Differences and Similarities between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bracco Italiano.

Last Updated: Jun 14, 2022

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Versus Bracco Italiano: 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 Bracco Italiano? 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 Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano. 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 Bracco Italiano.

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 Bracco Italiano.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Bracco Italiano

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Bracco Italiano: Overview

A very important difference between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bracco Italiano is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small-sized dog while the Bracco Italiano is a large-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 Bracco Italiano belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Bracco Italiano: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to the Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano

FactorCavalier King Charles SpanielBracco Italiano
Tolerates Being Alone1/53/5
Does NOT Drool5/54/5
Height12 to 13 inches at the shoulder22 to 26 inches
Weight13 to 18 pounds55 to 90 pounds
Tolerates Hot Weather2/53/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl4/54/5
Tendency NOT to Wander4/53/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor4/52/5
Tolerates Cold Weather3/53/5
Does NOT Shed3/53/5
Does NOT chew on things3/54/5
Low Prey Drive3/51/5
NOT Rambunctious3/52/5
Easy To Groom4/55/5
General Health4/52/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight2/53/5
Easy To Train4/53/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Minimal Exercise Needs2/51/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living5/51/5
Good For Novice Owners5/52/5
Easygoing1/52/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Kid-Friendly5/54/5
Dog Friendly5/55/5
Friendly Toward Strangers5/53/5
Potential For Playfulness5/54/5
Life Span9 to 15 years10 to 14 years
Average Lifespan12.0 years12.0 years
Average Price$2410$2300
Price Range$1800 – $3000$2000 – $2500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination;
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination – annual exam recommended
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • *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 Bracco Italiano. 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 Bracco Italiano is 76 out of 125.

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

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Bracco Italiano

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bracco Italiano

    Below is a list of where the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bracco Italiano are most different:

  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniels adapt well to apartment living. However, Bracco Italianos do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are good for new dog owners. However, Bracco Italianos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • The Similarities Between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bracco Italiano

    The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bracco Italiano are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bracco Italiano are most similar:

  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bracco Italiano do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bracco Italiano cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bracco Italiano are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bracco Italiano do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bracco Italiano are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bracco Italiano gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bracco Italiano are very easy to train.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bracco Italiano are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bracco Italiano require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bracco Italiano get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bracco Italiano get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bracco Italiano are very playful.
  • Size Comparison of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Bracco Italiano

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bracco Italiano.

    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 Bracco Italiano weighs 55 to 90 pounds when fully grown. The Bracco Italiano is 22 to 26 inches when fully grown.

    Size of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Size of Bracco Italiano

    Lifespan of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Bracco Italiano

    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 Bracco Italiano is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Bracco Italiano is 12.0 years.

    The Bracco Italiano live as long as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Bracco Italiano

    Price of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Price of Bracco Italiano

    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 Bracco Italiano puppy is $2300. The price of the Bracco Italiano typically ranges from $2000 – $2500. However, the price of the Bracco Italiano can be as low as $2000 and as high as $2500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 5 Bracco Italiano puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is more expensive than the Bracco Italiano.

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Bracco Italiano
    Average Price $2410 $2300
    Price Range $1800 to $3000 $2000 to $2500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bracco Italiano. For different price points, the charts show how many Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies or how many Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italianos

    A breakdown of the prices of Bracco Italianos

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy or the Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano

    Health Problems of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Health Problems of Bracco Italiano

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bracco Italiano are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Bracco Italiano is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

    4 health tests are recommended for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel while 4 tests are recommended for the Bracco Italiano.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and in Bracco Italianos.

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Health Problems

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Cavalier King Charles Spaniels for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination;
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation

  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels here.

    Bracco Italiano Health Problems

    Bracco Italianos are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Bracco Italiano puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Bracco Italiano puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Bracco Italiano breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Bracco Italianos for:

  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination – annual exam recommended
  • Hip Dysplasia

  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Bracco Italianos here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Bracco Italianos

    Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Breed is Episodic Falling problems.

    This is because the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel ranks 1 out of 1 dog breeds for Episodic Falling problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 454 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, 3 of them had Episodic Falling problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and how common these diseases are in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Episodic Falling problems: Rank 1 out of 1 Dog Breeds
  • Basic Cardiac problems: Rank 3 out of 16 Dog Breeds
  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 4 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 13 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Advanced Cardiac problems: Rank 16 out of 71 Dog Breeds
  • Dentition Database problems: Rank 19 out of 49 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 73 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 79 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 101 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 115 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Bracco Italiano Breed is Eyes problems.

    This is because the Bracco Italiano ranks 31 out of 182 dog breeds for Eyes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 96 Bracco Italianos, 2 of them had Eyes problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Bracco Italianos, and how common these diseases are in Bracco Italianos relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Eyes problems: Rank 31 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 35 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 109 out of 198 Dog Breeds

  • The table below lists the common health problems in Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and in Bracco Italiano and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bracco Italiano:

    Disease Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rank Bracco Italiano Rank
    Episodic Falling problems 1 out of 1 dog breeds Not Common
    Basic Cardiac problems 3 out of 16 dog breeds Not Common
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems 4 out of 70 dog breeds Not Common
    Congenital Cardiac problems 13 out of 159 dog breeds Not Common
    Advanced Cardiac problems 16 out of 71 dog breeds Not Common
    Dentition Database problems 19 out of 49 dog breeds Not Common
    Patella problems 73 out of 145 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 79 out of 198 dog breeds 109 out of 198 dog breeds
    Eyes problems 101 out of 182 dog breeds 31 out of 182 dog breeds
    Elbow problems 115 out of 144 dog breeds 35 out of 144 dog breeds

    *To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.

    Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Bracco Italiano

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

    Bracco Italianos can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels shed more than Bracco Italianos?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels shed moderately.

    Bracco Italianos shed moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Bracco Italiano?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Bracco Italianos are very easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Bracco Italiano?

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

    Bracco Italianos get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels good family dogs? What about Bracco Italianos?

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

    Bracco Italianos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Easier to Train than the Bracco Italiano?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Bracco Italianos are fairly easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Bracco Italiano

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

    Bracco Italianos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Bracco Italianos?

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

    Bracco Italianos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Bracco Italiano?

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

    Bracco Italianos have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Bracco Italianos?

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

    Bracco Italianos are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Bracco Italianos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Bracco Italianos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs. Bracco Italiano

    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.

    Bracco Italianos have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Bracco Italianos Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Bracco Italianos 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 Bracco Italiano?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

    Bracco Italianos do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Bracco Italiano?

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

    Bracco Italianos 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 Bracco Italiano. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to other breeds:

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Puggle     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Shiloh Shepherd     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Maltipoo     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Patterdale Terrier     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Cairn Terrier     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Shichon     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Goldendoodle     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Keeshond     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Scottish Terrier     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Schipperke     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Beaglier     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Spinone Italiano     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Bloodhound     

    Conclusion: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Bracco Italiano. 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 Bracco Italiano better suits you and your family.