The main difference between King Charles Spaniels and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is in size and appearance. Cavaliers are larger, have a longer muzzle, and their ears are higher.
King Charles Spaniels are close relatives of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
While they are somewhat similar in appearance, there are some physical and mental traits that make them different.
This article explores the main traits of both breeds, as well as the differences and similarities between them.
King Charles Spaniel vs. Cavalier King Charles spaniel: An Overview
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels descended from King Charles Spaniels. They are the result of bringing the breed back to its old appearance. Because of this, they have a lot in common. The main difference is size and head features.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were considered a part of the King Charles Spaniel group until 1920. They were recognized by the Kennel Club in 1945 and by the American Kennel Club in 1995.
In 1903, the Kennel Club listed four toy spaniels under the group of King Charles Spaniels. This breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as the English Toy Spaniels.
For this reason, this article can also be called “English Toy Spaniel vs. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel”.
| Trait | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel[1] | King Charles Spaniel[2] |
| Life expectancy | 9 – 14 years | 10 – 12 years |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United Kingdom |
| Breed group | Toy | Toy |
| Purpose | Companionship | Companionship |
| Popularity in the US | 15th of 197[3] | 137th of 197[3] |
| Price (average) | $1500 | $2500 |
Appearance
| Size | Small | Small |
| Height | 12 – 13 in (30 – 33 cm) | 9 – 10 in (23 – 25.4 cm) |
| Weight | 13 – 18 lbs (6 – 8 kg) | 8 – 14 lbs (3.6 – 6.4 kg) |
| Coat type | Single | Double |
| Coat Texture | Wavy, silky | Silky |
| Coat Length | Medium | Medium |
| Coat Color | Black & tan, tricolored, Blenheim, ruby | Black & tan, tricolored, Blenheim, ruby |
| Markings | Yes – tan | Yes – tan |
| Eyes | Warm or dark, large, round | Warm or dark, large, round |
| Ears | Set high, not close, long and wide, fan forward, frame face | Set low, |
Temperament & Personality
| Intelligence | 44th of 130 breeds[4] | 45th of 130 breeds[4] |
| Easy to train | 4 | 3 |
| Affectionate | 5 | 5 |
| Friendly to strangers | 4 | 3 |
| Friendly to other dogs | 5 | 5 |
| Friendly to other pets | 4 | 3 |
| Good with children | 5 | 5 |
| Playfulness | 3 | 4 |
| Prey drive | 4 | 4 |
| Territorial/Protective | 3 | 3 |
| Biting instinct | 3 | 3 |
| Barking | 3 | 2 |
| Adaptability | 3 | 4 |
| Can be alone | 2 | 2 |
Grooming & Maintenance
| Shedding | 2 | 3 |
| Drooling | 2 | 2 |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
| Grooming difficulty | 2 | 3 |
| Exercise needs | 3 | 3 |
| Mental stimulation needs | 3 | 3 |
| Health issues | 4 | 4 |
| Good for first-time owners | 4 | 3 |
Differences Between King Charles Spaniel and Cavalier
There are five main differences between King Charles Spaniels and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels:
- Size
- Appearance
- Lifespan
- Trainability
- Popularity
This table illustrated the main differences between Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and King Charles Spaniels.
| Traits | Cavalier King Charles Spaniels | King Charles Spaniels |
| Lifespan | 9 – 14 years | 10 – 12 years |
| Hight | 12 – 13 in (30 – 33 cm) | 9 – 10 in (23 – 25.4 cm) |
| Weight | 13 – 18 lbs (6 – 8 kg) | 8 – 14 lbs (3.6 – 6.4 kg) |
| Nose | Well-developed | Short, large, and laid back |
| Jaw | Complete scissor bite, regular | A bit undershot |
| Ears | Set high | Set low |
| Chest | Moderate | Deep and wide |
| Head | Between the ears the skull is almost flat. | High and domed |
| Foot | Compact | Compact, but sometimes have fused toes |
| Easy to train | Very easy | Medium |
| Popularity in the US | 15th of 197[3] | 137th of 197[3] |
1. Size
King Charles Spaniels are smaller than Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Size
Cavaliers measure between 12 and 13 inches (30 and 33 centimeters) in height and weigh between 13 and 18 pounds (6 and 8 kilograms).
Related: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Size
King Charles Spaniel Size
King Charles Spaniels are between 9 and 10 inches (23 and 25.4 centimeters) tall and have a body mass between 8 and 14 pounds (3.6 and 6.4 kilograms).
2. Appearance
The main difference in appearance between Cavaliers and King Charles Spaniels are the nose, jaw, ears, chest, head, and feet.
King Charles Spaniels have more traits of brachycephalic dogs than Cavaliers do. Their nose is shorter and more laid back. Their jaw is also a bit undershot.
Cavaliers have high ears with an almost flat skull between them. King Charles Spaniels’ ears are low and they have a high domed skull.
The chest of King Charles Spaniels is deep and wide while the chest of Cavaliers is moderate.
Bothe Cavaliers and King Charles Spaniels have compact feet, but some King Charleses have fused toes.
3. Lifespan
King Charles spaniels live between 10 and 12 years, while Cavaliers have a life expectancy between 9 and 14 years.
The most common cause of death in both breeds is heart failure. Still, King Charles Spaniels are more susceptible to diseases specific to brachycephalic breeds.
These diseases reduce their life expectancy.
4. Trainability
Cavaliers are easier to train than King Charles Spaniels.
King Charles Spaniels are more self-willed than Cavaliers and can become stubborn. The difference between the two breeds is not major. On a trainability scale from one to five, Cavaliers are a four, while King Charles Spaniels are a three.
5. Popularity
Cavaliers are more popular in the United States than King Charles Spaniels.
According to the AKC[3], Cavaliers were the 15th most popular dog in the US in 2021. King Charles Cavaliers occupied 137th place. The study analyzed the popularity of 197 breeds.
King Charles Spaniels and Cavalier Spaniels Similarities
There are five main similarities between King Charles Spaniels and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels:
- History
- Purpose
- Colors
- Intelligence
- Not Hypoallergenic
1. History
Cavaliers and King Charles Spaniels have a common history. The Cavalier is a descendant of the King Charles Spaniel.
Toy spaniels were imported from Eastern Asia to Europe in the 16th century.
In the 19th century, King Charles Spaniels and Pugs were crossbred for size reduction. The success of this crossbreeding led to the size of King Charles Spaniels as they are today.
In 1903, the British Kennel Club merged three other toy spaniel breeds under the title of “King Charles Spaniels”.
These breeds were:
- Blenheim Spaniel
- Ruby Spaniel
- Prince Charles Spaniel
At the beginning of the 20th century, there was an attempt to bring back the appearance of King Charles Spaniels similar to the time of Charles II. This attempt led to the creation of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
In 1920, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel became a separate breed from King Charles Spaniels.
2. Purpose
Both Cavaliers and King Charles Spaniels are used for companionship.
Cavaliers and King Charles Spaniels have hunting ancestors.
During the 19th century, King Charles Spaniels were used as companion dogs and as lap warmers.
3. Colors
Both King Charles Spaniels and Cavaliers are one of four main colors or patterns:
- Blenheim
- Ruby
- Tri-colored
- Black and tan
In 1903, when four toy spaniel breeds were combined under the name of King Charles Spaniels by the Kennel Club, each had different colors:
- Blenheim Toy Spaniel: became King Charles Spaniel with Blenheim color.
- Ruby Toy Spaniel: became ruby King Charles Spaniels.
- Prince Charles Spaniels: became tri-colored King Charles Spaniels.
- King Charles: became black and tan King Charles Spaniels.
What is Blenheim?
Blenheim is a color pattern specific to Cavalier Spaniels and King Charles Spaniels.
This pattern was specific to Blenheim Spaniels. They were bred for hunting by a famous soldier and diplomat who gained an estate in honor of winning a battle in Blenheim.
The Blenheim pattern has two colors: ruby and pearl white. The majority of the dog’s hair is covered in white and it has ruby markings on specific parts of the body.
4. Intelligence
King Charles Spaniels and Cavaliers have above-average intelligence.
The largest study[4] on dog intelligence compared the working intelligence and obedience of 130 breeds. Cavaliers came 44th, while King Charles Spaniels came 45th.
Both breeds were able to understand new commands in between 25 and 40 attempts and to obey the first command 50% of the time.
5. They Are Not Hypoallergenic
King Charles Spaniels and Cavalier Spaniels are not hypoallergenic. They are both moderate shedders and droolers, which leads to allergic reactions in humans.
Contrary to popular belief, allergic reactions to dogs are not caused by dogs’ hair. The real cause[5] is a series of proteins present in dogs’ dander, saliva, urine, and other bodily fluids.
Dander sticks to dogs’ hair. When dead hair falls out, their dander becomes airborne. It then enters the human body through the nostrils, leading to allergic reactions.
Conclusion
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and King Charles Spaniels are different in size, trainability, lifespan, popularity, and facial features. These two breeds are similar in intelligence, colors, and purpose. They share the same history and neither of them is hypoallergenic.
