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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

Cavalier or shih tzu

21 replies

Blossomplease6 · 25/04/2021 13:32

These are the 2 breeds I’ve narrowed it down too for various reasons. I do have others I would like but I’ve had to narrow it down.

Health issues aside (big one I know)
Which would anyone with experience of these breeds recommend? I’ll list some points...

2 kids, 15 and 8. So being good with kids is a must but there are some emotional issues relating to mental health and SEN with the kids so I’m leaning more towards a cavalier as I’ve heard they’re wonderful for that.

Happy to go on long walks/days out with us, play with the kids, but not a completely hyper dog that absolutely needs hours of exercise a day.

We don’t have much space but love being out and going for walks

Not an excessive barker (I know a lot of this is down to training but I’ve discounted terriers because of barking)

We’re first time owners too so easy-ish to train.

OP posts:
Everythingmagnolia · 25/04/2021 13:42

I have a Shih tzu, they are not suitable for long walks and they can be difficult to train as they are stubborn. Mine is 18 months old and not fully toilet trained as she will wee every night on the landing, we leave a puppy pad out every night.

She is great with kids, very playful, but barking has been a bit of a problem at times.

They are lovely dogs if you want a playful lap dog who is needy, I wouldn't be without mine but she can be hard work at times.

Original poster
Blossomplease6 · 25/04/2021 13:50

I’ve heard such varied things about shih tzus and walking. Does seem to art a bit between individual dogs.
I don’t want to go for a more high energy breed though and not be able to meet it’s needs most days.

OP posts:
Mydarlingmyhamburger · 25/04/2021 13:53

Definitely a cavalier over a shih tzu. You need to be careful though as their health can be appealing. I’d research good breeders and get good insurance

Mydarlingmyhamburger · 25/04/2021 13:54

Appalling I meant 🙄

Original poster
Blossomplease6 · 25/04/2021 14:05

I have my name down with a good breeder for cavaliers

OP posts:
Helenluvsrob · 25/04/2021 15:17

Define “ long walks “. Remember you have to work up to these over a long time.
My cavvie is happy to walk. His usual is 5km. Sometimes we do less. Have done up to 8 plus but not more yet at 21 months.

His mum will do 10km. But as an occasional thing.

A decent walk and he’ll snooze till tea time and the want a walk / active play/ training.

They are perfect dogs for mental health but I suspect all dogs are !

Health worries though are so 😩😡.

XiCi · 25/04/2021 17:45

I'm surprised at the comments about shih tzus as I have a shih tzu cross that is happy to walk for miles, never barks and was toilet trained very very quickly and easily.

sillyrubberduck · 25/04/2021 17:51

100% Cavalier. Amazing dogs but make sure no health issues.

Mydarlingmyhamburger · 27/04/2021 09:44

@XiCi

I'm surprised at the comments about shih tzus as I have a shih tzu cross that is happy to walk for miles, never barks and was toilet trained very very quickly and easily.
But what’s the cross? Obviously you do come across energetic and obedient shih tzus, but whatever other breeds have gone into a cross breed will affect its temperament
XiCi · 27/04/2021 13:56

Mydarlingmyhamburger he's crossed with a bichon frise. He really is lovely temperament and was a dream to train.
OP I know cross breeds are sometimes looked down upon here but take look at Zuchons (shih tzu x bichon). They seem to tick all of your boxes and are used a lot as therapy/support dogs

Amielondon23 · 27/04/2021 14:21

I’ve owned both. I honestly would never own another shih tzu-Stubborn, hard to train and grumpy.

My cavalier was wonderful! So friendly and eager to please. Amazing with children.
My cavalier had Luxating patella which needed surgery, heart issue and suspected Syringomyelia. My dog was from kennel club recommended breeder.
Please get good insurance! Pay more for a good policy! (I have worked in a vets for 20 years) pet plan are expensive but worth it.

I’d recommend a CKCS with top notch insurance

Amielondon23 · 27/04/2021 14:23

You also can never guarantee a healthy pup won’t become ill. My CKCS developed a heart murmur when is was 3. He lived to the age of 11.

hamstersarse · 27/04/2021 14:28

I have a shih tzu.

He's a fantastic companion. Massively stubborn - literally impossible to train in certain areas e.g. sleeping downstairs - he definitely has some attachment stuff - wants to be with me all the time. But he is such an easy dog in every other way. He does go for long walks - he can run 5km, walk about 15km on the flat, 10km on the hills. But he has always just done this as we are quite an active family. He is 9 now and can still do it!

I've never had another dog, so has been a perfect first dog. Yet obviously I have no idea about other breeds - they always seem such hard work compared to mine. He would never ever run off for example, doesn't steal food, never gets in fights etc etc.

Amielondon23 · 27/04/2021 14:29

About 70% of CKCS sufferer from syringomyelia - could be more as not everyone knows the symptoms and seeks vet advice.
MVD- statistics have shown that it afflicts over half of all cavaliers by age 5 years and nearly all cavaliers by age of 10 ☹️

tadpole39 · 27/04/2021 14:33

I adopted my foster shih tzu, who is now 5 and an exbreeder. Thought I was safe cos my other dog couldn't be more different, a lurcher/ terrier who can run for miles. Well I couldn't have been more wrong. My shih can also run for miles is as naughty as a monkey, loves everyone and every dog and is fazed by nothing. Her previous existence seems only a distant nightmare and she seems as healthy as a horse. Really didn't think she was going to be my kind of dog but she and my lurcher are as thick as thieves and constantly playing. She really is fun and we're so glad we kept her!!!!

KenAdams · 27/04/2021 17:43

Definitely a cavalier but make sure you've researched which health tests to ask the breeder about

Pinkcat200 · 27/04/2021 17:50

CAVA TZU!!

I HAVE ONE!!! Hes a cross of both and absolutely adorable.

The cavalier meant he was easy to train and the shih tzu means he's not got any health conditions.

He's cute as a button and best of both worlds

Blondiney · 27/04/2021 17:50

Cavaliers were my first dogs, had two brothers from the same litter. Amazing little dogs, great for beginners. Bother ended up developing MVD, practically all of them eventually. It was manageable with three different kind of meds, they lived full and happy lives until their hearts finally got them at 12 and 15.

Bellyups · 27/04/2021 17:58

I have and love and adore Shih T’zus. I don’t think any dog is better. However, reading your circumstances id go for a cavalier

Happyschool · 28/04/2021 14:00

Health tested Cavaliers are amazing dogs. Before breeding both parents should have had extensive health tests to include seeing a certified cardiologist, dna tests etc and be over 2.5 years I believe.

( I would have avoided the breed if it wasn’t for the careful breeders who health test carefully and really care , as many are bred carelessly and no doubt afflicted by health problems as a result)

Ours is huge fun and an amazing family dog; she’s very easy and undemanding but also adores long walks . And clever and extremely affectionate

Happyschool · 28/04/2021 14:01

Ps health testing gives no guarantee of course but it seems very good practice

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