Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Cocker Spaniel
Two sweet spaniels with soulful eyes. The Cavalier is a dedicated lap warmer; the Cocker is the sportier, busier one.
Side by side
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Cocker Spaniel | Verdict | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 2/5 | 3/5 | The Cocker Spaniel is bigger |
| Energy | 3/5 | 4/5 | The Cocker Spaniel has more energy |
| Shedding | 3/5 | 3/5 | Tie |
| Barking | 2/5 | 3/5 | The Cocker Spaniel barks more |
| Trainability | 4/5 | 4/5 | Tie |
| Kid-friendliness | 5/5 | 5/5 | Tie |
| Drooling | 1/5 | 2/5 | The Cocker Spaniel drools more |
| Life expectancy | 10–14 years | 10–14 years | Tie |
Vet costs
Age 1, U.S.-average prices, $2,000 emergency savings.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- First-year expected vet cost: $865
- Fair monthly insurance price at age 1: $61/mo
- Top cost drivers: Heart murmur / MVD · Fluid cavities in spinal cord
- Expected lifetime vet cost: $20,591
Cocker Spaniel
- First-year expected vet cost: $857
- Fair monthly insurance price at age 1: $60/mo
- Top cost drivers: Underactive thyroid · Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA)
- Expected lifetime vet cost: $14,755
Lifetime totals include lifespan: the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is expected to live 10–14 years, the Cocker Spaniel 10–14 years.
About the same.
Statistical estimate, not a quote or insurance advice.
Choose the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel if…
- You want a gentle lap dog
- You want a smaller dog for apartment life
- You want a dog that loves everyone
Choose the Cocker Spaniel if…
- You want a bit more energy for walks and play
- You like a sturdier sporting dog
- You're okay with more grooming
FAQ
Which is cheaper to insure?
About the same. Fair monthly insurance price at age 1: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel $61, Cocker Spaniel $60. Statistical estimate, not a quote or insurance advice.
Which sheds more?
It's a tie on shedding. Shedding: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 3/5, Cocker Spaniel 3/5.
Which lives longer?
It's a tie on lifespan. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: 10–14 years; Cocker Spaniel: 10–14 years.
Which is better with kids?
It's a tie on kid-friendliness. Kid-friendliness: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 5/5, Cocker Spaniel 5/5.
Test-drive the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel · Test-drive the Cocker Spaniel · Cavalier King Charles Spaniel profile · Cocker Spaniel profile