Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Shihpoo. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

Last Updated: Jun 15, 2022

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Shihpoo? 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Shihpoo 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Shihpoo.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Shihpoo 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and for the Shihpoo. 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Shihpoo.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Shihpoo.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Shihpoo

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Shihpoo: Overview

A very important difference between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Shihpoo is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small-sized dog while the Shihpoo is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 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.

On the other hand, the Shihpoo belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to the Shihpoo 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Shihpoo

FactorCavalier King Charles SpanielShihpoo
Tolerates Being Alone1/52/5
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Height12 to 13 inches at the shoulder8 to 18 inches
Weight13 to 18 pounds8 to 18 pounds
Tolerates Hot Weather2/52/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl4/54/5
Tendency NOT to Wander4/54/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor4/55/5
Tolerates Cold Weather3/53/5
Does NOT Shed3/55/5
Does NOT chew on things3/53/5
Low Prey Drive3/54/5
NOT Rambunctious3/53/5
Easy To Groom4/52/5
General Health4/53/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight2/52/5
Easy To Train4/52/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Minimal Exercise Needs2/54/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living5/55/5
Good For Novice Owners5/52/5
Easygoing1/52/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Kid-Friendly5/53/5
Dog Friendly5/52/5
Friendly Toward Strangers5/54/5
Potential For Playfulness5/54/5
Life Span9 to 15 years13 to 17 years
Average Lifespan12.0 years15.0 years
Average Price$2410$1590
Price Range$1800 – $3000$1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination;
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data
    *Data from AKC.org (The American Kennel Club),dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (The American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Cavalier King Charles 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 Shihpoo. 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is 91 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Shihpoo is 84 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a better pet than the Shihpoo. So, you should get a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel!

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Shihpoo

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Shihpoo

    Below is a list of where the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Shihpoo are most different:

  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are good for new dog owners. However, Shihpoos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniels get along well with other dogs. However, Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.
  • The Similarities Between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Shihpoo

    The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Shihpoo are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Shihpoo are most similar:

  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Shihpoo do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Shihpoo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Shihpoo cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Shihpoo are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Shihpoo do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Shihpoo do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Shihpoo are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Shihpoo gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Shihpoo are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Shihpoo adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Shihpoo are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Shihpoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Shihpoo are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Shihpoo are very playful.
  • Size Comparison of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Shihpoo

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Shihpoo.

    The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel weighs 13 to 18 pounds when fully grown. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is 12 to 13 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, the Shihpoo weighs 8 to 18 pounds when fully grown. The Shihpoo is 8 to 18 inches when fully grown.

    Size of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Size of Shihpoo

    Appearance (Colors) of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Shihpoo

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Colors

    The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Bicolor
    • Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
    • Apricot / Beige
    • Red / Chestnut / Orange
    • White / Cream
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Black

    The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

    • White / Cream
    • Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Red / Chestnut / Orange
    • Gray / Blue / Silver
    • Brown / Chocolate

    Shihpoo Colors

    The Shihpoo comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • Black
    • White / Cream
    • Gray / Blue / Silver
    • Apricot / Beige
    • Bicolor
    • Brown / Chocolate

    The Shihpoo comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

    • Gray / Blue / Silver
    • White / Cream
    • Black

    Lifespan of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Shihpoo

    The lifespan of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is between 9 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is 12.0 years.

    The lifespan of the Shihpoo is between 13 to 17 years . The average lifespan of the Shihpoo is 15.0 years.

    The Shihpoo live longer than the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Shihpoo

    Price of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Price of Shihpoo

    The average price of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy is $2410. The price of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel typically ranges from $1800 – $3000. However, the price of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can be as low as $300 and as high as $7995. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1216 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Shihpoo puppy is $1590. The price of the Shihpoo typically ranges from $1200 – $2000. However, the price of the Shihpoo can be as low as $300 and as high as $4325. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 283 Shihpoo puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is more expensive than the Shihpoo.

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Shihpoo
    Average Price $2410 $1590
    Price Range $1800 to $3000 $1200 to $2000

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Shihpoo. For different price points, the charts show how many Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies or how many Shihpoo puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Shihpoos

    A breakdown of the prices of Shihpoos

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy or the Shihpoo 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.

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Shihpoo

    Adopting the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Adopting the Shihpoo

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and many Shihpoos 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Bordeaux Adoption Pending that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Cavalier King Charles Spaniels like Bordeaux Adoption Pending on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Shihpoos are also available for adoption. For example, Toby is a Male Shihpoo that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Shihpoos like Toby that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Shihpoo can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Finley – Pmd is the name of another Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Yoshi is an adorable Male Shihpoo on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Shihpoos are always available for adoption. Images and image labels from petfinder.com

    You can find more Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Shihpoos that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Shihpoo

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels shed more than Shihpoos?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels shed moderately.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Shihpoo?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Shihpoos require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Shihpoo?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Shihpoos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Shihpoo

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Shihpoos?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Shihpoos get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Does the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shihpoo?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Shihpoos 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.

    Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Shihpoos?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Can Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs. Shihpoo

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

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

    Can Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Shihpoos cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Shihpoo?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Shihpoo?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Shihpoos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel compares to other breeds aside from the Shihpoo. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to other breeds:

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Mastiff     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Maltipoo     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Maremma Sheepdog     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Mudi     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Karelian Bear Dog     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Sussex Spaniel     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Chinook     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Patterdale Terrier     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Tibetan Terrier     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Afghan Hound     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Portuguese Water Dog     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Dutch Shepherd     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Cairn Terrier     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Afador     

    Conclusion: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Shihpoo. 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Shihpoo better suits you and your family.