Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs King Charles Spaniel: How Are They Different?

Despite their very similar names, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and King Charles Spaniel are not the same breed of dog. While the two are similar and descend from the same breed, breeding practices have created subtle differences between the two over the past 100 years. If you are thinking about adopting one of these incredible canines, then keep reading. In this article, we’ll take you through the differences between the two breeds.

Visual Differences

At a Glance

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Overview

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the King Charles Spaniel, as their name suggests, trace their lineage back to the same breed. The Cavalier King descends directly from the King Charles Spaniel. Still, by the early 20th century, the King Charles Spaniel had changed so much that their ancestor’s prize money was offered to anyone who could breed a King Charles that looked closest to the originals.

The winner of the competition was different enough from normal King Charles Spaniels that they, and all like them, were declared an entirely separate breed. The breed was called the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small dog, weighing in on the higher end at 18 pounds, but is a normal size for a spaniel. The breed has a single long and sometimes wavy coat that is easy to manage. They have a domed skull, a long tail, and drop ears. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s coat comes in four color patterns: ruby, black and tan, blenheim (red and white), and black, white, and tan.

Personality

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is known for his kind, loving, and gentle nature. They get along great with strangers and other pets. This, combined with its affectionate and cheerful demeanor, leads many to consider it the perfect house dog.

The Cavalier King Charles is also very playful, and most of them adore the water. So if you’re looking for a dog you can play with in the water, the Cavalier King Charles is perfect.

Training

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an easy dog to train due to its laidback nature and a moderate amount of energy. The breed, thankfully, isn’t known for barking often, so you won’t have to train them to avoid barking. The lack of barking does have the side effect of making them terrible watchdogs, coupled with their diminutive stature, and you should never consider one of these as a guard dog.

Suitable For

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is well suited to just about anybody so long as they aren’t looking for a guard dog. They adore other dogs and strangers, although, as with any dog, you need to make sure you socialize with them when they’re young, so they’re perfect for families. They can live in houses or apartment buildings with no problem.

King Charles Spaniel Overview

The King Charles Spaniel, also known as the English Toy Spaniel, has existed in Britain since the 17th century but originated in China or Japan. Their name is derived from King Charles II of Scotland, England, and Ireland, who was very fond of the breed. King Charles II had many King Charles Spaniels, and it’s a legend that King Charles II passed a law making it so that a King Charles Spaniel couldn’t be refused from entering a public building no matter what.

When the crown passed to someone not from King Charles II’s house, it became a political issue to be associated with a King Charles Spaniel. The ruling house, House Tudor, wasn’t fond of King Charles II’s house and was associated with Pugs; because of this, King Charles Spaniel fell out of popularity and became rarer.

The King Charles Spaniel has changed from its ancestors quite a lot. The modern King Charles Spaniel has long-hanging ears, domed skulls, long snouts, and large eyes. They are very small dogs, weighing on the higher end of the scale at 15 pounds. King Charles Spaniel can have four different color patterns: black and white, ruby, blenheim, and black, tan, and white.

Personality

The King Charles Spaniel and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel have very similar personalities. Both are highly energetic and incredibly active; they both enjoy swimming and make great lap dogs. The one difference between the two is that the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has slightly more energy than the King Charles Spaniel.

Training

Much like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the King Charles Spaniel is very easy to train. It shares the same laid-back energy and eagerness to please. If you’re looking for an easy dog to train, then the King Charles Spaniel is an excellent choice.

Suitable For

Just like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the King Charles is suitable for just about anybody who doesn’t want a guard dog. They can live in an apartment or in a house, and because of their low exercise requirements, they can get their needs anywhere. Because of their naturally loving nature, they make lovely dogs for both families and solo owners.

Which Breed Is Right for You?

The King Charles Spaniel and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are so similar in what they need and how they behave that they’re both suitable for the same kind of person. They fit with families and people who live alone. Both are great lap dogs and brilliant house dogs.

If you’re looking for a nice, cheerful, and loving lapdog, then both of these are for you, but if you’re looking for a tough guard dog, you should look elsewhere. Remember, if you’re going to adopt any animal, it’s important to remember they are a huge responsibility. They will need your love, patience, and attention for many years to come.

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Featured Image Credit: (L) Daka, Pexels | (R) ZANTACUZ, Shutterstock