While they may look strikingly similar, there are a number of differences between the King Charles Spaniel vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. You no doubt have already guessed
that these breeds are similar, or at least related, but in what ways do they overlap, and what features distinguish them as their own breeds? In this article, we will compare and contrast the King Charles Spaniel and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in a variety of ways. We will go over their physical appearance and size differences, if they have any. Additionally, we will address their ancestries and behavioral differences in case you are interested in adopting either of these two
breeds. Let’s get started! A-Z-Animals.com BIGANDT.COM/Shutterstock.com There are many key differences between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the King Charles Spaniel. For example, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel weighs slightly more compared to the King Charles Spaniel. Additionally, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a much newer breed compared to the King Charles Spaniel. Finally, the King Charles Spaniel has a longer
life expectancy compared to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.Comparing King Charles Spaniel vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
King Charles SpanielCavalier King Charles Spaniel Size
9-11 inches tall; 10-15 pounds
12-13 inches tall; 15-20 pounds
Appearance
Slightly wavy coat and a proportional head, with snubbed, turned up nose. Sometimes has a docked tail
Straight coat with a long, straight muzzle and large eyes. Never has a docked tail and comes in the same colors as the King Charles Spaniel
Ancestry and Origin
Originated in England during the 1500s; also known as the English Toy Spaniel
Separated from the King Charles Spaniel in the 1920s and became its own breed; breeders wanted to create a dog that looked like Charles II’s Spaniel
Behavior
Eager to please and excited to learn new things. Energetic and upbeat, with plenty of personality
Same as the King Charles Spaniel, though may need a bit more exercise
Lifespan
10-16 years
9-14 years
Key Differences Between King Charles Spaniel vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Let’s go over all of these differences in more detail now.
King Charles Spaniel vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Size
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One of the main differences separating the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the King Charles Spaniel is their size. For example, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel grows larger than the King Charles Spaniel, in both height and weight. But just what is the size difference between these two breeds? Let’s take a closer look at the figures now.
The King Charles Spaniel reaches 9 to 11 inches in height, while the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel only ranges in height from 12 to 13 inches tall. Additionally, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel reaches 15 to 20 pounds in weight, while the King Charles Spaniel reaches 10 to 15 pounds only. This is a subtle difference, but it is one of the few major differences between these two breeds.
King Charles Spaniel vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Appearance
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It can be very difficult to tell the difference between a King Charles Spaniel and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel upon first glance. However, there are a few distinguishing features that you can pay attention to in order to separate the two dogs from one another. While they both come in the same colors and fur, the King Charles Spaniel has a wavier coat compared to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s straight fur.
Additionally, the King Charles Spaniel has a signature snubbed nose that is turned up at the end, while the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a more elongated muzzle. While they both have large, rounded eyes, the King Charles Spaniel sometimes has a docked tail, while the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel never has this feature.
King Charles Spaniel vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Ancestry and Purpose
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The King Charles Spaniel and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel were the same exact breed for quite some time. However, as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel began to change in appearance, it was classified as its own breed in the 1920s, fully separating it from the King Charles Spaniel that originated in the 1500s.
But why exactly did these two dogs become two separate breeds in the first place? Breeders wanted a dog that closely resembled the original spaniel owned by King Charles II, and that is how the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was born.
King Charles Spaniel vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Behavior
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Despite their size differences and upbringings, there are very few behavioral differences between the King Charles Spaniel and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Both of these dog breeds are highly entertaining and energetic, eager to please, and capable of learning a variety of tricks. However, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel may have a bit more energy to burn compared to the more compact King Charles Spaniel.
King Charles Spaniel vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Lifespan
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The final difference between the King Charles Spaniel and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is their lifespans. Given their size differences, the King Charles Spaniel lives a longer life on average compared to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. For example, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel lives an average of 9 to 14 years, while the King Charles Spaniel lives an average of 10 to 16 years, depending on breeding and overall health.
About the Author
August Buck
I am a non-binary freelance writer working full-time in Oregon. Graduating Southern Oregon University with a BFA in Theatre and a specialization in creative writing, I have an invested interest in a variety of topics, particularly Pacific Northwest history. When I'm not writing personally or professionally, you can find me camping along the Oregon coast with my high school sweetheart and Chihuahua mix, or in my home kitchen, perfecting recipes in a gleaming cast iron skillet.
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