American Cocker Spaniel vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: What’s the Difference?
By Jeremiah Wright,
2024-08-30
American Cocker Spaniels and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are both spaniel dog types that have gained huge recognition by the American Kennel Club. Although they belong to the same group, there are some differences that can help you distinguish them.
The American Cocker Spaniel is a sporting dog closely related to the English Cocker Spaniel . On the other hand, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a companion dog that shares the same history as King Charles Spaniel .
Both breeds can make great family pets. However, some features can help you understand which is most suitable for your lifestyle. Read on to learn the dissimilarities between American Cocker Spaniels and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels!
Comparing American Cocker Spaniel vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
American Cocker Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Size
Height- 13.5 to 15.5 inches Weight – 20 to 30 pounds
Height- 12 to 13 inches Weight- 13 to 18 pounds
General Appearance
– Come in various shades, including black, white, tan, brown, red – Have long silky fur on the body and ears – The ears hang down and have an upturned nose – Have rounder eyes and domed skulls
– Can either be black and tan, Blenheim, ruby, or tri-color – Have a silky coat of moderate length – Feathering can grow on their legs, ears, and tail in adulthood – Their ears are set higher, and their skull is flat
Breeding Group
Sporting dogs
Toy dogs
Temperament and Behavior
– Have a cheerful personality and are always aiming to please their owners – They are born hunters, and they love participating in dog sports – They are adaptable to almost any environment
– Intelligent and easily trainable – They enjoy most social settings and take pride in getting to know everyone, making them one of the most effective therapy dogs – Their ability to bond with other dogs makes them ideal in houses with more than one pup
Common Health Problems
They are susceptible to a variety of illnesses, including ear infections, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy, and cataracts
– They are typically prone to mitral valve disease, which usually leads to heart failure. – They are also susceptible to hip dysplasia and syringomyelia condition
Lifespan
10 to 14 years
12 to 15 years
The Key Differences Between the American Cocker Spaniel and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
There are several key differences between the American Cocker Spaniel and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel . These differences include size, appearance, breeding group, behavior, health problems, and lifespan.
Let’s examine these differences in detail!
American Cocker Spaniel vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Size
American Cocker Spaniels are slightly larger than Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
American Cocker Spaniels are slightly larger than Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Female American Cocker Spaniels are about 13.5 to 14.5 inches tall and weigh roughly 20 to 25 pounds. Male American Cocker Spaniels stand between 14.5 and 15.5 inches high and weigh approximately 25 to 30 pounds.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, which measures between 12 and 13 inches and weighs between 13 and 18 pounds, is smaller and lighter than its cocker cousin.
American Cocker Spaniel vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: General Appearance
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can have featherings on its legs, ears, and tail.
The American Cocker Spaniel comes in various shades, including black, white, and tan. It has round eyes and a domed skull. It has long silky fur on its body and ears. Its ears hang down, and its head has an upturned nose. Depending on the breed’s color, its nose can be black or brown.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can be white and black, tan, Blenheim, ruby, or tri-color (black and white with tan markings). It has a silky coat of moderate length. As an adult, the Cavalier can have featherings on its legs, ears, and tail. Unlike the American Cocker Spaniels, Cavalier’s ears are set higher.
American Cocker Spaniel vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Breeding Group
American Cocker Spaniels are a sporting dog breed. They are best for lively homes, whether small or large. They do well with pet parents who are willing to commit to spending extra time playing with them.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are officially grouped as toy dogs , and they’re often considered perfect companion dogs. They are best for people who want an “up-for-anything” companion. They are excellent family dogs who thrive well in low- and high-activity households. They are great with kids and other animals.
American Cocker Spaniel vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Temperament and Behavior
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are intelligent and easy to train.
American Cocker Spaniels are born hunters who love playing with their owners and participating in dog sports. They are gentle and loving dogs who enjoy the company of their humans . Although they tend to bark quite often, they are adaptable and can make themselves comfortable in almost any environment.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are intelligent and easy to train. They are ideal for homes with more pups since they can easily bond with other dogs. With their sweet and gentle demeanor, it’s no surprise that Cavaliers get along well with children.
American Cocker Spaniel vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Common Health Problems
American Cocker Spaniels are prone to various illnesses, including ear infections, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy, and cataracts. Hip dysplasia and luxating patellas have been identified in some breed members.
Several common health problems affect Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. They are prone to mitral valve disease, which often leads to heart failure. Eye conditions like cataracts affect their vision. They are also susceptible to hip dysplasia and syringomyelia .
American Cocker Spaniel vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Lifespan
The American Cocker Spaniel’s lifespan is 10 to 14 years.
With a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel usually lives longer than the American Cocker Spaniel. The American Cocker Spaniel’s lifespan is 10 to 14 years.
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