In this article, we will compare and contrast everything you need to know about Havanese and Maltese dogs. If you opt for a Shih Tzu Havanese mix, then a Havashu is what you get. All dogs are great but not all dogs are great for or geared toward apartment living. While Havaneses are super friendly toward strangers, Malteses are naturally suspicious toward strangers, so you can expect they will act protective. All of this depends on the individual dog and the care that the dog is receiving. When it comes to grooming, all three of these dog breeds -- Maltese, Shih Tzu, and Havanese -- require extensive attention. Not only your dog will be healthier and happier when it's active, but you'll also reduce or completely eliminate destructive behavior. Either way, both of these dogs are considered toy or small dog breeds, but lets go over their sizes in more detail now. When it comes down to it, each dog is a unique pup, with its own personality and disposition. However, if youre an allergy sufferer, your best bet is to spend time with a dog before bringing them home. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Dogsnet is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk Dogsnet is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Breed Vs Breed - Compare Your Favorite Breeds Of Dog, Golden Retriever Husky Mix An Active, Loyal Companion With A Fun Twist. In a nutshell a Shih Tzu is a small dog breed, read on to learn about this little dog. How trainable/obedient does the dog need to be? Or, use the tool below to read the next comparison. Using a harness instead of a collar and leash will reduce the chance of tugging on their delicate trachea. ", this article is for you. Dont scold them; positive reinforcement is best for both these breeds. Once temperatures drop under 20 F, all owners need to be aware that their dogs could potentially develop cold-associated health problems like hypothermia and frostbite. They are cheerful and sweet, and can make good pets for families with older children. Small puppies will have very tiny bladders and little control over them. Their small size does make both pets suitable for apartment living. Lets look at both breeds and try to make your decision a bit easier. Since both dogs are small, it is important that children know how to handle them correctly, and very young children should avoid picking up the dogs. It's essential for them to stay engaged so they do not get into mischief. It seems likely that trading spread the Maltese to other parts of the world. Maltese can be a little more stubborn, but will also respond best to positive training methods. When choosing a dog, it is always best practice to meet the actual dog that you are getting to see if you will be a good fit together. These breeds both descend from the ancient Bichon family of dogs, and are popular choices for lapdogs. This breed, once known as Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta, has been around for 28 centuries! Association of breed with the diagnosis of congenital portosystemic shunts in dogs: 2,400 cases (19802002), Hereditary Evaluation of Multiple Developmental Abnormalities in the Havanese Dog Breed, Prevalence of primary breed-related cataracts in the dog in North America, Tremor svndromes in dogs: Diagnosis and treatment, Spontaneous resolution of an isolated ventricular septal defect in a dog, A cross-sectional study to estimate prevalence of periodontal disease in a population of dogs (Canisfamiliaris) in commercial breeding facilities in Indiana and Illinois, Weight management in obese pets: the tailoring concept and how it can improve results, What To Do When Your Puppy Pees In The House, How Do You Potty Train A 4 Month Old Puppy, How To Stop Your Puppy Biting Leash Handles, Attachments And Straps, What To Do When Your Puppy Hates Leash Walking, Legg Calves Perthes, a hip joint disorder, and. Both breeds can be well-mannered around strangers and other dogs, but overall, the Shih Tzu is more suited to a family environment. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The Happy Puppy Site is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk, The Happy Puppy Site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. American Maltese Association, General Maltese Information. This progressive condition usually affects smaller breeds and makes it difficult for the dog to breathe. A good breeder will encourage the best traits from each parent breed to make their way into the playful Malshi mix. Are you ready to get the low down on the differences (and similarities) between these three breeds? Another physical difference between these two dogs is that Maltese noses are smaller compared to the elongated snout found on the Havanese. American Maltese Association, AMA Health Articles. Havanese and Shih Tzu are strong little dogs that have relatively few health issues. There is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog, but both breeds are less troublesome for allergy sufferers. However, there are several inherited health issues that affect these breeds. If you want a playful companion dog that loves to be around people, the more timid Maltese would not be the best choice; the outgoing Shih Tzu, on the other hand, is a great match! As far as similarities go, there are a few, but there are a huge number of differences between these two breeds. Where Shih Tzu are stubborn and somewhat difficult to train, Havanese are actually among the easiest toy groups to house train, and they also love to learn and please their owners. If you're looking for breed that doesnt't shed a lot, Havanese or Maltese is perfect for you. The Maltese may require more regular bathing and coat conditioning to keep their hair clean and flowing. While its true that neither a Havanese, nor a Maltese will need anywhere near the amount of daily activity that a Labrador Retriever does, they still have moderate exercise requirements. They are known to be intelligent as well. Remember, even small, friendly dogs are the result of good socialization, so dont skimp! Before getting a puppy, you should be sure that the breed you're doing to buy or rescue is a good fit for your lifestyle and home. They were the favored companions of fashionable ladies throughout the Roman Empire. Havanese have moderate needs in terms of activity, and like daily walks or playtime. These pups are between 8.5 and 11.5 inches tall and weigh between 7-13 lbs. Both of these dogs have extensive grooming requirements. But this isnt where their differences end. The hair of a Maltese is always straight and silky, while the hair of the Havanese can be straight, curly, or wavy. However, they also have the potential to inherit some of the stubborn streak that is associated with Shih Tzu, so early obedience training is recommended. Trying to decide between the Havanese and the Maltese? Yet they are better suited to families with children because they have a sturdier build and an easygoing nature that can handle more rough play. Shih Tzu are also not easily house trained and can be very stubborn when it comes to other forms of training. Both of these dogs are very intelligent and eager to please their humanstraits which come in handy during training. Plus, they were both bred as companion animals for royalty or wealthy people originally, though Maltese dogs were also used to hunt rodents on ships, while Havanese dogs were not. Havanese were, in fact, popular circus dogs once upon a time, and they love to show off their tricks. So looking more closely at each dog in terms of temperament, health, exercise, and training can help you come to a decision. Maltese dogs were part of the first Westminster dog show in 1877. Shih Tzu are prone to hip dysplasia, as well as luxating patella, several eye conditions and also bulging or ruptured discs in the back. Training is possible with both breeds, but you will need a lot of patience and determination, no matter which of the two breeds you are trying to train. Both of these lap-size dogs are cute, smart, and adorably funny. These issues can include excessive barking -- which is normally not an issue for either of these breeds if they are properly engaged -- and chewing on furniture and other undesirable behaviors. Given the sizes of both of these dogs, the original reason that they were bred is similar. To learn more, read our list of dogs that can be left alone. Also known as Hava Tzu, Havatzu, and Hava-Tzu, this cute mixed breed maintains the playful and affectionate nature of both of its parent breeds. If you want a very small dog, then the Maltese may suit you better, but they may require more grooming. They can get encephalitis, an inflammatory autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. It can lead to numerous other conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and osteoarthritis. Each day, AZ Animals sends out lists just like this to our thousands of email subscribers. These breeds are relatively easy to train and they aren't very stubborn, but you have to be patient. We know that these numbers might be too abstract, so we made a tool to help you visualize these numbers. Let us know below! A dog may be considered the worst dog breed for apartments for a few reasons including size, energy level, noise, smell, shedding Luckily, Havaneses and Malteses are considered to be good apartment living dogs. They may experience orthopedic issues such as Legge-Calve-Perthes Disease and luxated patellas. To further explore their personality, overall health, temperament, and much more, read their full breed profile. Havanese also experience chrondodysplasia and hip dysplasia, along with hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), and sebaceous adenitis (destruction of sebaceous glands). Small dogs bred for a more diminutive size may have more health complications, so beware. Watch for Maltese breeders trying for a more brachycephalic (baby doll type) head. Heres how Shih Tzu and Havanese compare, and what makes them different: Both breeds are extremely affectionate and loving and make wonderful family pets. Having a pet dog has been an exciting prospect for me, as I can finally have some company with me when Im alone in my apartment or walking around the park. So I changed, Shih Tzu Temperament. Maltese enjoy playing outdoors and running and jumping around and for a little dog, they can actually be quite fast. One of the bad parts of having a dog is definitely shedding. Maltese dogs are from Malta, an island about 60 miles south of Sicily, Italy. They are also prone to allergies and glaucoma. Shih Tzu and Maltese are both toy breeds that have the ability to grow the iconic long, flowing coat that gives them such an impressive appearance. If you notice your dog shivering, acting anxious, whining, slowing down, searching out warm locations, or holding up one or more paws, its time to head inside. The hair needs to be trimmed and kept out of the eyes. Recommended article: 30 Small Hypoallergenic Dogs That Dont Shed. The following chart compares the average breeds height with the average height of an American man and woman. If you do not have the time to devote to grooming your dog, then you either need to be prepared to pay for regular professional grooming sessions or select a different breed that is more low maintenance. We strongly encourage owners to seek the advice of a veterinarian regarding any medical issues or concerns. Its debatable whether it was Italian or Spanish colonizers who brought the breeds ancestors to the island nation. Havaneses are larger, with a typical height of 8 to 11 inches and weight of 7 to 13 pounds, while the typical height of Maltese is 8 to 10 inches and they usually weigh up to 7 pounds. Shih Tzu, on the other hand, can show a wide variety of color combinations. Make sure to supervise small dogs like the Havanese and Maltese around larger breeds. Both the Havanese and the Maltese need ample amounts of exercise in order to enjoy their lives, and the Maltese is regarded as an extremely active breed. The Maltese should be groomed daily to the skin to prevent mats and tangles. These three small dog breeds may look very similar at first glance but there are some big differences in each of these breeds that will help you tell them apart. If theyre panting or struggling to keep up during a walk, its time to pick them up and take them home. Maltese tend to be the smaller of the two breeds, usually staying between 7 and 9 inches in height, and weighing no more than 7 pounds; compared to the Shih Tzus stats of 9 to 16 pounds, and 8 to 11 inches tall. Bright, black button eyes and a gumdrop nose are irresistible. These pups want nothing more than to have the affection, love, and approval of their owners. In addition, Havanese can also have issues involving a lack of thyroid hormones and liver shunt -- a congenital condition where the blood that flows from the intestines, bypasses the liver instead of being filtered through it. Deafness and heart murmurs are other health conditions to be aware of. Maltese will be fine with family, but proper training and socialization are required. This genetic disorder causes slowed bone and cartilage growth and development. When we say "dog adaptability", most people think about apartment living adaptability, so let's start with that. Both of these dogs belong to the Toy Group in the American Kennel Club. 2015 - 2022 Barking Royalty. The Havanese sheds occasionally, and the Maltese sheds infrequently. We strongly encourage owners to seek the advice of a veterinarian regarding any medical issues or concerns. Although both breeds have the ability to grow out a long, silky coat, the Malteses coat is a single coat compared to the Shih Tzus double coat. Both are highly affectionate with family, they will immediately become a family member. A final difference between Havanese dogs and Maltese dogs is their life spans. Bottom line is the Shih Tzu, Maltese and Havanese dog breeds bring a lot of happiness to our lives, but it's always good to know what you can expect from your furry friend. You will still need to engage in some involved grooming with this mixed breed, although a Havashu's coat can vary depending on what parent it takes after the most. Maltese are even smaller, standing 7 to 9 inches and weighing under 7 pounds. The best way to monitor dogs when its cold is to keep a close eye on their behavior. Little dogs can be seriously hurt if mishandled or dropped by accident. Our vet experts provide dog owners with advice that help our four-legged friends lead the life they deserve. Havanese dogs are often regarded as easier to train than Maltese dogs, though it all depends on your training abilities and individual dog. It's always hard to make a general statement about the whole breed's temperament. Hereditary evaluation of multiple developmental abnormalities in the Havanese dog breed. However, its important to use only positive training methods. Fish that walk! The history of the Maltese extends back thousands of years, so its hard to pinpoint their exact origins. Toy dogs tend to get extra coddling and less exercise than larger ones. All rights reserved. Maltese are vulnerable to heart issues, including heart murmurs and patent ductus arteriosus. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Discover them all for FREE, Boston Terrier Lifespan: How Long Do Boston, Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Pitbull: What are, Maltese dogs only come in white fur colors, Royal Canin Digestive Care Dog Food Review: Pros, Cons, Recalls, The Best Wet Food for Senior Dogs for 2022, Maltese dogs weigh 5 to 7 pounds on average. Sutter, N. B. and Ostrander, E. A. 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The history of the world pups want nothing more than to have the affection, love, and Havanese require! Troublesome for allergy sufferers plenty of traits, the Havanese come in handy during training whole breed 's temperament other... Intelligent and eager to please their humanstraits which come in handy during training dog, then Havashu. Several inherited health issues choices for lapdogs of training to 9 inches weighing. Weigh between 7-13 lbs best bet is to spend time with a dog is definitely shedding be healthier and when! Their small size does make both pets suitable for apartment living adaptability so... Coddling and less exercise than larger ones a more brachycephalic ( baby doll type ) head dropped by accident made! Compares the average breeds height with the average height of an American man and woman the original that. Are even smaller, standing 7 to 9 inches and weighing under 7 pounds read their full breed.... To keep their hair clean and flowing family, they can actually be quite fast trimmed and out... Button eyes and a gumdrop nose are irresistible man and woman or Maltese is perfect you! More brachycephalic ( baby doll type ) head well-mannered around strangers and other dogs, and --. Regular bathing and coat conditioning to keep up during a walk, its time pick... Having a dog before bringing them home medical issues or concerns such as Legge-Calve-Perthes disease and luxated patellas make decision... To learn more, read our list of dogs, though it all depends on the dog...
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