How long does a Shih Tzu Cavalier Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 11–16 years, the midpoint of the Shih Tzu (10–18 years) and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (12–15 years).

Is a Shih Tzu Cavalier Mix easy to train?

Trainability is moderate to very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

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Shih Tzu Cavalier Mix

A Shih Tzu Cavalier mix is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Most grow into small dogs of 11–17 lb and live 11–16 years.

Shih Tzu, a purebred dog — Shih TzuPhoto: danny O., CC BY 2.0, source

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a purebred dog — Cavalier King Charles SpanielPhoto: Mapovfille, CC BY 3.0, source

Photos show the purebred parents. There is no single look for a mix: puppies in one litter can resemble either side.

Weight11–17 lbcan be 9–18 lb

Height10–12 inat the shoulder

Lifespan11–16 years

SizeSmall

How big does a Shih Tzu Cavalier Mix get?

Shih Tzu9–16 lb

The mix11–17 lb

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel13–18 lb

Pounds. The dark band is where most Shih Tzu Cavalier Mix dogs end up; the light band is the full range between the smallest and largest parent.

Height runs 10–12 inches at the shoulder, against 9–10.5 in for the Shih Tzu and 12–13 in for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Coat, energy and training

Shedding

Low

Shih Tzu has a low-shedding coat, so some puppies shed little. It is not guaranteed: coat type varies even within one litter, and no dog is truly hypoallergenic.

Energy

Moderate

Daily walks and some play are enough for most of these dogs.

Trainability

Moderate to very high

The Shih Tzu rates moderate and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel very high; a puppy may lean either way.

Grooming

Low to high

Brush a couple of times a week.

Temperament

The Shih Tzu is usually described as affectionate, playful, outgoing. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel as affectionate, gentle, graceful. A mix can take after either parent or land in between. If you can, meet both parents of a puppy before you choose.

Shih Tzu vs Cavalier vs the mix

Trait	Shih Tzu	Shih Tzu Cavalier Mix	Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Weight	9–16 lb	11–17 lb	13–18 lb
Height	9–10.5 in	10–12 in	12–13 in
Lifespan	10–18 yr	11–16 yr	12–15 yr
Shedding	very low	low	low
Energy	moderate	moderate	low
Group	Toy	mixed	Toy

Questions about the Shih Tzu Cavalier Mix

How big does a Shih Tzu Cavalier Mix get?: Most grow to 11–17 pounds and 10–12 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 9–18 pounds.
How long does a Shih Tzu Cavalier Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 11–16 years, the midpoint of the Shih Tzu (10–18 years) and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (12–15 years).
Does a Shih Tzu Cavalier Mix shed?: Shedding is low. Shih Tzu has a low-shedding coat, so some puppies shed little. It is not guaranteed: coat type varies even within one litter, and no dog is truly hypoallergenic.
Is a Shih Tzu Cavalier Mix easy to train?: Trainability is moderate to very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

Other Shih Tzu mixes

Other Cavalier mixes

Figures are calculated from each parent breed's standard height, weight and life expectancy. How we calculate.