Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Boykin Spaniel Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
- Boykin Spaniel versus Shih Tzu: Overview
- Boykin Spaniel versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Boykin Spaniel and the Shih Tzu
- The Similarities Between the Boykin Spaniel and the Shih Tzu
- Size (Weight and Height) of Boykin Spaniel versus Shih Tzu
- Lifespan of Boykin Spaniel versus Shih Tzu
- Temperament of the Boykin Spaniel Versus the Shih Tzu
- Price of Boykin Spaniel versus Price of Shih Tzu
- The Popularity of Boykin Spaniel versus Popularity of Shih Tzu
- Tolerates Being Alone: Boykin Spaniel versus Shih Tzu
- Do Boykin Spaniels shed more than Shih Tzus?
- Which one drools more, the Boykin Spaniel or the Shih Tzu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Boykin Spaniel or the Shih Tzu?
- Does the Boykin Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
- Do Boykin Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
- Can Boykin Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Boykin Spaniel vs. Shih Tzu
- Can Boykin Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Boykin Spaniel or the Shih Tzu?
- Are Boykin Spaniels good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
- How Kid-friendly are Boykin Spaniels and Shih Tzus?
- Is the Boykin Spaniel Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Boykin Spaniel
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Boykin Spaniel versus Shih Tzu. Which One is a Better Pet?
Boykin Spaniel Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Boykin Spaniel and the Shih Tzu? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Boykin Spaniel and the Shih Tzu better suits you.
We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Boykin Spaniel and the Shih Tzu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Boykin Spaniel and the Shih Tzu is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.
Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Boykin Spaniel and for the Shih Tzu. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Boykin Spaniel and the Shih Tzu.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Boykin Spaniel or the Shih Tzu.
Boykin Spaniel versus Shih Tzu: Overview
A very important difference between the Boykin Spaniel and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Boykin Spaniel is a medium-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Boykin Spaniel belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.
On the other hand, the Shih Tzu belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
Boykin Spaniel versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Boykin Spaniel to the Shih Tzu based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.
When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets
Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.
However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Boykin Spaniel and the Shih Tzu
| Factor | Boykin Spaniel | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Height | 14 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| General Health | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 25 to 40 pounds | 9 to 16 pounds |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1130 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $962 – $1450 | $1200 – $2300 |
| Temperament Score | 100.0 percent | 77.6 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 102 | 18 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Boykin Spaniel in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Shih Tzu. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.
The Better-Pet score for the Boykin Spaniel is 71 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Shih Tzu is 86 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shih Tzu is a better pet than the Boykin Spaniel. So, you should get the Shih Tzu!
Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Boykin Spaniel and the Shih Tzu so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Boykin Spaniel and the Shih Tzu
Below is a list of where the Boykin Spaniel and the Shih Tzu are most different:
The Similarities Between the Boykin Spaniel and the Shih Tzu
The Boykin Spaniel and the Shih Tzu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Boykin Spaniel and the Shih Tzu are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Boykin Spaniel versus Shih Tzu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Boykin Spaniel and the Shih Tzu.
Boykin Spaniels weigh 25 to 40 pounds when fully grown. Boykin Spaniels are 14 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Shih Tzus weigh 9 to 16 pounds when fully grown. Shih Tzus are 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Boykin Spaniel versus Shih Tzu
The lifespan of Boykin Spaniels is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Boykin Spaniels is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Shih Tzus is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shih Tzus is 13.0 years.
Shih Tzus live longer than Boykin Spaniels.
Temperament of the Boykin Spaniel Versus the Shih Tzu
The Boykin Spaniel has a better temperament than the Shih Tzu.
This is because the temperament score for the Boykin Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Shih Tzu is 77.6 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 100.0 percent, the Boykin Spaniel has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 77.6 percent, the Shih Tzu has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Boykin Spaniel and the Shih Tzu by measuring the temperaments of 2 Boykin Spaniels and 49 Shih Tzus.
Price of Boykin Spaniel versus Price of Shih Tzu
The average price of the Boykin Spaniel puppy is $1130. The price of the Boykin Spaniel typically ranges from $962 – $1450. However, the price of a Boykin Spaniel can be as low as $100 and as high as $2000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 82 Boykin Spaniel puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Shih Tzu puppy is $1820. The price of the Shih Tzu typically ranges from $1200 – $2300. However, the price of the Shih Tzu can be as low as $200 and as high as $5850. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 806 Shih Tzu puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Shih Tzu is more expensive than the Boykin Spaniel.
| Boykin Spaniel | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1130 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $962 to $1450 | $1200 to $2300 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Boykin Spaniel and Shih Tzu. For different price points, the charts show how many Boykin Spaniel puppies or how many Shih Tzu puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Boykin Spaniels. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Shih Tzus
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Boykin Spaniel puppy or the Shih Tzu puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.
Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
The Popularity of Boykin Spaniel versus Popularity of Shih Tzu
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Boykin Spaniel and the Shih Tzu over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Shih Tzu is more popular with dog owners than the Boykin Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Shih Tzu is 18 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Boykin Spaniel is 102 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Boykin Spaniel
Popularity of Shih Tzu
| Year | Boykin Spaniel Popularity Rank | Shih Tzu Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 121 | 15 |
| 2014 | 108 | 17 |
| 2015 | 107 | 19 |
| 2016 | 110 | 20 |
| 2017 | 98 | 20 |
| 2018 | 100 | 20 |
| 2019 | 89 | 20 |
| 2020 | 87 | 20 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Boykin Spaniel versus Shih Tzu
Boykin Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.
Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Boykin Spaniels shed more than Shih Tzus?
Boykin Spaniels shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Shih Tzus shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Boykin Spaniel or the Shih Tzu
Boykin Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Boykin Spaniel or the Shih Tzu?
Boykin Spaniels require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Boykin Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
Boykin Spaniels have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.
Shih Tzus have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
Do Boykin Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
Boykin Spaniels bark and howl, but not very much.
Shih Tzus are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Boykin Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
Boykin Spaniels can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Boykin Spaniel vs. Shih Tzu
Boykin Spaniels have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Shih Tzus do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Can Boykin Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
Boykin Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.
Shih Tzus cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Boykin Spaniel or the Shih Tzu?
Boykin Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.
Are Boykin Spaniels good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
Boykin Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Shih Tzus are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Boykin Spaniels and Shih Tzus?
Boykin Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Boykin Spaniel Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
Boykin Spaniels are very easy to train.
Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.
Is the Boykin Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?
Boykin Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.
Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Boykin Spaniel or the Shih Tzu?
Boykin Spaniels are OK for new dog owners.
Shih Tzus are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Boykin Spaniel
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Boykin Spaniel that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Boykin Spaniel:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shih Tzu that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Shih Tzu:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Boykin Spaniel and how the Shih Tzu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Boykin Spaniel and of the Shih Tzu to other breeds:
Boykin Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
Boykin Spaniel versus Miniature Poodle Boykin Spaniel versus Cockalier Boykin Spaniel versus Schipperke Boykin Spaniel versus Bouvier des Flandres Boykin Spaniel versus Skye Terrier Boykin Spaniel versus Yorkipoo Boykin Spaniel versus Portuguese Water Dog Boykin Spaniel versus Chinook Boykin Spaniel versus Papillon Boykin Spaniel versus Akbash Boykin Spaniel versus Bichon Frise Boykin Spaniel versus Pharaoh Hound Boykin Spaniel versus Korean Jindo Dog Boykin Spaniel versus Toy Fox Terrier Boykin Spaniel versus Bedlington Terrier Boykin Spaniel versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Boykin Spaniel versus Vizsla Boykin Spaniel versus Alaskan Klee Kai Boykin Spaniel versus Pyredoodle Boykin Spaniel versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog Boykin Spaniel versus Italian Greyhound Boykin Spaniel versus Peek A Poo Boykin Spaniel versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Boykin Spaniel versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Boykin Spaniel versus Chinese Crested
Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shih Tzu versus Clumber Spaniel Shih Tzu versus Bordoodle Shih Tzu versus Goldendoodle Shih Tzu versus Australian Kelpie Shih Tzu versus Pyredoodle Shih Tzu versus Kishu Ken Shih Tzu versus Irish Terrier Shih Tzu versus Skye Terrier Shih Tzu versus Belgian Tervuren Shih Tzu versus Finnish Lapphund Shih Tzu versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi Shih Tzu versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Shih Tzu versus Newfoundland Shih Tzu versus Pomeranian Shih Tzu versus Chinese Shar-Pei Shih Tzu versus Fila Brasileiro Shih Tzu versus Akita Shih Tzu versus Schnoodle Shih Tzu versus Standard Poodle Shih Tzu versus Australian Terrier Shih Tzu versus Pharaoh Hound Shih Tzu versus Weimaraner Shih Tzu versus Australian Cattle Dog Shih Tzu versus Finnish Spitz
Conclusion: Boykin Spaniel versus Shih Tzu. Which One is a Better Pet?
In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Boykin Spaniel and the Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.