Dog breed comparison
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Shih Tzu
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Shih Tzu tends to live about 1 year longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs |
| Size | Small | Small |
| Height | 12 to 13 inches at the shoulder | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 13 to 18 pounds | 9 to 16 pounds |
| Life span | 9 to 15 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Easy to groom
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is easier to groom than the Shih Tzu.
Exercise needs
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel needs more exercise than the Shih Tzu.
Copes alone
The Shih Tzu copes better when left alone than the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Energy
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has more energy than the Shih Tzu.
Easy to train
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is easier to train than the Shih Tzu.
Good with children
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is better with children than the Shih Tzu.
Which to choose
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Shih Tzu?
Choose the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel if…
- You want a dog that is easier to groom
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
- You want a dog that is easier to train
Choose the Shih Tzu if…
- You have less time for long walks (it needs less exercise)
- You want a dog that copes better when left alone
- You’d like a calmer pet (it is calmer)
Questions.
Is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Shih Tzu bigger, and which lives longer?
The Shih Tzu tends to live about 1 year longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Shih Tzu?
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is generally easier to train than the Shih Tzu. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Shih Tzu?
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Shih Tzu can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
They shed about the same amount. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
