Bernese Mountain Dog vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Working · Large vs Toy · Small

Quick take
  • Bernese Mountain Dog is the larger breed at 80–115 lbs (males) vs 13–18 lbs for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel typically lives longer (12–15 years).
  • The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel sheds less.

Side-by-side traits

TraitBernese Mountain DogCavalier King Charles Spaniel
Group
WorkingToy
Size
LargeSmall
Origin
SwitzerlandEngland
Height (male)
25–27.5"12–13"
Height (female)
23–26"12–13"
Weight (male)
80–115 lbs13–18 lbs
Weight (female)
70–95 lbs13–18 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
7–10 years12–15 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
High (4/5)Very Low (1/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Low (2/5)Low (2/5)
Good with kids
Very High (5/5)Very High (5/5)
Good with other dogs
Very High (5/5)Very High (5/5)
Good with strangers
High (4/5)Very High (5/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Moderate (3/5)Very Low (1/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Moderate (3/5)Very High (5/5)
Coat length
longmedium
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoNo
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About the Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a good-natured, calm, strong tri-color farm dog from the Swiss Alps — gentle giants with short lifespans. Originally from Switzerland, this large working breed typically weighs 80–115 lbs and lives 7–10 years. Breeders describe them as good-natured, calm, strong.

About the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an affectionate, gentle, graceful spaniel — bred as a lapdog companion to British royalty. Originally from England, this small toy breed typically weighs 13–18 lbs and lives 12–15 years. Breeders describe them as affectionate, gentle, graceful.

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Bernese Mountain Dog health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Cancer
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Bloat

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Mitral valve disease
  • Syringomyelia
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye problems