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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Shih Tzu Comparison – Which dog is better Cavalier or Chrysanthemum Dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Shih Tzu" Compare Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Shih Tzu?
 
 
 
Name Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Shih Tzu
OriginsEngland flagEngland China flagChina
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank1920
Reviews719
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Shih Tzu. What other names are these breeds known by?
Cavalier
Cavie
Cav
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Shih Tzu. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Shih Tzu? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Small Small
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Shih Tzu. Which breed is heavier?
10-18 pounds (5-8 kg) 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
14 pounds (6.5 kg) 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Shih Tzu? Is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel taller than a Shih Tzu?
12-13 inches (30-33 cm) 8-11 inches (20-28 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
12.5 inches (31.5 cm) 9.5 inches (24 cm)

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Shih Tzu. Which breed costs more?
$1200-$1500 $800-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Shih Tzu?
Very frequent: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Shih Tzu? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Shih Tzu? Compare training requirements.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Shih Tzu? Compare alertness levels.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs are not the best watchdogs.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Shih Tzu? Compare territorial behaviors.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Shih Tzu. How do their temperaments differ?
Active
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Gentle
Social
Fearless
Cheerful
Quiet
Nonaggressive
Polite
Graceful
Sporty
No tendency towards nervousness
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Shih Tzu?
Sensitive: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Shih Tzu?
High: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Shih Tzu social needs comparison:
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Shih Tzu?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Shih Tzu? Which can be better for hunting?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Shih Tzu? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Average: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel barks occasionally.
See more.
A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Shih Tzu? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Shih Tzu? Compare living space needs.
Very house-friendly dog the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Shih Tzu? Compare adaptability levels.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Shih Tzu?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Shih Tzu? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Shih Tzu? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Shih Tzu? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Shih Tzu? Compare average lifespans.
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: 12 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Shih Tzu? Compare climate tolerances.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Shih Tzu. Which breed is healthier?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Shih Tzu?
Frequent
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Average
The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Shih Tzu health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Mitral Valve Disease
Dry Eye
Episodic Falling Syndrome
Syringomyelia
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Umbilical Hernias
Ear Infections
Distichiasis
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Bladder Stones
Ectopic Cilia
Reverse Sneezing
Dry Eye
Proptosis
Juvenile Renal Dysplasia
Keratitis
Retained Baby Teeth
Snuffles

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Shih Tzu? Compare activity levels.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs have an average exercise need.
Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Shih Tzu?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Shih Tzu? Compare obesity risks.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Shih Tzu? Compare daily food needs.
1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Shih Tzu? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Shih Tzu? Compare breed colors.
Tan
Tricolor
Blenheim
Ruby
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Shih Tzu? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Shih Tzu? Compare drooling amounts.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Shih Tzu? Compare natural smell levels.

High 🔼

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a high chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Shih Tzu? Compare fur types.
Feathered Dense
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Shih Tzu? Compare bathing frequencies.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Shih Tzu? Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs shed more than Shih Tzu dogs?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs shed above average.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Shih Tzu? Compare kid-friendliness.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs are generally with other pets.
Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Shih Tzu?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Shih Tzu? Can a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Shih Tzu be friends? Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs get along with Shih Tzu dogs?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Shih Tzu?
Yes
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Shih Tzu As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Shih Tzu? Compare service capabilities.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Shih Tzu? Compare therapy capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Shih Tzu? Compare scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Shih Tzu? Compare SAR abilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Shih Tzu? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Shih Tzu? Compare draft work capabilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military history between Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Shih Tzu. Which has stronger military background?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Shih Tzu. Which has larger litters?
3-5 puppies 2-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Shih Tzu breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Shih Tzu. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Shih Tzu. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Shih Tzu. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the English Toy Spaniels section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Shih Tzu. Which is more widely recognized?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

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