Dog breed comparison
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs English Toy Spaniel
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel tends to live about 1 year longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | English Toy Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs |
| Size | Small | Small |
| Height | 12 to 13 inches | 10 to 11 inches |
| Weight | 13 to 18 pounds | 8 to 14 pounds |
| Life span | 9 to 15 years | 10 to 12 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.
Background
Where they come from.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Named after King Charles II, who kept toy spaniels at court. The modern breed was recreated in the 1920s to match the longer-nosed spaniels in old paintings.
Most Cavaliers develop mitral valve disease, so choose a breeder who heart-tests parents every year.
Health to watch
- Mitral valve disease
- Syringomyelia
- Hip dysplasia
- Episodic falling
- Dry eye
The English Toy Spaniel
A toy spaniel kept by English royalty for centuries; in Britain it is called the King Charles Spaniel. It has a flatter face than the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
It is quieter and more reserved than the Cavalier.
Health to watch
- Mitral valve disease
- Brachycephalic airway issues
- Patellar luxation
- Eye problems
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Good with children
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is better with children than the English Toy Spaniel.
Exercise needs
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel needs more exercise than the English Toy Spaniel.
Shedding
The English Toy Spaniel sheds more than the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
General health
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel tends to have fewer health problems than the English Toy Spaniel.
Easy to train
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is easier to train than the English Toy Spaniel.
Intelligence
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is quicker to learn than the English Toy Spaniel.
Which to choose
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or English Toy Spaniel?
Choose the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel if…
- You want a dog that is better with children
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
- You want a dog that sheds less
- You want a dog that tends to have fewer health problems
Choose the English Toy Spaniel if…
- You have less time for long walks (it needs less exercise)
- You want a more watchful dog (it is more reserved with strangers)
Questions.
Is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the English Toy Spaniel bigger, and which lives longer?
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel tends to live about 1 year 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 English Toy Spaniel?
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is generally easier to train than the English Toy Spaniel. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the English Toy Spaniel?
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised English Toy Spaniel can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel sheds less than the English Toy Spaniel. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and English Toy Spaniel have?
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is prone to mitral valve disease, syringomyelia, hip dysplasia. The English Toy Spaniel is prone to mitral valve disease, brachycephalic airway issues, patellar luxation. Both share a risk of mitral valve disease. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
