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

The English Springer Spaniel has the longer median lifespan: English Springer Spaniel 13.5 years versus Shih Tzu 12.8 years (McMillan 2024).

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

On the Breed Health Score the English Springer Spaniel scores 83/100 and the Shih Tzu scores 65/100. The English Springer Spaniel scores higher.

English Springer Spaniel vs Shih Tzu

The English Springer Spaniel has a median lifespan of 13.5 years and a Breed Health Score of 83/100 (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 Springer Spaniel scores higher. The English Springer Spaniel has the longer median lifespan.

English Springer Spaniel

83grade A

Shih Tzu

65grade B

Median lifespan

13.5 yr

12.8 yr

Size

medium · 18-25 kg

small · 4-7 kg

Flat-faced

Yes

Longevity

Conformation

100

Hereditary burden

Health Score

83A

65B

Conditions

Progressive retinal atrophy Hip dysplasia Otitis externa PFK deficiency Fucosidosis

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.