Havanese Shih Tzu Mix: The Complete Havashu Breed Guide
Everything about the Havanese Shih Tzu mix (Havashu): size, coat, temperament, health risks, grooming needs, cost.
The Havanese Shih Tzu mix — commonly called the Havashu — is a small designer dog that blends two ancient companion breeds into one fluffy, affectionate package. Both parent breeds were literally born to sit on laps: the Havanese as Cuba's national treasure and the Shih Tzu as Chinese imperial royalty. When you cross them, you typically get a 9-to-16-pound dog with a silky coat, a friendly disposition, and a stubborn streak that keeps things interesting.
But here's what most breeder websites won't tell you: mixed-breed dogs are genetic lotteries. One Havashu puppy might inherit the Havanese's bouncy energy and wavy coat, while its littermate gets the Shih Tzu's brachycephalic (short-muzzled) face and denser double coat. Understanding that variability is the key to deciding whether this mix is right for your household.
Parent Breed Breakdown: Havanese Meets Shih Tzu
Before predicting what a Havashu will be like, it helps to understand the two purebreds behind it. The Havanese, recognized by the AKC, is a bichon-type dog descended from Mediterranean companion dogs brought to Cuba by Spanish colonists. They're known for their springy gait, expressive dark eyes, and what breed enthusiasts call a "velcro" attachment to their people. The Shih Tzu, also AKC-recognized, traces back over a thousand years to Tibetan monastery dogs gifted to Chinese emperors. They're sturdier than they look, with a distinct underbite, a chrysanthemum-like face, and a dignified — sometimes downright stubborn — personality.
| Trait | Havanese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| AKC Group | Toy | Toy |
| Weight Range | 7–13 lb (3.2–5.9 kg) | 9–16 lb (4.1–7.3 kg) |
| Height | 8.5–11.5 in (22–29 cm) | 9–10.5 in (23–27 cm) |
| Coat Type | Long, silky, slightly wavy; single coat | Long, dense double coat |
| Muzzle Shape | Mesocephalic (moderate length) | Brachycephalic (very short) |
| Energy Level | Moderate — playful bursts, then naps | Low to moderate — dignified lounging |
| Trainability | Eager, responsive to positive reinforcement | Independent, can be willful |
| Lifespan | 14–16 years | 10–18 years |
| Shedding | Low (hair, not fur) | Low (hair, not fur) |
The Havashu lands somewhere between these two profiles — but "somewhere" is doing a lot of heavy lifting. Let's break down what you can reasonably expect and where the surprises hide.
How Big Will a Havanese Shih Tzu Mix Get?
Because both parent breeds fall in the toy category, the Havashu stays compact. However, the Shih Tzu is noticeably stockier than the Havanese, so size outcomes depend heavily on which parent's frame the puppy favors.
| Measurement | Low End (Havanese-leaning) | High End (Shih Tzu-leaning) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Weight | 8–10 lb (3.6–4.5 kg) | 12–16 lb (5.4–7.3 kg) |
| Adult Height (at withers) | 8.5–10 in (22–25 cm) | 10–11.5 in (25–29 cm) |
| Body Build | Lighter-boned, longer legs | Stockier, shorter legs, broader chest |
Most Havashus settle around 10–13 lb (4.5–5.9 kg) by 10–12 months of age. If you're buying a puppy, ask the breeder for the parents' exact weights — that gives you a realistic ceiling. A puppy from a 9 lb Havanese mother and a 14 lb Shih Tzu father will almost certainly land in the 10–12 lb range.
Generations Explained: F1, F1B, and Multigen Havashus
- F1 (First Cross): 50% Havanese, 50% Shih Tzu. Most genetic diversity, most trait variability between puppies.
- F1B (Backcross): F1 Havashu bred back to one parent breed (usually Havanese for coat consistency). Approximately 75% one breed, 25% the other. Slightly more predictable traits.
- F2 (Second Cross): Two F1 Havashus bred together. Trait predictability actually decreases here due to genetic recombination — puppies can look wildly different from each other.
- Multigen (F3+): Multiple generations of Havashu-to-Havashu breeding. More consistent type, but requires a breeder who has been working with the line for years. Rare for this particular mix.
Most Havashus you'll find are F1 crosses — a purebred Havanese bred to a purebred Shih Tzu. This is the most straightforward pairing and the one that gives you the broadest genetic diversity. Multigen Havashus are uncommon because this mix hasn't been systematically developed the way Labradoodles or Goldendoodles have. If a breeder advertises "multigen Havashus," ask for pedigree documentation showing at least three generations of Havashu-to-Havashu breeding.
Coat, Shedding, and the Hypoallergenic Question
Both the Havanese and Shih Tzu have hair rather than fur — meaning their coats grow continuously and shed minimally, similar to human hair. This makes the Havashu a low-shedding dog, but let's be precise about the hypoallergenic claim.
No dog is truly hypoallergenic. Dog allergies are triggered primarily by dander (dead skin flakes), saliva proteins (especially Can f 1 and Can f 2), and urine — not by hair itself. Low-shedding dogs spread less dander around the house because shed hair carries dander with it. So a Havashu will likely produce fewer airborne allergens than a shedding breed, but if you have a documented dog allergy, spend time with the specific dog before committing.
| Inheritance Pattern | Coat Texture | Length | Grooming Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Havanese-dominant | Silky, slight wave | Long, flowing | Brush 3–4x/week; professional groom every 6–8 weeks |
| Shih Tzu-dominant | Denser, straighter, double coat | Long, heavy | Daily brushing; professional groom every 4–6 weeks |
| Blended (most common) | Soft, wavy-to-straight, moderate density | Medium to long | Brush 3–5x/week; professional groom every 6–8 weeks |
Expect to budget $40–$75 per grooming session, which means roughly $300–$600 annually in professional grooming alone. Add a quality slicker brush ($15–$25, such as the Chris Christensen Big G or a comparable medium-pin slicker), a steel comb for detangling ($8–$12), and a dog-safe detangling spray ($10–$18). If you let the coat grow long, matting behind the ears and in the armpits is your biggest enemy — check these areas daily.
Many Havashu owners opt for a "puppy cut" or "teddy bear cut" that keeps the coat at 1–2 inches, dramatically reducing grooming time while still looking adorable.
Temperament: What to Expect (and What Might Surprise You)
The Havashu is, at its core, a companion dog. Neither parent breed was developed for working tasks like herding, hunting, or guarding — both exist to be close to their humans. This gives you a dog that thrives on proximity and struggles with isolation.
Best-Case Temperament Scenario
A well-socialized Havashu inherits the Havanese's cheerful adaptability and the Shih Tzu's calm confidence. You get a dog that greets visitors warmly, plays enthusiastically for 20–30 minutes, then settles on the couch for hours. They're typically good with children (supervised, as with any small dog), get along with other pets, and adapt to apartment living without excessive barking.
Challenging Temperament Scenario
If your Havashu inherits the Shih Tzu's independence combined with insufficient socialization, you might face a dog that's aloof with strangers, resistant to training, and prone to small-dog syndrome — snapping or growling when handled in ways they dislike. Separation anxiety is another real risk: both parent breeds are prone to it, and a Havashu left alone for 8+ hours daily may develop destructive behaviors or nuisance barking.
| Trait | Predictability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Affectionate with family | High — very likely | Both breeds are devoted companions |
| Size and weight | Moderate — range is narrow | Both parents are toy breeds |
| Low shedding | High — very likely | Both parents have hair coats |
| Trainability/eagerness | Low — highly variable | Depends on Havanese vs. Shih Tzu dominance |
| Friendliness with strangers | Moderate | Havanese tend to be outgoing; Shih Tzus more reserved |
| Barking level | Low predictability | Varies by individual and training |
| Tolerance of being alone | Low — both breeds struggle | Plan for companionship or gradual alone-time training |
| Muzzle shape (brachycephalic or not) | Unpredictable in F1 | Critical for heat tolerance and breathing health |
Training Approach
Use positive reinforcement exclusively — food rewards, praise, and play. The Shih Tzu side can make your Havashu stubborn, and force-based methods (shock collars, prong collars, alpha rolls) will damage trust and potentially trigger fear-based aggression in a small dog. Keep training sessions short (5–8 minutes), end on a success, and be patient. House training can take 4–8 months with small breeds due to their tiny bladders; crate training and a consistent outdoor schedule are your best tools.
Health Considerations: Hybrid Vigor vs. Reality
Let's address the hybrid vigor myth directly. The concept of heterosis — where crossbred offspring show improved biological function — is real and documented in some species. In dogs, research published in veterinary genetics literature suggests that mixed-breed dogs have a modestly lower risk for certain inherited disorders compared to purebreds, primarily because they're less likely to inherit two copies of the same recessive mutation.
However, hybrid vigor does not mean your Havashu is immune to health problems. It means the probability of certain conditions may be reduced. Both parent breeds share overlapping health risks, and those risks don't disappear in the cross.
Health Conditions to Watch For
| Condition | Source Breed | Prevalence/Notes | Screening Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patellar Luxation | Both | Common in toy breeds; kneecap slips out of position | Annual veterinary orthopedic exam |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) | Both | Gradual vision loss; genetic test available | OFA or PennGen DNA test — ask breeder for results |
| Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) | Shih Tzu | If puppy inherits short muzzle: breathing difficulty, heat intolerance, exercise limitation | Assess muzzle length at 8+ weeks; vet evaluation if snoring or exercise intolerance noted |
| Mitral Valve Disease | Both (especially Havanese) | Heart valve degeneration common in older small breeds | Annual cardiac auscultation starting at age 5 |
| Hip Dysplasia | Both | Less common in toy breeds than large breeds, but present | OFA hip evaluation if breeding is considered |
| Dental Disease | Both | Small mouths crowd teeth; periodontal disease by age 3 is common | Daily tooth brushing; professional dental cleaning as recommended by your vet |
| Cataracts | Both | Can develop at any age; may require surgical correction | Annual CERF/OFA eye examination |
Consult your veterinarian to establish a preventive care plan tailored to your Havashu's specific conformation. If your dog inherits a brachycephalic muzzle from the Shih Tzu side, you'll need to take extra precautions in hot weather — keep walks to early morning or evening, avoid strenuous exercise when temperatures exceed 80°F (27°C), and watch for excessive panting, blue-tinged gums, or collapse, which are emergency signs.
- Difficulty breathing, noisy breathing at rest, or blue/purple gums
- Sudden inability to use a hind leg (possible patellar luxation or spinal issue)
- Eye cloudiness, squinting, or apparent vision changes
- Collapse or fainting episodes
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
Exercise, Nutrition, and Daily Care
The Havashu's exercise needs are modest but real. Plan for 30–45 minutes of daily activity, split into two or three sessions. This might include:
- A 15-minute morning walk on a harness (never a neck collar for a potential brachycephalic dog — tracheal damage risk is high)
- 10–15 minutes of indoor play: fetch, tug, or puzzle toys like the Kong Classic (size XS or S, $12–$16)
- An evening stroll or supervised yard time
For nutrition, feed a high-quality small-breed formula that carries an AAFCO statement of complete and balanced nutrition for your dog's life stage. Look for a named animal protein as the first ingredient (chicken, lamb, salmon — not "meat meal" generically). Most Havashus need approximately 250–400 calories per day depending on weight, age, and activity level. Check your food's feeding guide and adjust based on your dog's body condition score (BCS) — you should be able to feel ribs easily without pressing hard, and see a visible waist when looking from above.
Dental care is non-negotiable for this mix. Small dogs develop periodontal disease at alarming rates — the AVMA recommends regular dental checkups and daily brushing. Use a dog-specific enzymatic toothpaste (Virbac C.E.T. or similar, $8–$12) and a finger brush or small-head toothbrush.
Cost Breakdown: What a Havashu Actually Costs
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Puppy purchase (responsible breeder) | $800–$2,000 |
| Adoption (rescue/shelter) | $150–$500 |
| Initial veterinary setup (vaccines, microchip, spay/neuter) | $300–$700 |
| Annual veterinary care (wellness exams, preventives) | $400–$800 |
| Professional grooming (6–8 sessions/year) | $300–$600 |
| Food (annual) | $250–$450 |
| Pet insurance (annual premium) | $300–$600 |
| Supplies (crate, harness, bed, toys, grooming tools) | $150–$350 (first year) |
| First-year total (puppy from breeder) | $2,500–$5,500 |
| Ongoing annual cost | $1,250–$2,450 |
A word on finding a Havashu: because this is a less-established designer mix, you won't find dedicated Havashu breeders the way you find dedicated Labradoodle programs. Most Havashus come from small-scale breeders who breed Havanese and happen to do a Shih Tzu cross, or vice versa. Ask for health testing documentation on both parents (OFA patella, CERF eye exam, PRA genetic test at minimum), a written health guarantee, and a take-back clause. If a breeder can't provide these, walk away.
Rescue availability is limited but not zero. Check breed-specific rescues for Havanese and Shih Tzu — organizations like Havanese Rescue, Inc. and the American Shih Tzu Club Rescue Network occasionally take in mixed-breed dogs that were surrendered alongside purebred relatives.
Who Is the Havashu Best Suited For?
The Havashu excels in specific living situations and struggles in others. Here's a practical fit assessment:
| Factor | Good Fit | Poor Fit |
|---|---|---|
| Living space | Apartments, condos, small homes with or without yards | Large properties where dog is expected to roam unsupervised |
| Time at home | Remote workers, retirees, people who can bring dog to work | 12+ hour workdays with no midday check-ins |
| Family composition | Families with children 8+ (who understand gentle handling), couples, singles | Families with toddlers who may drop or squeeze a small dog |
| Experience level | First-time owners (with commitment to training classes) | Owners expecting an "easy" dog that trains itself |
| Activity level | Moderate — daily walks, indoor play | High-intensity athletes wanting a running or hiking partner |
| Climate | Temperate or cool climates; indoor living with AC | Hot, humid climates with extensive outdoor expectations (especially if brachycephalic) |
| Grooming tolerance | Owners willing to brush regularly and budget for professional grooming | Owners who want a wash-and-wear dog |
Frequently Asked Questions
What two breeds make up the Havashu?
The Havashu is a cross between the Havanese (Cuba's national breed, a bichon-type toy dog) and the Shih Tzu (an ancient Chinese companion breed). Both are AKC-recognized toy breeds developed exclusively for companionship.
Is the Havanese Shih Tzu mix hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic. The Havashu is low-shedding because both parent breeds have hair rather than fur, which reduces the amount of dander spread around your home. This makes them a better choice for allergy sufferers than heavy-shedding breeds, but individual allergic reactions vary. Spend time with the specific dog before committing.
How long do Havashus live?
Based on the parent breeds' lifespans (Havanese: 14–16 years; Shih Tzu: 10–18 years), a healthy Havashu typically lives 12–16 years. Longevity depends on genetics, weight management, dental care, and regular veterinary preventive care.
Do Havashus bark a lot?
Barking varies significantly by individual. Havanese tend to be more vocal (alert barkers), while Shih Tzus are generally quieter but may snore. Early training to manage alert barking — teaching a "quiet" cue using positive reinforcement — helps regardless of which tendency your dog inherits.
Can Havashus be left alone during the day?
Both parent breeds are prone to separation anxiety. Most Havashus tolerate 3–4 hours alone if properly conditioned from puppyhood, but 8+ hours of daily isolation is likely to produce stress behaviors: barking, destructive chewing, or house-soiling. Doggy daycare, a pet sitter, or a work-from-home arrangement is strongly recommended.
Are Havashus good with other dogs and cats?
Generally yes, especially with early socialization (exposure to other animals during the 8–16 week critical socialization window). Neither parent breed has strong prey drive. However, individual temperament varies, and introductions should always be gradual and supervised.
Dr. Hannah Wickes
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
