Cavaliers and English Toy Spaniels, also known as King Charles Spaniels, are quite closely related. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were not even recognized as a distinct breed until 1945. Dogs of both breeds make great family pets and therapy animals. Cavaliers are more energetic and friendly with strangers, and English Toy Spaniels are classic lapdogs that are a little more reserved in their disposition.
If you wonder why English Toy Spaniels are often referred to as King Charles Spaniels, the latter is just the name of the breed in the United Kingdom.
Basic Information About The Breeds
| Breed | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | English Toy Spaniel |
| Size | 12-15 in (30 -38 cm) | 9-11 in (23-28 cm) |
| Weight | 12-20 lbs (5.5-9 kg) | 8-14 lbs ( kg) |
| Head | more proportionate to the size of the dog, the skull is quite flat between the ears | large head with a high dome, protruding over the eyes |
| Muzzle | moderately long | very short |
| Coat colors | Blenheim (chestnut, white), tri-color (black, white, tan), ruby, black and tan | Blenheim (chestnut, white), tri-color (black, white, tan), ruby, black and tan |
| Coat quality | thin, moderate length, straight or slight wave, moderate shedding | heavier, longer coat, slightly wavy, sheds moderately |
| Life expectancy | 9-14 years | 10-14 years |
| Exercise needs | low to moderate | low |
| Suitable for children | yes | yes |
| Hypoallergenic | no | no |
Brief History Of The Breeds
Both breeds are of the toy group but with an athletic past, given their spaniel background. The two breeds are related quite closely.
The English Toy Spaniel, or King Charles Spaniel, as a breed, goes back to the 17th century when they were cherished by a number of English royal persons. King Charles, I was so fond of the breed that he decreed that these dogs were allowed in all public buildings.
Bred primarily as companion dogs, English Toy Spaniels did accompany their owners on hunting trips too, so they were a sporty breed.
Their features kept changing over the centuries, due to selective breeding, and by the start of the 20th century, there were few dogs that looked like contemporary Cavaliers. Longer muzzles were not a popular trait back then. In the 1920s, however, a person of wealth Rosewell Eldridge paid breeders cash for promoting the longer-muzzled Cavaliers, and their population recovered.
In 1945 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were recognized as a breed, distinctive from English Toy Spaniels, and have become increasingly popular since then.
Energy Levels, The Dog As An Activity Partner
Neither breed is particularly athletic but Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have higher energy levels and require more exercise. These dogs enjoy going on easy hikes and love a nice walk. Your Cavalier will benefit from a daily hour-long walk or a couple of shorter walks.
English Toy Spaniels are classic lap dogs and do not need much exercise to stay calm and content. They still need a daily walk or some running around in the yard or in a park. These pups do not do well with distance running and might struggle even with an easy hike.
Keep in mind that the dogs of both breeds are brachycephalic and sensitive to hot weather, which further limits their athletic potential. We have a post dedicated to the Cavaliers and hot weather but the discussions are applicable to the English Toy Spaniels, too.
Intelligence, Response To Training
Cavaliers are at the top of the average group when it comes to their intelligence, working intelligence, in particular. High average intelligence is great for family pets. The dog is good at learning commands and new skills but not so smart that it needs to be mentally stimulated at all times. Cavaliers do not usually become restless if there is nothing to do. They are happy to play but enjoy taking a long nap while you are watching a movie, too.
English Toy Spaniels are just a few breeds below in the list of all breeds ranked by working intelligence, according to canine psychologist Stanley Coren. So, just like Cavaliers, these dogs are very capable and benefit from consistent training and repetition of skills and commands regularly.
It is worth noting that dogs of both breeds are easily distractible and are somewhat prone to getting lost in crowded places. These pups do not listen to the owner at a distance as well as when the owner is right next to them. So, practice commands in a variety of situations.
Personality And Temperament
Both breeds are affectionate, usually mellow, and get along well with other family members and pets.
Cavaliers tend to be more clingy and attuned to the owner, as well as friendly with strangers and dogs they meet for the first time. They are quite bubbly and happy to partake in games and events, despite not having high requirements for exercise.
English Toy Spaniels overall could be more reserved around new people and animals. Most of these pups love playing, too, but do not have great stamina. These dogs are more likely to enjoy a lazy day than, say, Cavaliers.
The Dog And Kids
Dogs of both breeds are wonderful pets for families with children with some very subtle differences.
Cavaliers are great with children of all ages but, in comparison to English Toy Spaniels, Cavaliers could be a better fit for younger kids, because they enjoy interaction more than English Toy Spaniels. Cavaliers also happen to be very patient and have higher energy levels.
English Toy Spaniels are more laid back and may prefer to have some space which children do not always wish to provide. They still are very gentle and friendly dogs and make great family pets. If you have very energetic children, a dog of this breed could feel overwhelmed and overstimulated, given their mellow natures.
Very young children, especially infants and toddlers always need close supervision around any animal, even the most patient and even-tempered small dogs.
The Dog And Other Pets
Both Cavaliers and English Toy Spaniels generally do well with other friendly household pets. These dogs may do better in the company of cats or other dogs when it comes to the issue of separation anxiety, for example.
A Cavalier may enjoy active, playful pet friends, an English Toy Spaniel would probably prefer a lazier, couch potato dog or cat, for example, a pug a Basset Hound, or a Persian cat.
When it comes to the breed of any animal, it is probably not all that important. A proper introduction is what matters more. If animals grow up together, they usually do very well in one household but even dogs and cats that are introduced at a mature age do learn to live happily, for the most part. If you notice new, nonspecific behavioral changes when welcoming a new pet, it could be due to stress related to the new addition to the family. Some of the common changes in behavior include soiling or changes in eating patterns.
Behavioral Issues
English Toy Spaniels and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are well-behaved, owner-oriented dogs who are quite easy to train. Behavioral problems are not very common, although any dog is an individual and could have some individual struggles. If any behavioral problems do happen, a common trigger is separation anxiety.
Cavaliers are intolerant of being alone and many dogs of this breed develop separation anxiety. It is something to consider if your pet is likely to spend long hours alone when the human family is at work or school. Having other pets in the house is helpful. English Toy Spaniels are a little less sensitive in that sense but are still somewhat prone to separation anxiety.
Cavaliers are more prone to barking than English Toy Spaniels.
Intolerance Of Hot And Cold Weather
Neither of these two breeds does well with temperature extremes.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and English Toy Spaniels are brachycephalic so they are especially intolerant of hot weather but they do poorly with cold weather, too.
In addition to the shapes of their heads and noses, both breeds have single-layer coats that are not waterproof and do not defend them well against harsh weather conditions.
It could be an important factor to consider, depending on where you live and if you like to be outdoors with your pet a lot.
Grooming Needs And Shedding
Both breeds shed mildly to moderately, depending on the time of the year, and need some regular brushing a few times a week, and bathing every few weeks.
English Toy Spaniels have thicker and longer coats so their fur could appear more noticeable than that of Cavaliers.
Most owners get their dogs’ coats trimmed by a groomer about every 6 weeks. Daily brushing is a good way to prevent matting, especially if the coat is curly.
Health Issues
Being closely related, these dogs share some of the typical ailments. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and English Toy Spaniels are among the most expensive breeds to purchase pet health insurance for because there are several health conditions these pups are susceptible.
- Both breeds are prone to genetic cardiac problems and should be evaluated by a veterinarian, especially if the dog develops fatigue or struggles to breathe when active
- Cataracts are common for older dogs and cause blindness. Surgery to remove cataracts and restore sight could be an option. Most dogs adjust well to losing their sight and live happily, with proper care.
- Hip Dysplasia is common for dogs in general. An animal with hip dysplasia might need pain medications but many continue to lead normal, happy lives, with some activity adjustments.
The following issues are relatively common among Cavalier King Charles Spaniels:
- Syringomyelia (SM) – affects the brain and spine. Symptoms range from mild discomfort to severe pain and/or partial paralysis. Symptoms often start between 6 months and 4 years of age
- Seizure Disorder – the onset is between 6 months and 3 years. The dog may need lifelong medications and occasional testing to keep the seizures under control.
English Toy Spaniels commonly have the following conditions:
- Patellar luxation leads to instability of the knee cap.
To Conclude
The differences between the two breeds are quite subtle and there is probably more variation from dog to dog within the same breed than between these two distinct breeds.
If you are very active outdoors, choose a Cavalier, and an English Toy Spaniel could be a better option for people who enjoy spending time at home. Both breeds are generally well-behaved and are highly adaptable to a variety of households and circumstances.
