legged siblings. They thrive on playing, snuggles and convincing human brothers and sisters to sneak them treats. Just make sure they don’t get too many, or they may end up overweight.

If you value your peace and quiet, you’re in luck. Havanese bark only when they feel a warning is needed or when playing a rousing game of fetch. They aren’t known for biting, so inviting friends over isn’t a problem.

You’ll never feel lonely when your Havanese—and the 15 friends they made on your morning walk—is nearby.