Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Toy · Small vs Herding · Small

Quick take
  • Pembroke Welsh Corgi is the larger breed at 24–30 lbs (males) vs 13–18 lbs for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel typically lives longer (12–15 years).
  • The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has higher daily energy needs.
  • The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel sheds less.
  • The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is generally more trainable.

Side-by-side traits

TraitCavalier King Charles SpanielPembroke Welsh Corgi
Group
ToyHerding
Size
SmallSmall
Origin
EnglandWales
Height (male)
12–13"10–12"
Height (female)
12–13"10–12"
Weight (male)
13–18 lbs24–30 lbs
Weight (female)
13–18 lbs24–28 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
12–15 years12–13 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
High (4/5)Very High (5/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
High (4/5)Very High (5/5)
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)Low (2/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Very Low (1/5)Very Low (1/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Low (2/5)High (4/5)
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)High (4/5)
Coat length
mediummedium
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 Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a smart, alert, affectionate herder on stumpy legs — the favorite breed of Queen Elizabeth II. Originally from Wales, this small herding breed typically weighs 24–30 lbs and lives 12–13 years. Breeders describe them as smart, alert, affectionate.

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

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

Pembroke Welsh Corgi health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • IVDD
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Degenerative myelopathy
  • Obesity