Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Cocker Spaniel Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
- Cocker Spaniel versus Shih Tzu: Overview
- Cocker Spaniel versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
- The Similarities Between the Cocker Spaniel and the Shih Tzu
- Size (Weight and Height) of Cocker Spaniel versus Shih Tzu
- Lifespan of Cocker Spaniel versus Shih Tzu
- Temperament of the Shih Tzu Versus the Cocker Spaniel
- Price of Cocker Spaniel versus Price of Shih Tzu
- Adopting the Cocker Spaniel versus Adopting the Shih Tzu
- The Intelligence of the Cocker Spaniel versus the Intelligence of the Shih Tzu
- The Popularity of Cocker Spaniel versus Popularity of Shih Tzu
- Tolerates Being Alone: Cocker Spaniel versus Shih Tzu
- Do Cocker Spaniels shed more than Shih Tzus?
- Which one drools more, the Cocker Spaniel or the Shih Tzu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Cocker Spaniel or the Shih Tzu?
- Does the Cocker Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
- Do Cocker Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
- Can Cocker Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Cocker Spaniel vs. Shih Tzu
- Can Cocker Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cocker Spaniel or the Shih Tzu?
- Are Cocker Spaniels good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
- How Kid-friendly are Cocker Spaniels and Shih Tzus?
- Is the Cocker Spaniel Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cocker Spaniel
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Cocker Spaniel versus Shih Tzu. Which One is a Better Pet?
Cocker Spaniel Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Cocker 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 Cocker 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 Cocker Spaniel and the Shih Tzu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cocker 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 Cocker 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 Cocker 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 Cocker Spaniel or the Shih Tzu.
Cocker Spaniel versus Shih Tzu: Overview
A very important difference between the Cocker Spaniel and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cocker Spaniel is a small-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Cocker 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.
Cocker Spaniel versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Cocker 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 Cocker Spaniel and the Shih Tzu
| Factor | Cocker Spaniel | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Height | 1 foot, 2 inches to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the s | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 24 to 28 pounds | 9 to 16 pounds |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1760 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $1200 – $2000 | $1200 – $2300 |
| Temperament Score | 82.0 percent | 77.6 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 29 | 18 |
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 20 | 70 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Cocker 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 Cocker Spaniel is 77 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 Cocker 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 Cocker Spaniel and the Shih Tzu so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Similarities Between the Cocker Spaniel and the Shih Tzu
The Cocker Spaniel and the Shih Tzu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Cocker Spaniel and the Shih Tzu are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Cocker Spaniel versus Shih Tzu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cocker Spaniel and the Shih Tzu.
Cocker Spaniels weigh 24 to 28 pounds when fully grown. Cocker Spaniels are 1 foot, 2 inches to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the s 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 Cocker Spaniel versus Shih Tzu
The lifespan of Cocker Spaniels is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Cocker Spaniels is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Shih Tzus is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shih Tzus is 13.0 years.
Cocker Spaniels live longer than Shih Tzus.
Temperament of the Shih Tzu Versus the Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel has a better temperament than the Shih Tzu.
This is because the temperament score for the Cocker Spaniel is 82.0 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 82.0 percent, the Cocker Spaniel has a below-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 Cocker Spaniel and the Shih Tzu by measuring the temperaments of 233 Cocker Spaniels and 49 Shih Tzus.
Price of Cocker Spaniel versus Price of Shih Tzu
The average price of the Cocker Spaniel puppy is $1760. The price of the Cocker Spaniel typically ranges from $1200 – $2000. However, the price of a Cocker Spaniel can be as low as $700 and as high as $4125. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 297 Cocker 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 Cocker Spaniel.
| Cocker Spaniel | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1760 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $1200 to $2000 | $1200 to $2300 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Cocker Spaniel and Shih Tzu. For different price points, the charts show how many Cocker Spaniel puppies or how many Shih Tzu puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Cocker 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 Cocker 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.
Adopting the Cocker Spaniel versus Adopting the Shih Tzu
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Cocker Spaniels and many Shih Tzus are currently available for adoption.
These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.
Below is an adorable Male Cocker Spaniel named Colton D211526 that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Cocker Spaniels like Colton D211526 on pefinder.com.
Also, like Cocker Spaniels, Shih Tzus are also available for adoption. For example, Dog is a Male Shih Tzu that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Shih Tzus like Dog that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Cocoa is the name of another Cocker Spaniel (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Louie is an adorable Male Shih Tzu on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Cocker Spaniels and Shih Tzus that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Intelligence of the Cocker Spaniel versus the Intelligence of the Shih Tzu
| Cocker Spaniel | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 20 out of 130 dog breeds | 70 out of 130 dog breeds |
| Trainability | Tend To Learn New Commands After 5 To 15 Repetitions | Tend To Learn New Commands After 80 To 100 Repetitions Or More! |
Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.
According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:
Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.
This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.
To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.
Prof. Coren found that the Cocker Spaniel has an obedience intelligence rank of 20 out of 130 dog breeds. The Cocker Spaniel belongs to the `Excellent Working Dogs` category. This means that Cocker Spaniels tend to learn new commands after 5 to 15 repetitions.
The Shih Tzu has an obedience intelligence rank of 70 out of 130 dog breeds. The Shih Tzu belongs to the `Lowest Degree of Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Shih Tzus tend to learn new commands after 80 to 100 repetitions or more!.
The Cocker Spaniel is more intelligent than the Shih Tzu.
However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.
The Popularity of Cocker 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 Cocker 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 Cocker 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 Cocker Spaniel is 29 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Cocker Spaniel
Popularity of Shih Tzu
| Year | Cocker Spaniel Popularity Rank | Shih Tzu Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 29 | 15 |
| 2014 | 30 | 17 |
| 2015 | 30 | 19 |
| 2016 | 29 | 20 |
| 2017 | 29 | 20 |
| 2018 | 30 | 20 |
| 2019 | 28 | 20 |
| 2020 | 30 | 20 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Cocker Spaniel versus Shih Tzu
Cocker Spaniels do not like to be left alone.
Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Cocker Spaniels shed more than Shih Tzus?
Cocker Spaniels shed moderately.
Shih Tzus shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Cocker Spaniel or the Shih Tzu
Cocker 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 Cocker Spaniel or the Shih Tzu?
Cocker 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 Cocker Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
Cocker Spaniels 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 Cocker Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
Cocker Spaniels bark and howl, but not very much.
Shih Tzus are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Cocker Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
Cocker Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Cocker Spaniel vs. Shih Tzu
Cocker 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 Cocker Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
Cocker Spaniels 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 Cocker Spaniel or the Shih Tzu?
Cocker Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.
Are Cocker Spaniels good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
Cocker 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 Cocker Spaniels and Shih Tzus?
Cocker Spaniels get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Cocker Spaniel Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
Cocker Spaniels are very easy to train.
Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.
Is the Cocker Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?
Cocker Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.
Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Cocker Spaniel or the Shih Tzu?
Cocker Spaniels are OK for new dog owners.
Shih Tzus are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cocker Spaniel
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Cocker 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 Cocker 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 Cocker Spaniel and how the Shih Tzu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Cocker Spaniel and of the Shih Tzu to other breeds:
Cocker Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
Cocker Spaniel versus Pyredoodle Cocker Spaniel versus English Toy Spaniel Cocker Spaniel versus Yorkipoo Cocker Spaniel versus American Water Spaniel Cocker Spaniel versus Stabyhoun Cocker Spaniel versus Biewer Terrier Cocker Spaniel versus Cavachon Cocker Spaniel versus Komondor Cocker Spaniel versus Silky Terrier Cocker Spaniel versus Coton de Tulear Cocker Spaniel versus Braque du Bourbonnais Cocker Spaniel versus Flat-Coated Retriever Cocker Spaniel versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Cocker Spaniel versus Kishu Ken Cocker Spaniel versus Bordoodle Cocker Spaniel versus French Spaniel Cocker Spaniel versus American Bulldog Cocker Spaniel versus Bloodhound Cocker Spaniel versus Silky Terrier Cocker Spaniel versus Canaan Dog Cocker Spaniel versus Leonberger Cocker Spaniel versus American Pit Bull Terrier Cocker Spaniel versus Shih Tzu Cocker Spaniel versus Brittany Cocker Spaniel versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shih Tzu versus Akita Shih Tzu versus Tibetan Mastiff Shih Tzu versus Basset Hound Shih Tzu versus Bolognese Shih Tzu versus Sealyham Terrier Shih Tzu versus Irish Water Spaniel Shih Tzu versus Spinone Italiano Shih Tzu versus Tibetan Terrier Shih Tzu versus Lakeland Terrier Shih Tzu versus Tibetan Mastiff Shih Tzu versus Siberian Husky Shih Tzu versus Saint Bernard Shih Tzu versus Yorkshire Terrier Shih Tzu versus Barbet Shih Tzu versus Japanese Spitz Shih Tzu versus Norwegian Lundehund Shih Tzu versus Cairn Terrier Shih Tzu versus Yorkipoo Shih Tzu versus Clumber Spaniel Shih Tzu versus Sheepadoodle Shih Tzu versus Shiloh Shepherd Shih Tzu versus Pointer Shih Tzu versus Dutch Shepherd Shih Tzu versus Maltipoo Shih Tzu versus Mountain Cur
Conclusion: Cocker 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 Cocker Spaniel and the Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.