Dog breed comparison
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Cocker Spaniel
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Cocker Spaniel is the bigger breed, about 5 kg heavier on average. The Cocker Spaniel tends to live about 2 years longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Cocker Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Companion Dogs | Sporting Dogs |
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Height | 12 to 13 inches at the shoulder | 14 inches to 15 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 13 to 18 pounds | 24 to 28 pounds |
| Life span | 9 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Easy to groom
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is easier to groom than the Cocker Spaniel.
Good with children
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is better with children than the Cocker Spaniel.
Friendly with strangers
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is friendlier with strangers than the Cocker Spaniel.
First-time owners
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel suits first-time owners better than the Cocker Spaniel.
Energy
The Cocker Spaniel has more energy than the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Exercise needs
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel needs more exercise than the Cocker Spaniel.
Which to choose
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Cocker Spaniel?
Choose the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel if…
- You want a dog that is easier to groom
- You want a dog that is better with children
- You have lots of visitors (it is friendlier with strangers)
- You want a dog that suits first-time owners better
Choose the Cocker Spaniel if…
- You want a more watchful dog (it is more reserved with strangers)
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
- You have less time for long walks (it needs less exercise)
- You want a dog that is easier to train
Questions.
Is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Cocker Spaniel bigger, and which lives longer?
The Cocker Spaniel is the bigger breed, about 5 kg heavier on average. The Cocker Spaniel tends to live about 2 years longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Cocker Spaniel?
The Cocker Spaniel is generally easier to train than the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Cocker Spaniel?
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Cocker Spaniel can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
They shed about the same amount. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
