When choosing a small family dog, two breeds often come up: the Shih Tzu and the Havanese.
Both are:
- Small in size
- Extremely affectionate
- Perfect for indoor living
- Known as companion dogs
But when it comes to family-friendliness, there are important differences in temperament, energy level, and daily care needs.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know so you can confidently choose the right breed for your home.
🆚 Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Shih Tzu | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Calm, affectionate | Friendly, playful |
| Energy Level | Low | Medium |
| Family Friendly | Very high | Very high |
| Barking | Low | Low–Moderate |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Training | Moderate | Easier |
| Best For | Relaxed families | Active families |
🐾 Personality Overview
🐶 Shih Tzu Personality
The Shih Tzu is a classic lap dog bred for companionship.
They are:
- Calm and relaxed
- Extremely affectionate
- People-focused
- Low aggression
They love:
- Sitting beside family members
- Quiet indoor life
- Being cuddled
👉 Shih Tzus are ideal for families who want a calm, gentle companion.
🐶 Havanese Personality
The Havanese is Cuba’s national dog and is known for being cheerful and social.
They are:
- Playful and energetic
- Friendly with everyone
- Emotionally expressive
- Highly social
They love:
- Playing with kids
- Learning tricks
- Constant interaction
👉 Havanese dogs are ideal for active, playful families.
🔑 Key Difference
- Shih Tzu = Calm companion
- Havanese = Playful entertainer
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendliness Compared
Shih Tzu: Family Life
Shih Tzus are:
- Very gentle with children
- Calm around guests
- Not easily stressed
They fit well in:
- Quiet households
- Apartments
- Families with older or calm children
⚠️ They may not enjoy rough play for long periods.
Havanese: Family Life
Havanese dogs are:
- Extremely friendly with kids
- Love group interaction
- Enjoy active play
They fit well in:
- Busy households
- Families with children
- Homes with frequent activity
👉 They are more tolerant of playful children than Shih Tzus.
⚡ Energy Level Differences
Shih Tzu
- Low energy
- Prefers short walks
- Happy relaxing indoors
They don’t require much physical activity, making them easy for busy families.
Havanese
- Medium energy
- Needs daily play sessions
- Enjoys mental stimulation
Without activity, they may become bored or clingy.
🔑 Key Insight
If your family is active → Havanese fits better
If your family is relaxed → Shih Tzu fits better
🔊 Barking & Behavior
Shih Tzu
- Generally quiet
- Rarely barks unnecessarily
- Calm indoors
👉 Great for apartments and quiet homes
Havanese
- Moderate barking
- May bark when excited or alert
- More expressive
👉 Not excessive, but more vocal than Shih Tzu
✂️ Grooming Requirements
Both breeds require grooming, but the maintenance level is similar.
Shih Tzu Grooming
- Long silky coat
- Daily brushing needed
- Regular trims required
If neglected, hair can easily mat.
Havanese Grooming
- Long wavy coat
- Needs frequent brushing
- Can be trimmed shorter for easier care
👉 Both breeds are high grooming maintenance dogs
🧠 Training & Intelligence
Shih Tzu
- Moderate intelligence
- Can be stubborn
- Needs consistent routine
Training requires patience but works well with rewards.
Havanese
- Highly intelligent
- Quick learners
- Respond well to training
👉 Winner: Havanese (easier training)
They enjoy learning tricks and obedience tasks.
🏥 Health & Lifespan
Shih Tzu Health
- Lifespan: 10–18 years
-
Common issues:
- Breathing problems
- Eye infections
- Heat sensitivity
Havanese Health
- Lifespan: 14–16 years
-
Common issues:
- Hip issues (rare)
- Eye conditions
- Dental care needed
👉 Both are relatively healthy small breeds with long lifespans.
🏡 Living Environment
Shih Tzu
- Excellent for apartments
- Low exercise needs
- Quiet indoor behavior
Havanese
- Also apartment-friendly
- Needs play space indoors
- Enjoys interaction throughout the day
👉 Both adapt well to indoor living.
🧸 Interaction with Children
Shih Tzu
- Gentle and patient
- Prefers calm handling
- Not ideal for rough play
Havanese
- Very playful with kids
- Enjoys active games
- More tolerant of energetic behavior
👉 Winner for kids: Havanese
🏆 Final Verdict: Which Is More Family-Friendly?
👉 Overall Winner: 🐶 Havanese (for most families)
Why Havanese Wins
✔ More playful with kids
✔ Easier to train
✔ Higher adaptability to activity
✔ Social and interactive personality
When Shih Tzu Is Better
Choose Shih Tzu if you want:
✔ Calm household companion
✔ Low-energy lifestyle
✔ Quiet indoor dog
✔ Minimal daily activity needs
💡 Simple Decision Rule
- Want calm, relaxed family dog → 👉 Shih Tzu
- Want playful, active family dog → 👉 Havanese
🐾 Real-Life Insight
From real-world behavior patterns:
👉 Shih Tzu = Calm emotional companion
👉 Havanese = Social family entertainer
Both are excellent—but they suit different types of families.
📝 Conclusion
When comparing Shih Tzu vs Havanese, both breeds are loving and family-friendly, but their personalities differ significantly.
- Shih Tzu is calm, quiet, and low-energy
- Havanese is playful, active, and highly social
If your family prefers peace and relaxation → choose Shih Tzu
If your family enjoys play and interaction → choose Havanese
The best dog is the one that matches your lifestyle—not just appearance.
FAQ
Which dog is better for families with kids?
Havanese is generally more playful and interactive with children.
Which dog is easier to maintain?
Both require grooming, but Shih Tzu needs less activity.
Are Shih Tzus good family dogs?
Yes, they are gentle and affectionate companions.
Do Havanese dogs bark a lot?
They bark moderately but are not excessive barkers.