Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Shih Tzu: cost, health and care compared
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Shih Tzu side by side: size, care needs, health issues and what each costs to keep.
Last updated: October 2026 · 6 sources · see sources
Side by side
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| AKC group | Toy Group [2] | Toy Group [3] |
| Weight | 13-18 pounds [2] | 9-16 pounds [3] |
| Height | 12-13 inches [2] | 9-10.5 inches [3] |
| Life expectancy | 12–15+ years [2] | 10–18+ years [3] |
| Energy (AKC rating) | 3 of 5 [2] | 3 of 5 [3] |
| Shedding (AKC rating) | 2 of 5 [2] | 1 of 5 [3] |
| Grooming needs (AKC rating) | 2 of 5 [2] | 4 of 5 [3] |
| Good with young kids (AKC rating) | 5 of 5 [2] | 5 of 5 [3] |
| Barking (AKC rating) | 3 of 5 [2] | 3 of 5 [3] |
| AKC popularity, 2025 | No. 12 [4] | No. 21 [4] |
| Health issues to know | Hip dysplasia, Luxating patella, Cataracts, Mitral valve disease… See health costs | Hip dysplasia, Luxating patella, Progressive retinal atrophy, Cataracts… See health costs |
| Typical vet bill | $273 – $1,110 (small dogs, median $508) [5] | $273 – $1,110 (small dogs, median $508) [5] |
| Yearly cost estimate | $880–$1,400 [1] | $880–$1,400 [1] |
| Rough lifetime cost | $10,500–$20,700 | $8,800–$24,900 |
About the cost numbers
The yearly estimate starts with the ASPCA's yearly cost of care and, at the high end, adds one typical vet bill for the breed's size. [1] The lifetime figure is that yearly range times the life expectancy. It is simple math on sourced numbers, before inflation and before any major illness, not a quote.
For each breed's health risks and what they cost to treat, see Cavalier King Charles Spaniel health problems and costs and Shih Tzu health problems and costs.
Insurance and savings
Breed matters less than timing for insurance. The average accident and illness policy cost $836 a year for a dog in 2025. [6] Conditions found before you enroll are usually excluded, so many owners sign up while their pet is young. Some prefer a savings fund instead; see insurance vs savings.
Common questions
Which costs more, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Shih Tzu?
Our yearly cost estimate is the same for both: $880–$1,400.
Which lives longer, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Shih Tzu?
The AKC gives the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel a life expectancy of 12–15+ years and the Shih Tzu 10–18+ years. Individual pets vary a lot.
What health problems do the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Shih Tzu have?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Hip dysplasia, Luxating patella, Cataracts and Mitral valve disease. Shih Tzu: Hip dysplasia, Luxating patella, Progressive retinal atrophy and Cataracts.
Which is better with kids, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Shih Tzu?
The AKC rates the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 5 of 5 and the Shih Tzu 5 of 5 for being good with young children. Training, supervision and the individual dog matter more than the breed average.
Related
This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.