Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Portuguese Water Dog
Toy · Small vs Working · Medium
Cavalier King Charles SpanielSmall
An affectionate, gentle, graceful spaniel — bred as a lapdog companion to British royalty.
Weight: 13–18 lbsLifespan: 12–15 years
Portuguese Water DogMedium
An affectionate, athletic, smart fisherman's dog — Bo Obama's breed, swims and herds fish into nets.
Weight: 42–60 lbsLifespan: 11–13 years
Quick take
- • Portuguese Water Dog is the larger breed at 42–60 lbs (males) vs 13–18 lbs for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
- • The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel typically lives longer (12–15 years).
- • The Portuguese Water Dog has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Portuguese Water Dog sheds less.
- • The Portuguese Water Dog is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
Group | Toy | Working |
Size | Small | Medium |
Origin | England | Portugal |
Height (male) | 12–13" | 20–23" |
Height (female) | 12–13" | 17–21" |
Weight (male) | 13–18 lbs | 42–60 lbs |
Weight (female) | 13–18 lbs | 35–50 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–15 years | 11–13 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) | High (4/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Moderate (3/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
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) | 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 | medium | long |
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 Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog is an affectionate, athletic, smart fisherman's dog — Bo Obama's breed, swims and herds fish into nets. Originally from Portugal, this medium working breed typically weighs 42–60 lbs and lives 11–13 years. Breeders describe them as affectionate, athletic, smart.
Ad slot · compare-bottom
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Mitral valve disease
- • Syringomyelia
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye problems
Portuguese Water Dog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Storage diseases