Havanese vs Chinese Shar-Pei

Toy · Small vs Non-Sporting · Medium

Quick take
  • Chinese Shar-Pei is the larger breed at 45–60 lbs (males) vs 7–13 lbs for the Havanese.
  • The Havanese typically lives longer (14–16 years).
  • The Havanese sheds less.
  • The Havanese is generally more trainable.

Side-by-side traits

TraitHavaneseChinese Shar-Pei
Group
ToyNon-Sporting
Size
SmallMedium
Origin
CubaChina
Height (male)
8.5–11.5"18–20"
Height (female)
8.5–11.5"18–20"
Weight (male)
7–13 lbs45–60 lbs
Weight (female)
7–13 lbs45–60 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
14–16 years8–12 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Very Low (1/5)Low (2/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
High (4/5)Very Low (1/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Very Low (1/5)Very Low (1/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Moderate (3/5)Low (2/5)
Good with kids
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with other dogs
Very High (5/5)Low (2/5)
Good with strangers
Very High (5/5)Low (2/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Very Low (1/5)Very High (5/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Coat length
longshort
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
YesNo
Ad slot · compare-mid

About the Havanese

The Havanese is an intelligent, outgoing, funny lapdog — Cuba's national dog with a silky, hypoallergenic coat. Originally from Cuba, this small toy breed typically weighs 7–13 lbs and lives 14–16 years. Breeders describe them as intelligent, outgoing, funny.

About the Chinese Shar-Pei

The Chinese Shar-Pei is a loyal, calm, independent wrinkly Chinese guardian — hippopotamus-faced ancient farm and palace dog. Originally from China, this medium non-sporting breed typically weighs 45–60 lbs and lives 8–12 years. Breeders describe them as loyal, calm, independent.

Ad slot · compare-bottom

Havanese health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Patellar luxation
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Cataracts
  • Heart problems

Chinese Shar-Pei health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye problems
  • Skin issues
  • Allergies