Published Wednesday, October 27, 2021 by PremierPups
Small, cuddly, charismatic, and happy, the world adores them and so do we. Meet the Teddy Bear and Havashu, two of our 2021 fan-favorite toy-sized dogs. Famous for their playful nature and superb looks, the Teddy Bear and Havashu never fail to impress with their charming ways. These dogs are loyal, off the scale affectionate, friendly, well-mannered, and a treat for dog lovers. If you love them as much as we do and can’t decide between the two, read on to learn more about their personalities, hobbies, and needs and find out which one is a better fit for you.
A puppy’s love is a pure thing and, here at Premier Pups, we aim to give our loving puppies the forever homes they deserve. Our specialized team of Puppy Agents is here to help you with the choosing process to make sure your new pup fits right in with your family.
Table of Contents
Teddy Bear vs Havashu Overview
Teddy Bear Overview
Teddy Bear dogs are, as their name suggests, little canine cuddle buddies. Having originated during the 1990s in the United States, the Teddy Bears were created to enchant dog lovers with their happy mood, hypoallergenic qualities, and playful disposition. Although they’ve been around for a short time compared to other breeds, these puppies are among the most popular companion pets in America. They can be trained for therapy work as well as for emotional assistance and they are fantastic with children of all ages.
The Teddy Bear puppy is a crossbreed of a Shih Tzu and a Bichon Frise or Maltese. Other names the Teddy Bear breed goes by are Shichon, Mal-Shi, and Zuchon.
Havashu Overview
Lively, playful, and always in an uplifting mood, the Havashu makes for a fun little adventure companion. Like their Teddy Bear friends, the Havashu dogs first appeared in the United States during the 1990s and were designed to be a perfect fit for allergy sufferers. These dogs are hypoallergenic, minimal to non-shedding, kind, non-aggressive, and wonderful with kids.
A mix between a Havanese and a Shih Tzu, the Havashu puppy inherits an amazing set of qualities for both of its parent breeds. These adorable puppies are easy to train, fond of their humans, and friendly with everyone they meet. Other names the Havashu is known by are Havatzu and Hava-Tzu.
Teddy Bear vs Havashu Overview Comparison
The Teddy Bear and Havashu are both very popular companion pets in the United States. They are both famous for their cheerful personalities, trainability, and lack of aggression, and they are both excellent fits for owners suffering from pet-related allergies. Because they are half Shih Tzu and half Bichon (the Havanese, Bichon Frise, and Maltese are all members of the Bichon family), they are similar in many aspects with a few differing personality traits.
Teddy Bear vs Havashu Overview Key Points
Comparison Table
| Breed | Teddy Bear | Havashu |
| Parent breeds | Shih Tzu - Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu - Maltese | Havanese, Shih Tzu |
| Place of origin | US | US |
| Date of origin | 1990 | 1990 |
| Purpose | Companionship, hypoallergenic pet | Companionship, hypoallergenic pet |
| Breed type | Designer breed, hybrid | Designer breed, hybrid |
| Other names | Shichon, Mal-Shi, Zuchon | Havatzu, Hava-tzu |
| Lifespan | 12-14 year | 12-16 years |
Teddy Bear vs Havashu Temperament
The little Teddy Bear dogs are big fans of cuddles, attention, kisses, and relaxation on the couch glued to their humans. Although they love a good treat hunt, obstacle course, or game of fetch, these lovely dogs are more passionate about curling on a lap and allowing their humans to pamper them. They love to be doted on and because they are so small and adorable, that is what they inspire their humans to do. They also enjoy learning and seem to prefer their trainers to be children who share in their love for fun.
Teddy Bear dogs are most responsive to training when their sessions are kept short, fun, frequent, and full of their favorite treats. As big fans of attention, these precious little Velcro dogs become very attached to their humans and don’t much care for being left alone. They prefer to be with their humans 24/7 and be included in every family outing and activity.
Although they enjoy the occasional zoom or friendly chase around the dog park, Teddy Bear dogs are not considered an active breed. They adapt well to a moderately active or relaxed lifestyle, and they fit best with an owner that is with them for most of the day.
Havashu Temperament
The Havashu pups are lovers of all things fun. These gorgeous dogs want to spend their days going on hikes, playing dog games, chasing, fetching, and running free. They enjoy interacting with their dog friends at the park and with strangers while on their daily walks.
Highly social and as friendly as can be, the Havashu dogs love everyone they meet. Kids are their best friends and neighbors are their second family. When it comes to their humans, the Havashu pups are completely attached. They like to be around their people as much as possible, and, like their Teddy Bear cousins, they don’t fancy being left alone.
Training a Havashu puppy should be effortless although these puppies can at times be inpatient and more keen on playing rather than standing still. The Havashu puppies respond best to positive reinforcement training methods and sessions that combine games with learning. Although they are not built for sled-pulling or trekking, the Havashu dogs do enjoy being active and fit best with an active or moderately active owner that can be with them as much as possible, or an experienced dog owner that knows how to train a dog to be independent.
Teddy Bear vs Havashu Temperament Comparison
The Teddy Bear and the Havashu are little bundles of joy that can make any family feel lucky. These dogs are known to be quite excellent with kids and a great fit for many types of households. Because they are the kind of dogs that love deeply and get attached very quickly, neither is a good fit for owners that are away from home all day. Both the Teddy Bear and Havashu lack aggression and are friendly with other dogs, pets, and strangers. They are equally adaptable when it comes to their living situation and are more than happy living in small apartments or big houses as long as they are near their humans.
When it comes to their differences, the first aspect that stands out between the two is their energy levels. The Teddy Bear dogs, although fond of games, are a bit more relaxed compared to the Havashu. Havashu dogs prefer spending their energy in an active way, whereas the Teddy Bear dogs lean more towards spending quality time on a lap. Although they both have people-pleasing personalities, the Havashu can, on occasion, be a tad more stubborn when it comes to training, thus needing a little more patience on the trainer’s part and some extra motivation. The Havashu makes a better watchdog whereas the Teddy Bear is a better candidate for therapy work.
Teddy Bear vs Havashu Temperament Key Points
Comparison Table
| Breed | Teddy Bear | Havashu |
| Good with kids | Yes | Yes |
| Training | Easy | Easy, can be stubborn |
| Friendly | Yes | Yes |
| Separation anxiety | Can be prone to separation anxiety | Can be prone to separation anxiety |
| Energy levels | Laid-back | Energetic |
| Good for | Families with kids, seniors, new owners | Families, active owners, experienced owners |
| Barking | Occasionally | Occasionally |
Teddy Bear vs Havashu Appearance
Teddy Bear Appearance
The Teddy Bear is a sweet-looking dog that appears friendly, affectionate, and ready to be picked up and cuddled. Because they are half Shih Tzu and half Bichon Frise or Maltese, these cute puppies can resemble either parent more or be a perfect mix of both. They are small and compact-built; they have a puppy-like round face, dark round eyes, a little dark nose, cute hanging ears, and a small fluffy tail.
Their average weight is 6 to 14 pounds and their average height is 9 to 12 inches fully grown. The Teddy Bear coat can range from straight to wavy or curly and can be in combinations of two or three colors, sometimes a solid color. The Teddy Bear colors are most commonly white, yellow, shades of brown, gray, and black. The Teddy Bear dog sheds very little if at all and is considered a hypoallergenic dog.
Havashu Appearance
The Havashu is a sporty little dog that appears playful, lively, sweet, and ready for a friendly chase. Like their Teddy Bear cousins, the Havashu dogs can take after either parent breed or be a wonderful mix of both. They are small, standing at 8 to 12 inches tall and weighing 7 to 15 pounds. The Havashu dogs have an adorable short muzzle, a small nose, dark round eyes, floppy ears, and a fluffy tail. Their coat is long and silky with a wavy or curly texture. The most common coat colors for a Havashu are white, cream, sable, gray, brown, and black.
The Havashu colors can come in a combination of two or more of these colors with various patterns and markings. The Havashu is a minimal to non-shedding dog that is considered a hypoallergenic breed.
Teddy Bear vs Havashu Appearance Comparison
In terms of aspect, the Teddy Bear and the Havashu are two very similar-looking dogs. They share similar features as well as a similar height and weight when fully grown. Both the Havashu and the Teddy Bear are hybrid dogs – a mix between two different dog breeds, which means that they can both take after either parent more. Because they share very similar-looking parents, more often than not, these two dogs can sport the same features and appear almost the same.
Teddy Bear vs Havashu Appearance Key Points
Comparison Table
| Breed | Teddy Bear | Havashu |
| Adult weight | 6-14 pounds | 7-15 pounds |
| Adult height | 9-12 inches | 8-12 inches |
| Coat type | Straight, wavy, curly | Wavy, curly |
| Colors | White, yellow, brown, gray, black | White, black, gray, brown, sable |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes | Yes |
| Shedding | Minimal | Minimal |
Teddy Bear vs Havashu Comparison Conclusion
Although these two adorable dogs share an abundance of wonderful qualities, there are quite a few things that set them apart. We feel that the gorgeous little Teddy Bear dog is a better fit for families with kids, couples, and seniors, while the lively little Havashu is a better fit for active families, singles, and active retirees.
Elena R.
About The Author
Elena is a leading expert in the field of dog behavior, care, and training, with over a decade of experience in writing about dogs. As a published writer and lifelong dog enthusiast, Elena currently shares her home with three beloved canine companions. She is dedicated to staying up to date on the latest advancements in dog care and training, ensuring that her articles provide readers with accurate and valuable insights. With her extensive knowledge and passion for all things canine, Elena's contributions to the Premier Pups community offer both expertise and authority on a wide range of dog-related topics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more energetic: Teddy Bear or Havashu? Both breeds exhibit playful and spirited characteristics typical of small dogs. The Teddy Bear and the Havashu are relatively even in energy levels, but individual dog temperaments can vary.
Teddy Bear or Havashu, which barks more? Both breeds can be quite vocal, especially when they notice strangers or odd noises. But with consistent training, both breeds can be taught to control excessive barking.
Do Teddy Bears experience more separation anxiety than Havashus? Separation anxiety can be an issue for both breeds. These are companion breeds that deeply value their bond with their owners. Without proper training and mental stimulation, both can develop signs of separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods.
Should I get a Teddy Bear or a Havashu? Your choice will depend on your individual preferences. Both breeds are loving, companionable, and make great family pets. Consider grooming needs, temperament, and your living situation when deciding.
Which is better: a Teddy Bear or a Havashu? It's subjective to define "better" when it comes to dog breeds. Both the Teddy Bear and Havashu have charming personalities and characteristics that endear them to many. It boils down to personal preference.
What is the lifespan of a Teddy Bear vs. Havashu? Both breeds typically have a lifespan ranging from 12 to 15 years, provided they receive proper care.
Are Teddy Bears easier to train than Havashus? Both breeds possess intelligence and can be trained effectively with consistency. They respond best to positive reinforcement techniques.
Do Teddy Bears shed more than Havashus? Both the Teddy Bear and the Havashu are considered low-shedding breeds. Regular grooming is required to keep their coats in top condition and prevent matting.
Which is calmer: a Teddy Bear or a Havashu? Both breeds can be calm and affectionate when indoors, especially after playtime. Individual temperaments may vary, but in general, both breeds are well-suited for relaxed home environments.