Boxer vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Working · Large vs Toy · Small

Quick take
  • Boxer is the larger breed at 65–80 lbs (males) vs 13–18 lbs for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel typically lives longer (12–15 years).
  • The Boxer has higher daily energy needs.

Side-by-side traits

TraitBoxerCavalier King Charles Spaniel
Group
WorkingToy
Size
LargeSmall
Origin
GermanyEngland
Height (male)
23–25"12–13"
Height (female)
21.5–23.5"12–13"
Weight (male)
65–80 lbs13–18 lbs
Weight (female)
50–65 lbs13–18 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
10–12 years12–15 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
Very High (5/5)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.
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Very Low (1/5)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
Moderate (3/5)Very High (5/5)
Good with strangers
High (4/5)Very High (5/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
High (4/5)Very Low (1/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Moderate (3/5)Very High (5/5)
Coat length
shortmedium
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoNo
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About the Boxer

The Boxer is a bright, fun-loving, active working dog — eternally puppyish, devoted to family, wary of strangers. Originally from Germany, this large working breed typically weighs 65–80 lbs and lives 10–12 years. Breeders describe them as bright, fun-loving, active.

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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Boxer health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Cancer
  • Heart conditions
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Bloat

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

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