Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Spanish Water Dog
Toy · Small vs Herding · 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
Spanish Water DogMedium
A loyal, smart, athletic Spanish all-purpose herder, hunter, and water-rescuer with a curly cord coat.
Weight: 40–49 lbsLifespan: 12–14 years
Quick take
- • Spanish Water Dog is the larger breed at 40–49 lbs (males) vs 13–18 lbs for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
- • The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel typically lives longer (12–15 years).
- • The Spanish Water Dog has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Spanish Water Dog sheds less.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Spanish Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
Group | Toy | Herding |
Size | Small | Medium |
Origin | England | Spain |
Height (male) | 12–13" | 17.5–19.75" |
Height (female) | 12–13" | 15.75–18" |
Weight (male) | 13–18 lbs | 40–49 lbs |
Weight (female) | 13–18 lbs | 31–40 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–15 years | 12–14 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) | 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) | High (4/5) |
Good with other dogs | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with strangers | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Very Low (1/5) | High (4/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | medium | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | Yes |
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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 Spanish Water Dog
The Spanish Water Dog is a loyal, smart, athletic Spanish all-purpose herder, hunter, and water-rescuer with a curly cord coat. Originally from Spain, this medium herding breed typically weighs 40–49 lbs and lives 12–14 years. Breeders describe them as loyal, smart, athletic.
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Mitral valve disease
- • Syringomyelia
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye problems
Spanish Water Dog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Hypothyroidism