Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Irish Setter
Toy · Small vs Sporting · Large
Cavalier King Charles SpanielSmall
An affectionate, gentle, graceful spaniel — bred as a lapdog companion to British royalty.
Weight: 13–18 lbsLifespan: 12–15 years
Irish SetterLarge
An active, outgoing, sweet-tempered gundog with a famous mahogany coat — exuberant and a little goofy.
Weight: 70 lbsLifespan: 12–15 years
Quick take
- • Irish Setter is the larger breed at 70 lbs (males) vs 13–18 lbs for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
- • The Irish Setter has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Irish Setter |
|---|---|---|
Group | Toy | Sporting |
Size | Small | Large |
Origin | England | Ireland |
Height (male) | 12–13" | 27" |
Height (female) | 12–13" | 25" |
Weight (male) | 13–18 lbs | 70 lbs |
Weight (female) | 13–18 lbs | 60 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–15 years | 12–15 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
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) | Very High (5/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
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) | High (4/5) |
Good with strangers | Very High (5/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Very Low (1/5) | Low (2/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | medium | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | No |
Ad slot · compare-mid
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 Irish Setter
The Irish Setter is an active, outgoing, sweet-tempered gundog with a famous mahogany coat — exuberant and a little goofy. Originally from Ireland, this large sporting breed typically weighs 70 lbs and lives 12–15 years. Breeders describe them as active, outgoing, sweet-tempered.
Ad slot · compare-bottom
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Mitral valve disease
- • Syringomyelia
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye problems
Irish Setter health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Bloat
- • Epilepsy
- • Eye disorders