Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Havanese

Toy · Small vs Toy · Small

Quick take
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the larger breed at 13–18 lbs (males) vs 7–13 lbs for the Havanese.
  • The Havanese typically lives longer (14–16 years).
  • The Havanese sheds less.

Side-by-side traits

TraitCavalier King Charles SpanielHavanese
Group
ToyToy
Size
SmallSmall
Origin
EnglandCuba
Height (male)
12–13"8.5–11.5"
Height (female)
12–13"8.5–11.5"
Weight (male)
13–18 lbs7–13 lbs
Weight (female)
13–18 lbs7–13 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
12–15 years14–16 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.
Moderate (3/5)Very Low (1/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Very Low (1/5)Very Low (1/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Low (2/5)Moderate (3/5)
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
Very High (5/5)Very High (5/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Very Low (1/5)Very Low (1/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Very High (5/5)Very High (5/5)
Coat length
mediumlong
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoYes
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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 Havanese

The Havanese is an intelligent, outgoing, funny lapdog — Cuba's national dog with a silky, hypoallergenic coat. Originally from Cuba, this small toy breed typically weighs 7–13 lbs and lives 14–16 years. Breeders describe them as intelligent, outgoing, funny.

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

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

Havanese health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Patellar luxation
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Cataracts
  • Heart problems