Breed comparison
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Cocker 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 family4
5Good with young children5
5Good with other dogs5
4Openness to strangers4
3Playfulness3
3Energy level4
4Trainability4
3Mental stimulation needs3
3Adaptability4
3Watchdog / protective3
3Barking3
2Shedding3
2Coat grooming4
2Drooling2
The biggest differences
- Coat grooming: the Cocker Spaniel scores 4 out of 5, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 2.
They score the same on good with young children, good with other dogs, openness to strangers, playfulness, trainability, mental stimulation needs.
Which one should you choose?
Pick the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel if you prefer a calmer dog, you want less dog hair. Pick the Cocker Spaniel if you want an energetic exercise partner, you live in a smaller home or move often.
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.