Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Great Pyrenees

Toy · Small vs Working · Giant

Quick take
  • Great Pyrenees is the larger breed at 100 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 has higher daily energy needs.
  • The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel sheds less.
  • The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is generally more trainable.

Side-by-side traits

TraitCavalier King Charles SpanielGreat Pyrenees
Group
ToyWorking
Size
SmallGiant
Origin
EnglandFrance
Height (male)
12–13"27–32"
Height (female)
12–13"25–29"
Weight (male)
13–18 lbs100 lbs
Weight (female)
13–18 lbs85 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
12–15 years10–12 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
Moderate (3/5)Low (2/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
Moderate (3/5)Low (2/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Moderate (3/5)Very High (5/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Very Low (1/5)Moderate (3/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Low (2/5)High (4/5)
Good with kids
Very High (5/5)Very High (5/5)
Good with other dogs
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Good with strangers
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Very Low (1/5)Very High (5/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Coat length
mediumlong
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoNo
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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.

About the Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees is a patient, smart, strong-willed livestock guardian — the snowy giant of the Pyrenees mountains. Originally from France, this giant working breed typically weighs 100 lbs and lives 10–12 years. Breeders describe them as patient, smart, strong-willed.

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

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

Great Pyrenees health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Bloat
  • Bone cancer
  • Heart problems