English Springer SpanielVSShih Tzu

The English Springer Spaniel is known for being friendly, playful, obedient, while the Shih Tzu is typically described as affectionate, outgoing, happy. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

When it comes to playfulness, the English Springer Spaniel has the edge with a 5/5 rating compared to the Shih Tzu's 4/5. If you're looking for a dog that's always ready for a game of fetch, the English Springer Spaniel is your pick.

The English Springer Spaniel is a medium breed standing 46–51 cm (18–20 in) tall and weighing 18–25 kg (40–55 lbs). In comparison, the Shih Tzu is a small breed at 20–28 cm (8–11 in) and 4–7 kg (9–15 lbs).

There's a significant size difference between these two breeds. The English Springer Spaniel is considerably heavier, which means higher food costs and the need for more physical space. The Shih Tzu's smaller frame makes it easier to handle and transport.

The English Springer Spaniel has a medium coat available in liver and white, black and white, tricolor, while the Shih Tzu sports a long coat in black, white, gold, brindle, liver. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The English Springer Spaniel has very high energy (5/5) with very high exercise needs (5/5). The Shih Tzu has low energy (2/5) and low exercise needs (2/5).

The English Springer Spaniel requires more daily activity to stay happy and healthy. Without enough exercise, they may develop destructive behaviors. The Shih Tzu is more adaptable and can get by with shorter walks and play sessions.

For apartment dwellers, the Shih Tzu is the stronger choice with an apartment-friendliness score of 5/5, compared to the English Springer Spaniel's 2/5. The English Springer Spaniel generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.

When it comes to shedding, the English Springer Spaniel drops more fur with a shedding level of 3/5, while the Shih Tzu is lighter at 1/5. If pet hair on furniture is a concern, the Shih Tzu will be easier to live with.

Grooming-wise, the Shih Tzu needs more upkeep (5/5) than the English Springer Spaniel (3/5). The Shih Tzu's long coat demands regular professional grooming to stay in top shape.

Annual grooming costs average around $250 for the English Springer Spaniel and $500 for the Shih Tzu. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The English Springer Spaniel has a lifespan of 12–14 years, while the Shih Tzu lives 10–16 years. Both breeds have comparable lifespans.

Both breeds score 3/5 for health robustness, meaning they share similar overall health profiles.

Common health issues for the English Springer Spaniel include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, elbow dysplasia, ear infections. The Shih Tzu is prone to brachycephalic syndrome, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, eye problems. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $450 for the English Springer Spaniel and $450 for the Shih Tzu. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

The English Springer Spaniel is easier to train with a trainability score of 5/5, making it more suitable for first-time dog owners. The Shih Tzu scores 3/5 and may require more patience and experience during training sessions.

The English Springer Spaniel ranks higher in intelligence (5/5 vs 3/5), which can be both a blessing and a challenge. Smarter dogs learn commands faster but also get bored more easily and may develop behavioral issues without mental stimulation.

Regardless of which breed you choose, early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are key to raising a well-behaved dog. Puppy classes are a great investment for either breed.

In terms of raw intelligence, the English Springer Spaniel outranks the Shih Tzu with a score of 5/5 compared to 3/5. The English Springer Spaniel tends to learn new commands in fewer repetitions and shows stronger problem-solving ability in novel situations. However, higher intelligence doesn't always mean an easier dog to own — smarter breeds often demand more mental stimulation to avoid boredom-driven destructive behavior.

Both breeds share a similar intelligence profile rooted in adaptive intelligence. Both are skilled at reading human emotions, adapting to new environments, and solving everyday problems on their own.

The English Springer Spaniel's higher intelligence translates directly into better trainability (5/5 vs 3/5), making them both the quicker learner and the easier breed to train. This combination is ideal for owners who want a responsive, obedient companion.

For either breed, mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle feeders, training sessions, scent work, and interactive toys keep intelligent dogs engaged and prevent the boredom that leads to chewing, digging, or excessive barking.

For families with children, the English Springer Spaniel is the stronger choice, scoring 5/5 for kid-friendliness compared to the Shih Tzu's 4/5. The English Springer Spaniel's friendly nature makes it a natural fit for households with young ones.

The initial purchase price for a English Springer Spaniel ranges from $800–$2,000, while a Shih Tzu typically costs $500–$2,000. The English Springer Spaniel has a higher upfront cost.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,300 for the English Springer Spaniel and $1,310 for the Shih Tzu. The Shih Tzu costs more annually, largely because of grooming expenses.

Monthly food costs run about $50 for the English Springer Spaniel and $30 for the Shih Tzu. Over a typical lifespan, the total cost of ownership can differ by thousands of dollars, so it's worth factoring in the long-term financial commitment.