Should you get a cocker spaniel or a Cavalier King Charles spaniel?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Cocker Spaniel. Cocker spaniel is the UK’s most popular spaniel breed, and Cavalier King Charles spaniel is a favoured breed by many royalties. Both spaniel breeds make great family pets that it’s hard to choose between the two. Let’s assess and see which breed is more suited to you and your lifestyle.
Quick Overview
| Life Expectancy: | Popularity (based on Britain’s Top 100 Dogs 2019): |
| Cavalier King Charles spaniel – 10 to 15 years | Cavalier King Charles spaniel – 22nd |
| Cocker spaniel – 12 to 15 years | Cocker spaniel – 5th |
| Height: | Grooming Needs: |
| Cavalier King Charles spaniel – 30 to 33 cm | Cavalier King Charles spaniel – ★★★★☆ |
| Cocker spaniel – 36 to 38 cm | Cocker spaniel – ★★★★☆ |
| Weight: | Trainability: |
| Cavalier King Charles spaniel – 5 to 8 kg | Cavalier King Charles spaniel – ★★★☆☆ |
| Cocker spaniel – 7 to 14 kg | Cocker spaniel – ★★★★☆ |
| Breed Group: | |
| Cavalier King Charles spaniel – Toy Group | |
| Cocker spaniel – Gundog Group |
Suitable Living Space
1. Can a Cavalier King Charles spaniel adapt well to apartment living?
Yes, the Cavalier is suited to most living arrangements. However, it is best kept as an indoor pet due to its strong instinct to chase. If you have a back yard, make sure that it is well-fenced.
Can a cocker spaniel adapt well to apartment living?
The cocker spaniel will happily live in an apartment as it adapts well in small living spaces. As a gun dog, the cocker spaniel is fairly energetic, so make sure that you provide it with daily walks for 30 to 40 minutes to meet their exercise requirements.
2. How long can a Cavalier be left alone?
Living with a Cavalier means that you’ll be having a close furry companionship. This breed loves people and will be happiest when it is with its humans. You should not leave your Cavalier home alone for long.
Furthermore, it is best not to put it in a kennel outside at night. It is a sociable breed that prefers to sit on your lap and take part in any family activities.
When left alone for a long period, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel is prone to separation anxiety. To prevent this from happening, read Dog Separation Anxiety: 6 Steps To Keep Your Pet Calm When You Leave.
How long can a cocker spaniel be left alone?
Similar to the Cavalier, the cocker spaniel is known to have destructive behaviours when left alone for a long period. It is advised that you should not leave your dog home alone for more than four hours at a time to avoid unwanted behaviours and excessive barking.
Temperament
1. Is a Cavalier ideal for a novice owner?
The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is one of the top dogs recommended for first-time owners. With its easy-going personality and generally lower energy level compared with other spaniel breeds, it makes a great family pet. The Cavalier is very affectionate and loves nothing but to be with its people wherever they go.
Is a cocker spaniel ideal for a novice owner?
The cocker spaniel is also a good choice for first-time dog owners. Being initially bred as a hunting dog, this canine loves adventures. Owners need to provide it with enough exercise and mental stimulation to prevent dog boredom. When its needs are met, the cocker spaniel makes a great furry companion.
2. Is the Cavalier good with children?
Unlike most toy breeds, the Cavalier can be a good playmate for children. However, it is your responsibility to teach children how to properly interact with the pooch. Considering the breed’s size, there should be close supervision during Cavalier-to-child interaction, especially clumsy toddlers who might unintentionally injure your pooch during playtime.
Is the Cocker spaniel good with children?
The cocker spaniel is known to have a gentle and loving temperament, which makes it suitable for a family with children. However, it tends to be sensitive and may shy away from improper handling or harsh treatment.
With early puppy socialisation and by teaching your kids how to interact with a canine, a cocker will fit well into your family.
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3. Is the Cavalier good with other pets?
The lovely Cavalier is generally happy to share its life with other dogs and pets. However, with its innate instinct to hunt, owners should be extra careful when introducing the breed to birds and other small animals.
Is the Cocker spaniel good with other pets?
Like the Cavalier, the cocker spaniel can get along well with other pets when proper socialisation has been carried out. Considering this breed’s high prey drive, it is highly alert in the presence of other animals such as birds and hamsters, so take extra care when introducing any new pet to your cocker spaniel.
4. Is the Cavalier good with strangers?
The Cavalier is known to be friendly, even with strangers. Rather than scaring or barking off unwanted visitors, this toy dog will likely greet them as it would with friends.
Is the cocker spaniel good with strangers?
This is a sweet-natured canine that is not prone to excessive barking, even in the presence of a stranger within its territory. As such, it doesn’t make the best guard dog. If there’s someone at the door, it won’t do anything more than a little barking to inform you.
If you like to learn more about other dog breeds, check out our A–Z dog breeds page.
