Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Norfolk Terrier
Toy · Small vs Terrier · 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
Norfolk TerrierSmall
A fearless, alert, gregarious drop-eared terrier — one of the smallest working terriers, fox-bolter.
Weight: 11–12 lbsLifespan: 12–16 years
Quick take
- • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the larger breed at 13–18 lbs (males) vs 11–12 lbs for the Norfolk Terrier.
- • The Norfolk Terrier typically lives longer (12–16 years).
- • The Norfolk Terrier has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Norfolk Terrier sheds less.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Norfolk Terrier |
|---|---|---|
Group | Toy | Terrier |
Size | Small | Small |
Origin | England | England |
Height (male) | 12–13" | 9–10" |
Height (female) | 12–13" | 9–10" |
Weight (male) | 13–18 lbs | 11–12 lbs |
Weight (female) | 13–18 lbs | 11–12 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–15 years | 12–16 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
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) | 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) | High (4/5) |
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) | Moderate (3/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Very High (5/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Coat length | medium | wirehaired |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | Yes |
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 Norfolk Terrier
The Norfolk Terrier is a fearless, alert, gregarious drop-eared terrier — one of the smallest working terriers, fox-bolter. Originally from England, this small terrier breed typically weighs 11–12 lbs and lives 12–16 years. Breeders describe them as fearless, alert, gregarious.
Ad slot · compare-bottom
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Mitral valve disease
- • Syringomyelia
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye problems
Norfolk Terrier health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Patellar luxation
- • Eye problems