Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Pug

Toy · Small vs Toy · Small

Quick take
  • Pug is the larger breed at 14–18 lbs (males) vs 13–18 lbs for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • The Pug typically lives longer (13–15 years).
  • The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has higher daily energy needs.
  • The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel sheds less.
  • The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is generally more trainable.

Side-by-side traits

TraitCavalier King Charles SpanielPug
Group
ToyToy
Size
SmallSmall
Origin
EnglandChina
Height (male)
12–13"10–13"
Height (female)
12–13"10–13"
Weight (male)
13–18 lbs14–18 lbs
Weight (female)
13–18 lbs14–18 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
12–15 years13–15 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
Moderate (3/5)Low (2/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
Moderate (3/5)Low (2/5)
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)Moderate (3/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Low (2/5)Low (2/5)
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)Very High (5/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Very Low (1/5)Low (2/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Very High (5/5)Very High (5/5)
Coat length
mediumshort
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 Pug

The Pug is a charming, mischievous, loving wrinkly clown — Chinese imperial lapdog motto: multum in parvo. Originally from China, this small toy breed typically weighs 14–18 lbs and lives 13–15 years. Breeders describe them as charming, mischievous, loving.

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

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

Pug health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Brachycephalic syndrome
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye problems
  • Obesity