The main difference between Cavalier King Charles and Cocker Spaniels is their size: the Cocker spaniel is larger than the Cavalier. Besides the size, they share the same look of silky hair.
Cavalier King Charles and the Cocker are both spaniels. But, they’re not quite the same.
Cocker Spaniels and Cavaliers differ in many areas:
- Size
- Lifespan
- Breed group
- Intelligence
- Coat type
- Color
- Grooming needs
But, they also share many similarities:
- Appearance
- Trainability
- Friendliness to dogs and strangers
- Child-friendliness
- Prey drive
- Predisposition to separation anxiety
- The fact they are not hypoallergenic
This article discusses in detail the differences and similarities between Cavaliers and Cocker Spaniels. You will also learn about the relationship between the two breeds.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs. Cocker Spaniel: Overview
Cavaliers and Cocker Spaniels are two separate breeds that are often mistaken for one another. They share many physical and behavioral attributes but can be distinguished by their general size and color.
This table lists the main characteristics of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Cocker Spaniels.
| Trait | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel[1] | Cocker Spaniel[2] |
| Life expectancy | 9 – 14 years | 12 – 15 years |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United Kingdom |
| Breed group | Toy | Sporting, gundog |
| Purpose | Companionship | Hunting, companionship |
| Popularity | 15th of 197[3] | 29th of 197[3] |
| Price (average) | $1500 | $1800 |
Cocker Spaniel vs. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Key Differences
The 7 main differences between Cocker Spaniels and Cavalier Spaniels are that they:
- Have different lifespans.
- Are not part of the same breed group.
- Don’t have the same intelligence score.
- Don’t have the same size.
- Don’t have the same coat type.
- Have different colors.
- Have different grooming needs.
1. Lifespan
Cocker Spaniels have a longer lifespan than Cavalier Spaniels.[5]
Cocker Spaniels have an average life expectancy of 12 and 15 years, while Cavaliers King Charles Spaniels live for 9 to 14 years.
2. Breed Group
Cavaliers are part of the toy group, bred for companionship, while Cocker Spaniels are sporting dogs.
The toy group is composed of small-sized dogs, such as Terriers and Pinschers. Toy dogs are perfect for apartment living. Cavaliers are bred for companionship, which makes them calm and friendly.
The sporting group consists of breeds developed to work with hunters. They are also called hunting dogs.
Hunting dogs are eager to please and easily understand what humans want from them. They are athletic and have great stamina. As sporting dogs, Cocker Spaniels have a well-developed sense of smell and tracking ability.
3. Intelligence
Cocker Spaniels are smarter than Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
In his book, “The Intelligence of Dogs”[4], Stanley Coren ranks 130 breeds in terms of working and obedience intelligence.
Cavaliers occupy the 44th position. They understand new commands after 25 to 40 repetitions. They also obey first commands 50% of the time.
Cocker Spaniels occupy the 20th position. They obey first commands 85% of the time and understand new commands after 5 to 15 repetitions.
4. Size
Cavaliers are smaller than Cocker Spaniels, both in terms of height and weight.
Cavaliers are small-sized dogs. They weigh between 13 and 18 pounds (6 and 8 kilograms) and measure between 12 and 13 inches in height (30 and 33 centimeters).
Cocker Spaniels are medium-sized dogs. They weigh between 20 and 30 pounds (9 and 13 kilograms) and measure between 13.5 and 15.5 inches in height (34 and 39 centimeters).
5. Coat type
Cavalier King Chares Spaniels are single-coated, while Cocker spaniels are double-coated.
Cocker Spaniels shed more, especially during spring and autumn. Cavaliers shed a small amount of hair every day of the year.
6. Color
Cocker Spaniels come in a wider variety of colors than Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
Cavaliers have tan markings and come in 4 base colors:
- Black and tan
- Black and white
- Blenheim
- Ruby
Cocker Spaniels come in a wide variety of colors, from black, brown, and buff to red, silver, and cream. They can have markings of various colors and patterns, such as roan, white, and merle.
7. Grooming Difficulty
Cocker Spaniels need more intensive grooming than Cavaliers King Charles Spaniels.
Cocker Spaniels are double-coated. This means they need to be brushed more frequently to maintain a healthy coat.
Cavaliers are more low maintenance, even though they still need weekly brushing. The fact that they shed less makes them easier to groom.
| Shedding | 2 | 3 |
| Drooling | 2 | 2 |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
| Grooming difficulty | 2 | 4 |
| Exercise needs | 3 | 4 |
| Mental stimulation needs | 3 | 3 |
| Health issues | 4 | 4 |
| Good for first-time owners | 4 | 3 |
Cocker Spaniel vs. Cavalier: Similarities
The 7 main similarities between Cavalier Spaniels and Cocker Spaniels are that they:
- Look alike.
- Are not hypoallergenic.
- Are easy to train.
- Are friendly to strangers and other dogs.
- Are great with children.
- Have a well-developed prey drive.
- Have a predisposition for separation anxiety.
1. Appearance
Cockers Spaniels and Cavalier Spaniels are similar in appearance. Both breeds have a proportionate head that is not too large and not too small. Their ears are long and wide, of fine leather.
Cocker Spaniels and Cavaliers are athletic but not too muscular. Their bodies are similar to a square when seen from above.
Both breeds have silky coats that can be wavy. Even if the length of their hair differs, people often mistake one for the other.
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Height | 12 – 13 in (30 – 33 cm) | 13.5 – 15.5 in (34 – 39 cm) |
| Weight | 13 – 18 lbs (6 – 8 kg) | 20 – 30 lbs (9 – 13 kg) |
| Coat type | Single | Double |
| Coat Texture | Wavy, silky | Silky |
| Coat Length | Medium | Long |
| Coat Color | Black & tan, black & white, Blenheim, ruby | Black, tan, white, brown, blue roan, cream, golden, red, sable, silver, red roan, brown roan |
| Markings | Yes – tan | Yes – ticked, roan, white, merle |
| Eyes | Warm or dark, large, round | Dark brown, round with almond appearance |
| Ears | Set high, not close, long and wide, fan forward, frame face | Set not higher than the eyes, long and lobular |
2. Not Hypoallergenic
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Cocker Spaniels are not listed by the American Kennel Club as hypoallergenic.
People with dog allergies are allergic to proteins in dogs’ saliva, dander, urine, sweat, and other bodily fluids.
The most common allergies are caused by dander and saliva. Dander attaches to dogs’ hair, this is why dogs who shed trigger more allergic reactions.
On a scale from 1 to 5 in terms of shedding, Cavaliers are a two, and Cocker Spaniels are a three. That means, they trigger allergic reactions, even if they are not heavy shedders.
3. Easy to Train
Cavaliers and Cocker Spaniels both have above-average intelligence. They are eager to please, which makes them easy to train.
Cavaliers are strongly related to King Charles Spaniels, who were bred for hunting. Cocker Spaniels were initially bred for the same purpose.
Hunting dogs understand quickly what humans want from them and are eager to please. This makes them fast learners and obedient.
4. Friendliness to Strangers and Other Dogs
Cocker Spaniels and Cavaliers are extremely friendly to other dogs and to strangers.
Neither Cavaliers nor Cocker Spaniels are good watchdogs. They have a moderate protective nature towards their owners but only display it when feeling threatened.
They also love to spend time with other dogs. They only feel threatened by them if they haven’t been socialized in puppyhood.
5. Well-behaved around Children
Cavaliers and Cocker Spaniels are great with children of all ages.
Both breeds are calm and patient. They are not scared of the sudden movements children make.
Even though Cavaliers and Cocker Spaniels are tolerant of children, their interaction should take place only under adult supervision.
6. Well-developed Prey Drive
Cavaliers and Cocker Spaniels have hunting origins. As a result, they display a well-developed prey drive.
Dogs’ brains evolve according to what they have been bred for[6]. Even if both cavaliers and Cocker Spaniels are currently bred for companionship, they still have a strong prey drive.
Cocker Spaniels were initially developed for hunting woodcocks.
King Charles Spaniels and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were considered the same breed for a long time. The Cavalier first began altering appearance in 1920, which is when it was recognized as a separate breed.
King Charles Spaniels were initially bred for hunting, the same as Cocker Spaniels. This is why both Cavaliers and Cocker Spaniels have a well-developed prey drive.
7. Predisposition for Separation Anxiety
Cavaliers and Cocker Spaniels hate to be left alone and are prone to separation anxiety.[7][8]
Cocker Spaniels and Cavaliers form strong bonds with their owners and suffer when they are left alone for prolonged periods.
If this happens regularly, both breeds can develop behavior issues, such as[9]:
- Destroying behavior
- Barking
- Elimination
- Social panic
Are Cocker Spaniels and Cavalier Spaniels Related?
Yes, Cocker Spaniels and Cavalier Spaniels are related. They are both members of the Spaniel group. Spaniels are a type of gun dog.
The origin of Spaniels has been thoroughly discussed and there are many theories that debate if they come from Spain or not. The bottom line is that spaniels are a term used to describe hunting dogs with silky coats and drooping ears.[10]
Most Spaniels have the same ancestors.
Throughout their history, Spaniels have separated into many breeds. Currently, the American Kennel Club[11] recognizes 15 types of Spaniels.
Related: King Charles Spaniel vs. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Conclusion
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Cocker Spaniels have the same ancestors. They have many things in common, such as their appearance, prey drive, origin, and more. Still, they differ in size, color, lifespan, intelligence, and more.
