Differences and Similarities between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the American Pit Bull Terrier.

Last Updated: Jun 14, 2022

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Versus American Pit Bull Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the American Pit Bull Terrier? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the American Pit Bull Terrier better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the American Pit Bull Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the American Pit Bull Terrier is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and for the American Pit Bull Terrier. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the American Pit Bull Terrier.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the American Pit Bull Terrier.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus American Pit Bull Terrier

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus American Pit Bull Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the American Pit Bull Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small-sized dog while the American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

On the other hand, the American Pit Bull Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus American Pit Bull Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to the American Pit Bull Terrier based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the American Pit Bull Terrier

FactorCavalier King Charles SpanielAmerican Pit Bull Terrier
Tolerates Being Alone1/51/5
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Height12 to 13 inches at the shoulder17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight13 to 18 pounds30 to 85 pounds
Tolerates Hot Weather2/53/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl4/53/5
Tendency NOT to Wander4/52/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor4/51/5
Tolerates Cold Weather3/52/5
Does NOT Shed3/52/5
Does NOT chew on things3/51/5
Low Prey Drive3/53/5
NOT Rambunctious3/52/5
Easy To Groom4/55/5
General Health4/54/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight2/53/5
Easy To Train4/54/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Minimal Exercise Needs2/52/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living5/53/5
Good For Novice Owners5/52/5
Easygoing1/52/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Kid-Friendly5/55/5
Dog Friendly5/51/5
Friendly Toward Strangers5/55/5
Potential For Playfulness5/55/5
Life Span9 to 15 years12 to 16 years
Average Lifespan12.0 years14.0 years
Average Price$2410$1140
Price Range$1800 – $3000$400 – $1200
Temperament Score85.5 percent87.4 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination;
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data
    *Data from AKC.org (The American Kennel Club),dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (The American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the American Pit Bull Terrier. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is 91 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 75 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a better pet than the American Pit Bull Terrier. So, you should get a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel!

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus American Pit Bull Terrier

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the American Pit Bull Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the American Pit Bull Terrier are most different:

  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, American Pit Bull Terriers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are good for new dog owners. However, American Pit Bull Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniels get along well with other dogs. However, American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.
  • The Similarities Between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the American Pit Bull Terrier

    The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the American Pit Bull Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the American Pit Bull Terrier are most similar:

  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the American Pit Bull Terrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the American Pit Bull Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the American Pit Bull Terrier cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the American Pit Bull Terrier are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the American Pit Bull Terrier are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the American Pit Bull Terrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the American Pit Bull Terrier gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the American Pit Bull Terrier are very easy to train.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the American Pit Bull Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the American Pit Bull Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the American Pit Bull Terrier are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the American Pit Bull Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the American Pit Bull Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the American Pit Bull Terrier are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the American Pit Bull Terrier are very playful.
  • Size Comparison of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus American Pit Bull Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the American Pit Bull Terrier.

    The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel weighs 13 to 18 pounds when fully grown. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is 12 to 13 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, the American Pit Bull Terrier weighs 30 to 85 pounds when fully grown. The American Pit Bull Terrier is 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Size of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Size of American Pit Bull Terrier

    Appearance (Colors) of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the American Pit Bull Terrier

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Colors

    The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Bicolor
    • Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
    • Apricot / Beige
    • Red / Chestnut / Orange
    • White / Cream
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Black

    The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

    • White / Cream
    • Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Red / Chestnut / Orange
    • Gray / Blue / Silver
    • Brown / Chocolate

    American Pit Bull Terrier Colors

    The American Pit Bull Terrier comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Bicolor
    • Gray / Blue / Silver
    • Black
    • White / Cream
    • Brindle
    • Red / Chestnut / Orange
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
    • Apricot / Beige
    • Golden
    • Merle (Red)
    • Merle (Blue)

    The American Pit Bull Terrier comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

    • Gray / Blue / Silver
    • White / Cream
    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Brindle
    • Black
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Red / Chestnut / Orange
    • Golden

    Lifespan of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus American Pit Bull Terrier

    The lifespan of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is between 9 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is 12.0 years.

    The lifespan of the American Pit Bull Terrier is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of the American Pit Bull Terrier is 14.0 years.

    The American Pit Bull Terrier live longer than the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus American Pit Bull Terrier

    Temperament of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Versus the American Pit Bull Terrier

    The American Pit Bull Terrier has a better temperament than the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

    This is because the temperament score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 87.4 percent while the temperament score for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is 85.5 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 85.5 percent, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 87.4 percent, the American Pit Bull Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the American Pit Bull Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 62 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and 931 American Pit Bull Terriers.

    Price of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Price of American Pit Bull Terrier

    The average price of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy is $2410. The price of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel typically ranges from $1800 – $3000. However, the price of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can be as low as $300 and as high as $7995. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1216 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy is $1140. The price of the American Pit Bull Terrier typically ranges from $400 – $1200. However, the price of the American Pit Bull Terrier can be as low as $100 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 877 American Pit Bull Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is more expensive than the American Pit Bull Terrier.

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel American Pit Bull Terrier
    Average Price $2410 $1140
    Price Range $1800 to $3000 $400 to $1200

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and American Pit Bull Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies or how many American Pit Bull Terrier puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of American Pit Bull Terriers

    A breakdown of the prices of American Pit Bull Terriers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy or the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus American Pit Bull Terrier

    Adopting the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Adopting the American Pit Bull Terrier

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and many American Pit Bull Terriers are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Drew that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Cavalier King Charles Spaniels like Drew on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, American Pit Bull Terriers are also available for adoption. For example, Papa is a Male American Pit Bull Terrier that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more American Pit Bull Terriers like Papa that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the American Pit Bull Terrier can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Winston is the name of another Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Kuba is an adorable Male American Pit Bull Terrier on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and American Pit Bull Terriers are always available for adoption. Images and image labels from petfinder.com

    You can find more Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and American Pit Bull Terriers that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus American Pit Bull Terrier

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels shed more than American Pit Bull Terriers?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels shed moderately.

    American Pit Bull Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the American Pit Bull Terrier?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the American Pit Bull Terrier?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels good family dogs? What about American Pit Bull Terriers?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    American Pit Bull Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Easier to Train than the American Pit Bull Terrier?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very easy to train.

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the American Pit Bull Terrier

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    American Pit Bull Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and American Pit Bull Terriers?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    American Pit Bull Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the American Pit Bull Terrier?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    American Pit Bull Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about American Pit Bull Terriers?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    American Pit Bull Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    American Pit Bull Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs. American Pit Bull Terrier

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    American Pit Bull Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    American Pit Bull Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the American Pit Bull Terrier?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

    American Pit Bull Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the American Pit Bull Terrier?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    American Pit Bull Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel compares to other breeds aside from the American Pit Bull Terrier. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to other breeds:

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Kuvasz     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Catahoula Bulldog     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Boerboel     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Irish Wolfhound     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Barbet     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Shetland Sheepdog     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Cavapoo     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Whoodle     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Japanese Spitz     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Dogo Argentino     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Bouvier des Flandres     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus English Cocker Spaniel     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Valley Bulldog     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Black Russian Terrier     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Boston Terrier     

    Conclusion: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus American Pit Bull Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the American Pit Bull Terrier better suits you and your family.