Havanese vs Shiba Inu
Toy · Small vs Non-Sporting · Small
HavaneseSmall
An intelligent, outgoing, funny lapdog — Cuba's national dog with a silky, hypoallergenic coat.
Weight: 7–13 lbsLifespan: 14–16 years
Shiba InuSmall
An alert, active, attentive small Spitz — Japan's most popular national dog and the original 'doge' meme.
Weight: 23 lbsLifespan: 13–16 years
Quick take
- • Shiba Inu is the larger breed at 23 lbs (males) vs 7–13 lbs for the Havanese.
- • The Havanese typically lives longer (14–16 years).
- • The Shiba Inu has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Havanese sheds less.
- • The Havanese is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Havanese | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
Group | Toy | Non-Sporting |
Size | Small | Small |
Origin | Cuba | Japan |
Height (male) | 8.5–11.5" | 14.5–16.5" |
Height (female) | 8.5–11.5" | 13.5–15.5" |
Weight (male) | 7–13 lbs | 23 lbs |
Weight (female) | 7–13 lbs | 17 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 14–16 years | 13–16 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | High (4/5) | Low (2/5) |
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) | High (4/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | High (4/5) | Low (2/5) |
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) | High (4/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Coat length | long | medium |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | Yes | No |
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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 Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is an alert, active, attentive small Spitz — Japan's most popular national dog and the original 'doge' meme. Originally from Japan, this small non-sporting breed typically weighs 23 lbs and lives 13–16 years. Breeders describe them as alert, active, attentive.
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Havanese health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Cataracts
- • Heart problems
Shiba Inu health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Allergies