Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Toy · Small

Shih Tzu

Toy · Small

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Shih Tzu

Side-by-side comparison of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Shih Tzu — size, temperament, shedding, trainability, cost, and compatibility ratings.

Quick comparison

Best for families

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Based on good-with-kids rating

Easier to train

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Based on trainability rating

Less shedding

Shih Tzu

Based on shedding level

Better for apartments

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Based on apartment-friendly rating

Lower maintenance

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Based on grooming needs

Longer lifespan

Shih Tzu

Based on average lifespan

Detailed comparison

Physical traits

Trait	Cavalier King Charles Spaniel	Shih Tzu
Size	Small	Small
Height	12–13″	9–10.5″
Weight	13–18 lbs	9–16 lbs
Lifespan	12–15 yrs	10–18 yrs
Group	Toy	Toy
Coat type	Silky, medium length, feathered	Long, flowing, dense double coat

Temperament & behavior

Trait	Cavalier King Charles Spaniel	Shih Tzu
Energy level	Moderate	Low
Trainability	High	Moderate
Barking level	Low	Moderate

Compatibility

Trait	Cavalier King Charles Spaniel	Shih Tzu
Good with kids	Very High	High
Good with dogs	Very High	High
Good with cats	Very High	High
Apartment friendly	Very High	Very High

Care requirements

Trait	Cavalier King Charles Spaniel	Shih Tzu
Shedding	Moderate	Very Low
Grooming needs	Moderate	Very High
Daily exercise	30–60 min	20–40 min
Daily food	0.5–1 cups	0.5–1 cups
Annual cost	$1 200–$2 200	$1 100–$2 000

Temperament