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

"Find similarities and differences between Shih Tzu vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel" Compare Shih Tzu and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Which is better: Shih Tzu or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?
 
 
 
Name Shih Tzu Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
OriginsChina flagChina England flagEngland
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank2019
Reviews197
User Ratings

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

Shih Tzu vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Size and Weight Comparison

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

Shih Tzu vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Price and Availability Comparison

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

Shih Tzu vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

Shih Tzu vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Personality and Temperament Comparison

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

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

Shih Tzu vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Shih Tzu vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel bite force: Weak.

Shih Tzu vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Shih Tzu or a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel? Compare average lifespans.
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: 12 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Shih Tzu or a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel? 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 Shih Tzu and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Which breed is healthier?
The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Shih Tzu vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?
Average
The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Frequent
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shih Tzu vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shih Tzu vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel health problems comparison:
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
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Mitral Valve Disease
Dry Eye
Episodic Falling Syndrome
Syringomyelia

Shih Tzu vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Shih Tzu or a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel? Compare activity levels.
Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
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.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Shih Tzu vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shih Tzu or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Shih Tzu or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?
Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
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 vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Diet and Weight Management Comparison

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

Shih Tzu vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

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

Shih Tzu vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Good With Comparison

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

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

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

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Shih Tzu or a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel? 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 Shih Tzu or a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel? 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 Shih Tzu or a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

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

Shih Tzu vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Reproducibility Comparison

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

Shih Tzu vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Shih Tzu and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Shih Tzu and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the English Toy Spaniels section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Shih Tzu and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. 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
Canadian Canine Registry
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

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