Comparator

Cavalier King Charles or King Charles Spaniel: which breed to choose?

Cavalier King Charles and King Charles Spaniel are two dog breeds often compared by future adopters. Here is a point-by-point comparison to help you decide: size, temperament, purchase price, monthly budget, and compatibility with your lifestyle.

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Key takeaways

  • Cavalier King Charles is larger: 5–8 kg vs 3–6 kg for King Charles Spaniel.
  • Both breeds fall within the same purchase price range: 900–1,800 €.
  • Monthly budget is similar for both breeds: about 86 € per month.
  • King Charles Spaniel needs less daily activity (2/5 vs 3/5 for Cavalier King Charles).
  • Cavalier King Charles is rated higher for “Family & children”: 5/5 vs 4/5 for King Charles Spaniel.
  • For “Apartment living”, both breeds are tied (4/5).
  • Cavalier King Charles is rated higher for “First-time owner”: 5/5 vs 3/5 for King Charles Spaniel.
  • Both breeds have a similar life expectancy: 9–14 years.

Our verdict

Choose Cavalier King Charles if you’re looking for…

  • Families present : He appreciates homes where he enjoys attention, gentleness and a real family life.
  • Active seniors : His tender temperament and his moderate exercise needs are well suited to a calm but regular pace.
  • First adoption : His gentleness and his ease in relationships often make him a good companion to start with.

Choose King Charles Spaniel if you’re looking for…

  • Calm households : Its gentle temperament and reserved nature are well suited to a stable and caring environment.
  • Apartment living : It adapts well to small spaces if walks and companionship are sufficient.
  • People looking for a companion dog : It thrives above all in a close relationship with available and affectionate humans.

Detailed comparison

General information
Origin United KingdomUnited Kingdom
FCI group 99
Size SmallSmall
Height at withers 32–36 cm25–34 cm
Weight 5–8 kg3–6 kg
Coat Long, silky, slightly wavyLong, silky
Life expectancy 9–14 ans10–12 ans
Average price 900–1,800 €800–2,000 €
Monthly budget ≈ 86 €≈ 86 €
Compatibility
Family & children
Excellent
Very good
Daily activity required
Moderate
Low
Apartment living
Very good
Very good
First-time owner
Excellent
Good
Other pets
Excellent
Good
Tolerance for being alone
Fairly good
Limited
Guarding instinct
Limited
Limited
Pros & Cons
  • Obedient
  • Low escape risk
  • Very adaptable
  • Not destructive
  • Good health
  • Sheds little
  • Drools little
  • High exercise needs
  • Barks a lot
  • High-maintenance grooming
  • Obedient
  • Moderate exercise needs
  • Not prone to escaping
  • Very adaptable
  • Not destructive
  • Barks little
  • Good health
  • Drools little
  • High-maintenance grooming
  • Sheds a lot