Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Old English Sheepdog

Toy · Small vs Herding · Large

Quick take
  • Old English Sheepdog is the larger breed at 60–100 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 sheds less.

Side-by-side traits

TraitCavalier King Charles SpanielOld English Sheepdog
Group
ToyHerding
Size
SmallLarge
Origin
EnglandEngland
Height (male)
12–13"22–24"
Height (female)
12–13"21–23"
Weight (male)
13–18 lbs60–100 lbs
Weight (female)
13–18 lbs60–100 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
12–15 years10–12 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)High (4/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Moderate (3/5)Very High (5/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Very Low (1/5)Low (2/5)
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)High (4/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Very Low (1/5)Moderate (3/5)
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 Old English Sheepdog

The Old English Sheepdog is an adaptable, smart, gentle drover from western England — the shaggy 'Dulux dog' with hidden eyes. Originally from England, this large herding breed typically weighs 60–100 lbs and lives 10–12 years. Breeders describe them as adaptable, smart, gentle.

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

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

Old English Sheepdog health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Cataracts
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Deafness