Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Toy · Small

Golden Retriever

Sporting · Large

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Golden Retriever

Side-by-side comparison of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Golden Retriever — 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

Golden Retriever

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

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Based on grooming needs

Longer lifespan

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Based on average lifespan

Detailed comparison

Physical traits

Trait	Cavalier King Charles Spaniel	Golden Retriever
Size	Small	Large
Height	12–13″	21.5–24″
Weight	13–18 lbs	55–75 lbs
Lifespan	12–15 yrs	10–12 yrs
Group	Toy	Sporting
Coat type	Silky, medium length, feathered	Double coat, long and wavy

Temperament & behavior

Trait	Cavalier King Charles Spaniel	Golden Retriever
Energy level	Moderate	High
Trainability	High	Very High
Barking level	Low	Moderate

Compatibility

Trait	Cavalier King Charles Spaniel	Golden Retriever
Good with kids	Very High	Very High
Good with dogs	Very High	Very High
Good with cats	Very High	High
Apartment friendly	Very High	Low

Care requirements

Trait	Cavalier King Charles Spaniel	Golden Retriever
Shedding	Moderate	Very High
Grooming needs	Moderate	Moderate
Daily exercise	30–60 min	60–120 min
Daily food	0.5–1 cups	2–3 cups
Annual cost	$1 200–$2 200	$1 500–$2 800

Temperament