Cavachon versus Shih Tzu. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Cavachon Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Cavachon 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 Cavachon 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 Cavachon and the Shih Tzu.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cavachon 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 Cavachon 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 Cavachon 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 Cavachon or the Shih Tzu.

Cavachon versus Shih Tzu: Overview

A very important difference between the Cavachon and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cavachon is a small-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Cavachon belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

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.

Cavachon versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cavachon 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 Cavachon and the Shih Tzu

Factor Cavachon Shih Tzu
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 15 years 10 to 16 years
Height 12 to 13 inches 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight 15 to 35 pounds 9 to 16 pounds
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 5/5
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $2070 $1820
Price Range $1699 – $2500 $1200 – $2300
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data No Data

Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Cavachon 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 Cavachon is 87 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Shih Tzu is 86 out of 125.

Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Cavachon is a better pet than the Shih Tzu. So, you should get the Cavachon!

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 Cavachon and the Shih Tzu so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

The Similarities Between the Cavachon and the Shih Tzu

The Cavachon and the Shih Tzu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Cavachon and the Shih Tzu are most similar:

  • Both the Cavachon and the Shih Tzu do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Cavachon and the Shih Tzu do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Cavachon and the Shih Tzu require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Cavachon and the Shih Tzu do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Cavachon and the Shih Tzu are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Cavachon and the Shih Tzu gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Cavachon and the Shih Tzu are very easy to train.
  • Both the Cavachon and the Shih Tzu are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cavachon and the Shih Tzu have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Cavachon and the Shih Tzu adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Cavachon and the Shih Tzu are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Cavachon and the Shih Tzu are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cavachon and the Shih Tzu get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Cavachon and the Shih Tzu get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Cavachon and the Shih Tzu are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Cavachon and the Shih Tzu are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Cavachon versus Shih Tzu

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cavachon and the Shih Tzu.

    Cavachons weigh 15 to 35 pounds when fully grown. Cavachons are 12 to 13 inches 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 Cavachon versus Shih Tzu

    The lifespan of Cavachons is between 10 to 15 years . The average lifespan of Cavachons is 12.5 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 Cavachons.

    Price of Cavachon versus Price of Shih Tzu

    The average price of the Cavachon puppy is $2070. The price of the Cavachon typically ranges from $1699 – $2500. However, the price of a Cavachon can be as low as $475 and as high as $4200. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 416 Cavachon 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 Cavachon is more expensive than the Shih Tzu.

    Cavachon Shih Tzu
    Average Price $2070 $1820
    Price Range $1699 to $2500 $1200 to $2300

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Cavachon and Shih Tzu. For different price points, the charts show how many Cavachon puppies or how many Shih Tzu puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Cavachons. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Cavachons. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Shih Tzus

    A breakdown of the prices of Shih Tzus

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Cavachon 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Cavachon versus Shih Tzu

    Cavachons do not like to be left alone.

    Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Cavachons shed more than Shih Tzus?

    Cavachons do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Shih Tzus shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Cavachon or the Shih Tzu

    Cavachons do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Cavachon or the Shih Tzu?

    Cavachons 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 Cavachon Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?

    Cavachons 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.

    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 Cavachons Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?

    Cavachons bark and howl, but not very much.

    Shih Tzus are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Cavachons Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Cavachons can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cavachon vs. Shih Tzu

    Cavachons do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    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 Cavachons Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cavachons can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Shih Tzus cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cavachon or the Shih Tzu?

    Cavachons get along very well with other dogs.

    Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Cavachons good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?

    Cavachons 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 Cavachons and Shih Tzus?

    Cavachons get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Cavachon Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?

    Cavachons are very easy to train.

    Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Cavachon Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?

    Cavachons adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Cavachon or the Shih Tzu?

    Cavachons are very good for new dog owners.

    Shih Tzus are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cavachon

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Cavachon 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 Cavachon:

  • Bichon Frise (86 percent match with Cavachon). Here is our comparison of the Shih Tzu vs Bichon Frise.
  • Bich Poo (85 percent match with Cavachon). Here is our comparison of the Shih Tzu vs Bich Poo.
  • 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:

  • Dandie Dinmont Terrier (79 percent match with Shih Tzu). Here is our comparison of the Cavachon vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Cavachon and how the Shih Tzu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Cavachon and of the Shih Tzu to other breeds:

    Cavachon Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cavachon versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Cavachon versus Bracco Italiano     Cavachon versus Valley Bulldog     Cavachon versus Cane Corso     Cavachon versus Kooikerhondje     Cavachon versus French Spaniel     Cavachon versus Beaglier     Cavachon versus Afador     Cavachon versus West Highland White Terrier     Cavachon versus Miniature Poodle     Cavachon versus Korean Jindo Dog     Cavachon versus Karelian Bear Dog     Cavachon versus American Bulldog     Cavachon versus Pekingese     Cavachon versus English Setter     Cavachon versus Newfoundland     Cavachon versus Shiranian     Cavachon versus Tibetan Spaniel     Cavachon versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Cavachon versus Manchester Terrier     Cavachon versus American Bulldog     Cavachon versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Cavachon versus Portuguese Water Dog     Cavachon versus Airedale Terrier     Cavachon versus Tibetan Mastiff     

    Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shih Tzu versus American Bulldog     Shih Tzu versus Chorkie     Shih Tzu versus Biewer Terrier     Shih Tzu versus Whoodle     Shih Tzu versus Maltipoo     Shih Tzu versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Shih Tzu versus German Shepherd Dog     Shih Tzu versus Akita Chow     Shih Tzu versus Spanish Mastiff     Shih Tzu versus Finnish Spitz     Shih Tzu versus Komondor     Shih Tzu versus Briard     Shih Tzu versus Silky Terrier     Shih Tzu versus Portuguese Water Dog     Shih Tzu versus Barbet     Shih Tzu versus Saint Berdoodle     Shih Tzu versus Lhasapoo     Shih Tzu versus Brussels Griffon     Shih Tzu versus Belgian Sheepdog     Shih Tzu versus Alaskan Malamute     Shih Tzu versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Shih Tzu versus Biewer Terrier     Shih Tzu versus Boykin Spaniel     Shih Tzu versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     

    Conclusion: Cavachon 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 Cavachon and the Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.