Which lives longer, the English Cocker Spaniel or the Shih Tzu?

The English Cocker Spaniel has the longer median lifespan: English Cocker Spaniel 13.3 years versus Shih Tzu 12.8 years (McMillan 2024).

Which is healthier, the English Cocker Spaniel or the Shih Tzu?

On the Breed Health Score the English Cocker Spaniel scores 80/100 and the Shih Tzu scores 65/100. The English Cocker Spaniel scores higher.

English Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu

The English Cocker Spaniel has a median lifespan of 13.3 years and a Breed Health Score of 80/100 (grade A); the Shih Tzu lives a median of 12.8 years with a score of 65/100 (grade B). On the overall index the English Cocker Spaniel scores higher. The English Cocker Spaniel has the longer median lifespan.

English Cocker Spaniel

80grade A

Shih Tzu

65grade B

Median lifespan

13.3 yr

12.8 yr

Size

medium · 12-16 kg

small · 4-7 kg

Flat-faced

Yes

Longevity

Conformation

100

Hereditary burden

Health Score

80A

65B

Conditions

Progressive retinal atrophy Otitis externa Hip dysplasia Familial nephropathy Immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia

BOAS Corneal ulcers IVDD Dental disease Renal dysplasia

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How to read this. The Breed Health Score combines longevity (65%), conformation (20%) and hereditary burden (15%); see the methodology. Median lifespan is from McMillan, K.M. et al. (2024) "Longevity of companion dog breeds", Scientific Reports (584,734 UK dogs). Data CC-BY 4.0. These are independent estimates for comparing breeds, not veterinary advice. Build your own with the interactive compare tool.