How long does a Shih Tzu Cocker Spaniel Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 10–16 years, the midpoint of the Shih Tzu (10–18 years) and the Cocker Spaniel (10–14 years).

Is a Shih Tzu Cocker Spaniel 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 Cocker Spaniel Mix

A Shih Tzu Cocker Spaniel mix is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Cocker Spaniel. Most grow into small dogs of 14–23 lb and live 10–16 years.

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

Cocker Spaniel, a purebred dog — Cocker SpanielPhoto: Wikimedia Commons contributor, CC BY-SA 3.0, source

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

Weight14–23 lbcan be 9–30 lb

Height11–13 inat the shoulder

Lifespan10–16 years

SizeSmall

How big does a Shih Tzu Cocker Spaniel Mix get?

Shih Tzu9–16 lb

The mix14–23 lb

Cocker Spaniel20–30 lb

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

Height runs 11–13 inches at the shoulder, against 9–10.5 in for the Shih Tzu and 13.5–15.5 in for the Cocker 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 Cocker Spaniel very high; a puppy may lean either way.

Grooming

High

Expect regular brushing and professional grooming every few weeks.

Temperament

The Shih Tzu is usually described as affectionate, playful, outgoing. The Cocker Spaniel as gentle, smart, happy. 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 Cocker Spaniel vs the mix

Trait	Shih Tzu	Shih Tzu Cocker Spaniel Mix	Cocker Spaniel
Weight	9–16 lb	14–23 lb	20–30 lb
Height	9–10.5 in	11–13 in	13.5–15.5 in
Lifespan	10–18 yr	10–16 yr	10–14 yr
Shedding	very low	low	low
Energy	moderate	moderate	moderate
Group	Toy	mixed	Sporting

Questions about the Shih Tzu Cocker Spaniel Mix

How big does a Shih Tzu Cocker Spaniel Mix get?: Most grow to 14–23 pounds and 11–13 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 9–30 pounds.
How long does a Shih Tzu Cocker Spaniel Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 10–16 years, the midpoint of the Shih Tzu (10–18 years) and the Cocker Spaniel (10–14 years).
Does a Shih Tzu Cocker Spaniel 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 Cocker Spaniel 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 Cocker Spaniel mixes

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