Are you looking to get yourself a dog but can’t decide between Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Cavapoos?
And while the two breeds have many similarities, they do have many differences as well. When deciding which breed is a better fit for you, there are a few key factors to bear in mind.
In this article, I’ll compare Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Cavapoos in terms of physical characteristics, personality, temperament, energy levels, training, exercise needs, health, and life expectancy.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Cavapoo
Physical Characteristics
When it comes to physical characteristics, both Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Cavapoos are considered small breeds, often referred to as lap dogs.
Cavapoos are slightly larger and heavier, but the difference is almost unnoticeable.
Fully grown Cavapoos can weigh up to 25 pounds, while Cavalier King Charles Spaniels rarely exceed 20 pounds. Also, with a maximum height of 14 inches compared to 13 inches, Cavapoos are marginally taller than their cousins.
As for their coats, both breeds are “double-coated” and come in a variety of colors.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel colors include Blenheim, ruby, tricolor, and black & tan. On the other hand, Cavapoos come in apricot, tan, red, tricolor, white, black, and black & white.
Regardless of the color, both dog species shed (Cavapoos shed a bit less).
Preventing shedding is impossible, but a daily brushing of at least 10 minutes is required to keep their coat in good condition. However, grooming Cavaliers will require a bit more effort.
Personality and Temperament
I don’t like generalizing about the temperament and personality of an entire breed since each dog has unique traits that depend on a variety of factors, including genetics and amount of training, but let’s give it a shot.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a docile, gentle, and affectionate dog that is great with children and other pets.
Do you live in a small, big apartment or house with a big yard – it doesn’t matter to Cavaliers; they do fine in most living environments.
However, Cavaliers get very attached to their owners, which sometimes may cause separation anxiety. In other words, they dislike being alone and can become overly distressed.
Besides that, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are super adaptable and easygoing dogs, and they are perfect for first-time dog owners.
Cavapoos are also social, family-oriented, peaceful, and kind dogs. They enjoy attention and interaction and are great with kids, making them excellent family dogs.
Cavapoos (having Poodle genes) are a bit less clingy to their owners and more independent than their Cavalier counterparts. As such, they are less likely to be anxious when left alone.
Also, unlike Cavaliers, Cavapoos have lots of energy, which makes them an excellent fit for an active family. Before getting one of the two breeds, you should take into consideration your lifestyle and activity level.
Energy Levels, Training, and Exercise Needs
Even though both Cavaliers and Cavapoos have unique requirements, there are similarities between the two breeds regarding energy levels, training, and exercise needs.
Starting with the energy level, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is more laid-back and, therefore, requires less exercise than the Cavapoo.
Cavapoos are known for their medium to high energy levels, and this is especially true for young puppies.
Daily activity in terms of walking and playing of about 30 minutes should be enough to keep the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in good physical shape, while the Cavapoo may require a bit more exercise, such as a long walk or a play session outdoors that lasts at least 40 minutes.
When it comes to training, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Cavapoos are known for being highly trainable and intelligent dogs. However, the Cavapoo’s poodle heritage makes it slightly smarter, which makes training less of a challenge.
Still, even though both breeds are relatively easy to train, you should be patient and consistent and keep training sessions short, fun, and creative to keep their attention.
Related Article: King Charles Spaniel vs Cavalier
Health and Life Expectancy
Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Cavapoo are prone to specific health problems that are crucial to be aware of when it comes to life expectancy and overall health.
Also, it’s essential to keep in mind that good care, a healthy lifestyle, and regular veterinary screenings can aid in preventing or managing these health issues.
However, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are more inclined toward health issues than Cavapoos. Some of the most common health problems that Cavaliers face are mitral valve disease, hip dysplasia, syringomyelia, patella luxation, middle ear infections, cataracts, and epilepsy.
On the other hand, Cavapoos, who share 50% of Cavalier DNA, have a reduced risk of developing some of the mentioned genetic issues. Still, there are a few medical problems they are known to face. These include progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy, and hip dysplasia.
As for life expectancy, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels live between 9 and 13 years on average, while Cavapoos tend to live between 10 and 15 years.
FAQs on Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Cavapoo
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Cavapoo to help you make an informed decision when choosing between these two breeds.
Which dog is better, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Cavapoo?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question. Both breeds are, as already noted, docile, friendly, affectionate, do good with kids and other animals, and love spending time with families. They also adapt perfectly to most types of housing options. “Better breed” ultimately comes down to your lifestyle and your preferences.
How do you choose between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Cavapoo?
As both breeds are pretty similar in many aspects, energy levels and appearance may be decisive factors for you in choosing between the two. So, if you are a more laid-back and less active type of person, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will perhaps suit your style better. However, if your activity levels are high, you probably want to pick a Cavapoo that will match your energy.
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How do you find a reputable breeder for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Cavapoos?
Choosing a reputable breeder can require a bit of effort and research skills to ensure that you are getting a healthy pup. Here are a few things you should look for when looking for a good breeder:
- Are puppies raised in good breeding facilities?
- Are puppies socialized?
- Are puppies fed with a proper diet?
- Do puppies come with a health guarantee?
- Check more information about breeders via the website and social media
- Check customer testimonials
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Cavapoo Summary Table
In conclusion, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Cavapoo are excellent family pets, and you won’t go wrong choosing either of the two.
And while they have many similarities, they do, however, have some differences in terms of personality, energy level, grooming needs, and health concerns.
It is important to remember that both breeds will require regular exercise, grooming, and veterinary checkups to stay happy and healthy.
Your lifestyle could eventually be decisive when choosing between these breeds.
For the very end, here’s a table summary for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Cavapoos.
| Breed | CKCS | Cavapoo |
| Size | 9 – 13 inches | 10 – 14 inches |
| Weight | 13 – 20 pounds | 12 – 25 pounds |
| Prone to Obesity | Average to High | Average to High |
| Coat Colors | Blenheim, Ruby, Tricolor, and Black & Tan | Apricot, Tan, Red, Tricolor, White, Black, and Black & White |
| Exercise Needs | Moderate | Moderate |
| Energy Level | Low Energy | Medium to High Energy |
| Intelligence | Smart | Very Smart |
| Trainability | Easy | Very Easy |
| Affectionate Level | Very High | Very High |
| Adaptability Level | Very High | Very High |
| Apartment Friendly | Yes | Yes |
| Suitable for Children | Yes | Yes |
| Hypoallergenic | No | Yes |
| Prone to Health Issues | Semi-Frequent Issues | Less-Frequent Issues |
| AKC Group | Yes | No |
| Price | $1,500 – $3,500 | $1,500 – $3,000 |