Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Toy · Small

German Shepherd

Herding · Large

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs German Shepherd

Side-by-side comparison of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and German Shepherd — size, temperament, shedding, trainability, cost, and compatibility ratings.

Quick comparison

Best for families

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Based on good-with-kids rating

Easier to train

German Shepherd

Based on trainability rating

Less shedding

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Based on shedding level

Better for apartments

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Based on apartment-friendly rating

Lower maintenance

German Shepherd

Based on grooming needs

Longer lifespan

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Based on average lifespan

Detailed comparison

Physical traits

Trait	Cavalier King Charles Spaniel	German Shepherd
Size	Small	Large
Height	12–13″	22–26″
Weight	13–18 lbs	50–90 lbs
Lifespan	12–15 yrs	7–10 yrs
Group	Toy	Herding
Coat type	Silky, medium length, feathered	Dense double coat, medium length

Temperament & behavior

Trait	Cavalier King Charles Spaniel	German Shepherd
Energy level	Moderate	Very High
Trainability	High	Very High
Barking level	Low	Moderate

Compatibility

Trait	Cavalier King Charles Spaniel	German Shepherd
Good with kids	Very High	High
Good with dogs	Very High	Moderate
Good with cats	Very High	Low
Apartment friendly	Very High	Low

Care requirements

Trait	Cavalier King Charles Spaniel	German Shepherd
Shedding	Moderate	Very High
Grooming needs	Moderate	Low
Daily exercise	30–60 min	60–120 min
Daily food	0.5–1 cups	2.5–3.5 cups
Annual cost	$1 200–$2 200	$1 500–$2 600

Temperament