Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Italian Greyhound
Toy · Small vs Toy · Small
Cavalier King Charles SpanielSmall
An affectionate, gentle, graceful spaniel — bred as a lapdog companion to British royalty.
Weight: 13–18 lbsLifespan: 12–15 years
Italian GreyhoundSmall
A playful, alert, sensitive miniature sighthound — Renaissance lapdog favored by Italian nobility.
Weight: 7–14 lbsLifespan: 14–15 years
Quick take
- • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the larger breed at 13–18 lbs (males) vs 7–14 lbs for the Italian Greyhound.
- • The Italian Greyhound typically lives longer (14–15 years).
- • The Italian Greyhound has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Italian Greyhound sheds less.
- • The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Italian Greyhound |
|---|---|---|
Group | Toy | Toy |
Size | Small | Small |
Origin | England | Italy |
Height (male) | 12–13" | 13–15" |
Height (female) | 12–13" | 13–15" |
Weight (male) | 13–18 lbs | 7–14 lbs |
Weight (female) | 13–18 lbs | 7–14 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–15 years | 14–15 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
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) | 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) | Very Low (1/5) |
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) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with other dogs | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with strangers | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Very Low (1/5) | Low (2/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Coat length | medium | short |
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 Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is a playful, alert, sensitive miniature sighthound — Renaissance lapdog favored by Italian nobility. Originally from Italy, this small toy breed typically weighs 7–14 lbs and lives 14–15 years. Breeders describe them as playful, alert, sensitive.
Ad slot · compare-bottom
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Mitral valve disease
- • Syringomyelia
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye problems
Italian Greyhound health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Leg fractures
- • Dental issues
- • Hypothyroidism
- • PRA