---
title: "Havapoo Puppies vs Shih Tzu Puppies: Which Fits You"
type: "post"
slug: "havapoo-puppies-vs-shih-tzu-puppies-which-fits-you"
published_at: "2026-10-31T07:06:47+00:00"
modified_at: "2026-10-31T07:06:59+00:00"
url: "https://sagepuppies.com/havapoo-puppies-vs-shih-tzu-puppies-which-fits-you/"
markdown_url: "https://sagepuppies.com/havapoo-puppies-vs-shih-tzu-puppies-which-fits-you.md"
taxonomy_category:
  - "Breed Comparisons"
  - "Puppy Care"
author: "Matt Milar"
publisher: "Sage Puppies"
---

# Havapoo Puppies vs Shih Tzu Puppies: Which Fits You

> **Quick Summary:** Choose a Havapoo if you want a playful, trainable companion with a low-shedding coat, more exercise, and professional grooming every 4 to 8 weeks. Choose a Shih Tzu if you prefer a calm lap dog with lighter activity needs, but expect grooming every 3 to 6 weeks, daily eye and coat care, and extra caution around heat because of its short muzzle. The best choice depends on your household’s energy, grooming tolerance, and daily routine.

Two puppies sit on your floor at the same weight, around ten pounds each. One needs a professional groomer every three weeks. The other needs one every six to eight. That single difference will shape your next five years more than any coat swatch. So in the havapoo vs shih tzu puppies question, the havapoo usually fits homes that want less coat work, more play, and quicker training. The shih tzu suits homes that want a calmer, self-contained companion and accept weekly grooming plus lifelong care for a short nose in heat. This havapoo vs shih tzu puppies guide compares personality, grooming, health topics for your vet, size, training, and real costs, then gives a clear verdict. Pick by your week, not by popularity.

## Havapoo Puppies vs Shih Tzu Puppies at a Glance

|  | Havapoo puppy | Shih Tzu puppy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Adult size | Typically 7 to 15 pounds and roughly 9 to 15 inches at the shoulder, depending on the Poodle parent’s size | About 9 to 16 pounds, generally under 11 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Coat and shedding | Wavy to curly, low-shedding coat that still needs brushing and blows coat twice a year | Long, dense double coat with heavy shedding that mats easily if left untended |
| Grooming commitment | Professional grooming roughly every 4 to 8 weeks, with daily brushing of the face and ears | Professional grooming roughly every 3 to 6 weeks plus daily brushing, face and eye care, and foot-pad checks |
| Energy and play style | Playful, moderate to high energy, usually willing to engage in training and short games | Calmer and more independent, content with short walks and indoor play |
| Health topics to raise with your vet | Eye and tear staining, coat and skin condition, joint and patella checks, dental care | Brachycephalic airway and heat tolerance, eye health, dental crowding, and skin allergies |
| Best fit for | Families wanting a low-shedding small dog with trainability and play drive | Households wanting a low-key indoor companion prepared for lifelong coat and airway care |

## How Havapoo puppy and Shih Tzu puppy Compare

The havapoo vs shih tzu puppies question comes down to lifestyle, not looks. Both are small, affectionate companions, but they differ in coat, energy, and health care needs.

### Havapoo puppy

A Havanese and Poodle cross bred as a low-shedding companion dog with a lively, people-focused temperament. It suits families who want a trainable playmate and can keep up with brushing and regular grooming appointments.

**Key strengths**

- Low-shedding, wavy to curly coat
- Playful, trainable, and eager to engage
- Small adult size, typically 7 to 15 pounds

### Shih Tzu puppy

A long-established toy breed with a flowing double coat, a short muzzle, and a famously companion-first personality. It fits households wanting a calmer indoor dog who will commit to lifelong coat and airway care.

**Key strengths**

- Affectionate, content indoor companion
- Comfortable with short walks and indoor play
- Steady, independent temperament

## Personality and Energy: Two Small Dogs, Two Very Different Days

Picture a typical evening. A Havapoo drops a toy at your feet and waits for round three of fetch. A Shih Tzu climbs into the nearest lap and settles in for the whole movie. Both are affectionate, people-focused companions. They just spend their energy in different ways, and that difference shapes daily life more than size or coat ever will.

![Havapoo fetches while Shih Tzu rests nearby](https://sagepuppies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/ai-image-1793430161442-ws24b.webp)

Havapoo fetches while Shih Tzu rests nearby

### The Dog Who Starts the Game and the Dog Who Joins In

The Havapoo, a havanese and poodle cross, tends to bring the brighter spark. Poodle energy plus the Havanese’s playful streak means this puppy wants a game, a walk, or a training session most days. It reads the room, though, and settles well once the fun is done. The Shih Tzu was bred to be a palace companion, so its default setting is calm. It will play in short bursts, then return to the couch. If you want a low shedding companion dog that matches an active household, the Havapoo usually fits better; if evenings are for quiet, the Shih Tzu shines. Our [Havapoo temperament overview](https://sagepuppies.com/havapoo-puppies-temperament-size-and-care-basics/)
 covers what those first months look like. Breeders describe the Shih Tzu as the calmer, more stubborn cuddler, and that [side-by-side comparison](https://www.honestdog.de/en/education-center/dog-knowledge/shih-tzu-vs-havanese-which-breed-is-right-for-you)
 matches what most owners report.

### How Much Attention Each Breed Wants

Neither breed handles long, lonely days well, but they ask in different ways. A Havapoo wants you involved: games, training, quick outings. Leave it bored for hours and it may invent its own entertainment. A Shih Tzu wants you nearby. It asks less for activity and more for company, so it suits someone home most of the day. Both need real interaction; neither is a dog you can ignore.

## Coat and Grooming: The Commitment That Decides Your Calendar

Neither breed drops fur like a retriever, but both need real grooming. So which is easier to groom, a Havapoo or a Shih Tzu? The Havapoo usually wins slightly: it needs professional grooming every 4 to 8 weeks, while a Shih Tzu often sits closer to every 3 to 6 weeks. Both need daily brushing of the face, ears, and coat.

| Grooming task | Havapoo | Shih Tzu |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Professional groom | Every 4 to 8 weeks | Every 3 to 6 weeks |
| Daily brushing | Face, ears, and body | Face, topknot, and body |
| Eye area care | Light tear staining | Heavy tear staining |
| Coat type | Wavy or curly, low shedding | Long double coat, low shedding |

### Shedding and Mats: Two Different Reasons to Brush

Havapoos shed very little because the Poodle side contributes a low-shedding coat. Shih Tzus shed less than most double-coated dogs, but their long hair still falls out and tangles. Here is the catch for both: low shedding means loose hair stays trapped in the coat instead of landing on your couch, and trapped hair turns into mats fast.

Brushing does two jobs. For a Shih Tzu, it removes shed hair before it knots. For a Havapoo, it keeps curls from tangling into tight clumps near the skin. Skip three or four days and either breed can develop a mat you cannot brush out. If you want a fuller rundown of coat care between grooms, this [Havapoo grooming and care page](https://sagepuppies.com/havapoo-puppies-training-grooming-and-health-essentials/)
 covers the basics.

### What Grooming Actually Costs Over Time

Prices below are planning examples, not quotes. Full-service grooms for small breeds average about $62 and typically run $25 to $100 depending on coat and location, according to [Bark’s 2026 price guide](https://www.bark.com/en/us/pet-grooming/dog-grooming-price-guide-us/)
. At roughly six to eight visits a year, budget $400 to $800 annually per dog, plus shampoo, a slicker brush, a comb, and nail clippers at home. A shorter “puppy cut” on either breed stretches the interval and trims the bill, so your calendar often depends on the haircut you choose.

## Health Conversations to Have With Your Veterinarian

Your first vet visit is the right time to ask direct questions about breed-specific risks. For a Shih Tzu puppy, ask about:

1. **Breathing and heat tolerance**, since the flat face can narrow the airway
2. **Eye health**, including tear staining and daily eye care
3. **Dental crowding**, which is common in short muzzles
4. **Skin folds and ear infections**, which need routine cleaning
5. **Patella checks**, as small breeds can develop loose kneecaps

Bring the same list to your breeder and compare answers. Research on UK Shih Tzus ties the flat-faced body shape to eye and breathing disorders, so these topics deserve real discussion, not a quick nod. One [RVC VetCompass study](https://www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass/news/new-research-highlights-surprisingly-good-health-characteristics-in-shih-tzu-dogs-in-the-uk)
 also found many Shih Tzus stay healthy, which means good screening and daily care matter more than worry.

### Short Muzzles, Hot Weather, and the Shih Tzu Commitment

![Veterinarian examining a Shih Tzu puppy’s eyes](https://sagepuppies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/ai-image-1793430208706-kvigb.webp)

Veterinarian examining a Shih Tzu puppy’s eyes

Shih Tzus are brachycephalic, meaning their shortened skull narrows the airway. Heatstroke can come on fast for these dogs and turn deadly without urgent care, so summer walks, hot cars, and hard play need planning. Ask your vet what safe exercise looks like in Utah summers and what early breathing trouble sounds like.

Eye care is the second commitment. Prominent eyes scratch easily, and quick treatment prevents lasting damage, so learn the warning signs now. Skin folds and ears also need a regular cleaning routine. If you want a lower-maintenance muzzle, the Havapoo’s longer nose handles heat more easily.

### What Health Testing Can and Cannot Tell You

Parent health testing screens for inherited conditions, and it is worth asking any breeder for. It cannot promise a puppy will never get sick, though, so treat results as one input alongside vet exams and daily care. Our guide to [health tests every puppy buyer should ask a breeder about](https://sagepuppies.com/health-tests-every-puppy-buyer-should-ask-a-breeder-about/)
 walks through the questions. A good vet then turns paperwork into a plan built around your actual puppy.

## Size, Space, and the Logistics of a Small Dog at Home

### Small but Not Identical: Where the Size Difference Shows

Both breeds fit apartments, condos, and small homes. Neither needs a yard, and both reach adulthood under 16 pounds. That’s where the easy answer ends, though.

The numbers overlap but lean differently. A Havapoo adult usually lands between 7 and 15 pounds, with height from 9 to 15 inches at the shoulder. That spread depends on the Poodle parent. Ask which parent was used, because a toy-sized sire produces a smaller dog than a miniature one. A Shih Tzu sits between 9 and 16 pounds but stays under 11 inches tall, so it tends to be longer, flatter, and sturdier on its feet.

The real difference is structure, not weight. The Shih Tzu’s short muzzle changes how it handles heat, stairs, and hard play. The Havapoo’s longer nose gives it a bit more stamina. Watch a Havapoo on furniture the same way you would a Shih Tzu, since small joints and big jumps do not mix.

![Havapoo climbs a step while Shih Tzu waits](https://sagepuppies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/ai-image-1793430238735-l3yvkk.webp)

Havapoo climbs a step while Shih Tzu waits

### Exercise, Travel, and Picking Up a Puppy

A Havapoo typically wants two short walks plus a play session each day. A Shih Tzu needs closer to 20 to 30 minutes of easy activity, and its flat face means you should schedule exercise in the cooler morning or evening hours, as [PetMD advises for flat-faced breeds](https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/summer-safety-tips-for-flat-faced-dog-breeds)
.

Both travel well in a carrier. Utah families can plan a local pickup day; out-of-state families should confirm the breeder’s delivery process and puppy age requirements before reserving.

## Training, Independence, and the First Month With a Puppy

### Which Breed Is Easier for a First-Time Owner

For most first-time puppy owners, the Havapoo is the easier student. The poodle side brings a strong desire to work with you, so crate training, potty routines, and basic cues tend to click faster. A Shih Tzu is smart too, but it was bred to be a palace companion, not a helper, so it can be more stubborn about housebreaking and often takes longer to want to please. Neither breed handles long hours alone well, so plan short absences from day one and build up slowly rather than setting a fixed deadline. Keep sessions to a few minutes, reward generously, and expect the first month to set your patterns for years.

![Family crate-trains Havapoo puppy beside watching Shih Tzu](https://sagepuppies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/ai-image-1793430260708-0lc40w.webp)

Family crate-trains Havapoo puppy beside watching Shih Tzu

### Socialization, Kids, and Other Pets

The first three months of a puppy’s life are the main socialization window, and the AVSAB notes puppies can start safe puppy classes as early as 7 to 8 weeks, before they are fully vaccinated. Both breeds usually do well with gentle kids and other pets when introductions are calm and supervised. Let your puppy meet new people, sounds, and surfaces a little at a time, with treats. Shih Tzus need extra care around rough play because of their eyes and flat faces, so teach children to sit on the floor and let the puppy come to them. Havapoos tend to bounce back faster from startling moments.

## The Cost of Each Path, Honestly Framed

### Purchase Price and the Application-First Process

How much does a Havapoo puppy cost? It depends on the seller. At Sage Puppies, planning figures run $3,500 to $4,500, and that range reflects one Utah program’s pricing, not a market survey. Well-bred Shih Tzu puppies from a reputable breeder often run $3,000 or more, according to [Insurify’s 2026 cost guide](https://insurify.com/pet-insurance/knowledge/how-much-is-a-shih-tzu/)
, though rescue adoption can bring that down sharply. So the gap between the two breeds is usually small. What varies more is the process: a serious breeder will ask about your home, schedule, and experience before money changes hands. Ask for current written terms on deposits, go-home age, and delivery or pickup before you commit.

> Treat every price here as a planning figure. Confirm exact, puppy-specific pricing in writing with any breeder you contact.

### First-Year Budget Scenarios to Plan For

Illustrative only, not measured averages: beyond the purchase price, plan for a starter vet visit and vaccines, spay or neuter, food, supplies, a crate and carrier, and puppy classes. Add grooming at the schedule noted above, plus travel costs if you arrange delivery instead of a local pickup. A reserve fund for surprises is a choice, not a guaranteed expense. For current Utah pricing and reservation steps, see Sage’s [pricing and reservation page](https://sagepuppies.com/pricing-reservation/)
.

## Which Should You Choose: Havapoo Puppy or Shih Tzu Puppy?

Both breeds fit apartments, small homes, and families. The honest difference comes down to your energy level, your tolerance for grooming, and how much daily activity you actually enjoy.

### Choose the Havapoo If This Sounds Like Your Household

Pick a Havapoo if you want a slightly larger, sportier companion that can keep up with kids, hikes, and longer play sessions. The Havanese and poodle cross usually brings an eager, trainable streak, which helps a lot for a first-time owner working on house training and basic manners. Its low-shedding coat suits families who want less fur on the couch, and grooming sits at every 4 to 8 weeks. If you live in Utah and want to meet your puppy in person, Sage Puppies raises Havapoos alongside Havanese and Cavapoos in South Jordan with an application-first process.

### Choose the Shih Tzu If This Sounds Like Your Household

Pick a Shih Tzu if your ideal dog is a devoted lap companion with modest exercise needs, around 20 to 30 easy minutes a day. The [AKC describes the Shih Tzu](https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/shih-tzu/)
 as especially affectionate and content in a palace-sized or apartment-sized life, as long as people are nearby. Expect firmer grooming every 3 to 6 weeks, regular face cleaning for tear staining, and cooler-hours exercise because of its flat face.

![Sage Puppies homepage](https://sagepuppies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/sagepuppies.com-1781544698129.png)  

Sage Puppies homepage

Still torn between a bouncy Havapoo and a laid-back Shih Tzu? Tell Sage Puppies how your household actually runs, and Cassie’s application-first process helps match you with the puppy that fits, not just the one that photographs well. Start yours at [Sage Puppies](https://sagepuppies.com)
.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Q1: How are havapoo puppies compared to shih tzu puppies?

Havapoos bring more energy, faster training, and grooming every 4 to 8 weeks. Shih Tzus are calmer lap dogs that need grooming every 3 to 6 weeks plus lifelong flat-face care.

### Q2: Which breed is better for a first-time puppy owner?

The Havapoo usually. The poodle side makes crate training, potty routines, and basic cues click faster than with the more independent Shih Tzu.

### Q3: Do either of these breeds shed much?

Very little lands on furniture. Both trap loose hair in the coat, which mats fast, so daily brushing matters more than shedding claims.

### Q4: Can a Shih Tzu handle hot summer weather?

Carefully. Its shortened airway raises heatstroke risk, so walk in cooler hours and ask your vet about warning signs.

### Q5: How much should I budget the first year?

Plan for purchase price, vaccines, spay or neuter, supplies, classes, and $400 to $800 for grooming, labeled as planning figures.

## Conclusion: Bringing Home the Small Dog That Fits Your Week

Both breeds stay small, affectionate, and apartment-friendly. The difference shows up in your calendar. A Havapoo, the havanese and poodle cross, asks for more play, trains faster for a first-time puppy owner, and needs grooming every 4 to 8 weeks. A Shih Tzu offers a calmer lap companion but demands grooming every 3 to 6 weeks, daily eye care, and cooler-hours exercise because of its flat face. So weigh your energy level and grooming tolerance honestly. If a playful, low-shedding companion dog fits your household, Sage Puppies raises Havapoos, Havanese, and Cavapoos in South Jordan with an application-first process, local Utah pickup, and national delivery or pickup planning.