Breed comparison
Boston Terrier vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
How the two breeds compare on the American Kennel Club's 1 to 5 trait ratings, and which one suits which home.
5Affection with family5
5Good with young children5
4Good with other dogs5
5Openness to strangers4
5Playfulness3
4Energy level3
4Trainability4
3Mental stimulation needs3
3Adaptability3
3Watchdog / protective3
2Barking3
2Shedding2
2Coat grooming2
1Drooling2
The biggest differences
- Playfulness: the Boston Terrier scores 5 out of 5, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 3.
They score the same on affection with family, good with young children, trainability, mental stimulation needs, adaptability, watchdog / protective.
Which one should you choose?
Pick the Boston Terrier if you want an energetic exercise partner, you want a quieter dog. Pick the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel if you prefer a calmer dog, you have other dogs.
Ratings are general breed tendencies from the AKC. Every dog is an individual, so meet the dog, and its parents if you can, before you decide. Not sure? Try the breed selector.
Source: American Kennel Club breed ratings (compiled February 2022). How we check.