Why you Should Get the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Instead of the Dutch Shepherd.

Last Updated: Jun 14, 2022

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Versus Dutch Shepherd: 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 Dutch Shepherd? 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd.

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

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 Dutch Shepherd.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Dutch Shepherd

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Dutch Shepherd: Overview

A very important difference between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Dutch Shepherd is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small-sized dog while the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Dutch Shepherd: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd

FactorCavalier King Charles SpanielDutch Shepherd
Tolerates Being Alone1/52/5
Does NOT Drool5/54/5
Height12 to 13 inches at the shoulder21 to 25 inches
Weight13 to 18 pounds50 to 70 pounds
Tolerates Hot Weather2/54/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl4/54/5
Tendency NOT to Wander4/54/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor4/53/5
Tolerates Cold Weather3/54/5
Does NOT Shed3/52/5
Does NOT chew on things3/54/5
Low Prey Drive3/53/5
NOT Rambunctious3/52/5
Easy To Groom4/53/5
General Health4/54/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight2/54/5
Easy To Train4/55/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Minimal Exercise Needs2/52/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living5/53/5
Good For Novice Owners5/53/5
Easygoing1/53/5
Affectionate With Family5/54/5
Kid-Friendly5/54/5
Dog Friendly5/54/5
Friendly Toward Strangers5/52/5
Potential For Playfulness5/54/5
Life Span9 to 15 years12 to 15 years
Average Lifespan12.0 years13.5 years
Average Price$2410$1450
Price Range$1800 – $3000$800 – $1500
Temperament Score85.5 percent96.2 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 Dutch Shepherd. 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 Dutch Shepherd is 85 out of 125.

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

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Dutch Shepherd

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Dutch Shepherd

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

  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very friendly towards strangers. However, Dutch Shepherds are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • The Similarities Between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Dutch Shepherd

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

  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Dutch Shepherd do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Dutch Shepherd do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Dutch Shepherd are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Dutch Shepherd are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd are very easy to train.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Dutch Shepherd are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Dutch Shepherd require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Dutch Shepherd are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Dutch Shepherd get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Dutch Shepherd get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Dutch Shepherd are very playful.
  • Size Comparison of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Dutch Shepherd

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

    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 Dutch Shepherd weighs 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. The Dutch Shepherd is 21 to 25 inches when fully grown.

    Size of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Size of Dutch Shepherd

    Appearance (Colors) of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Dutch Shepherd

    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

    Dutch Shepherd Colors

    The Dutch Shepherd comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • Brindle
    • Black
    • Brown / Chocolate
    • White / Cream

    The Dutch Shepherd comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Brindle
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • White / Cream

    Lifespan of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Dutch Shepherd

    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 Dutch Shepherd is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Dutch Shepherd is 13.5 years.

    The Dutch Shepherd live longer than the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Dutch Shepherd

    Temperament of the Dutch Shepherd Versus the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

    The Dutch Shepherd has a better temperament than the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

    This is because the temperament score for the Dutch Shepherd is 96.2 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 96.2 percent, the Dutch Shepherd has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Dutch Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 62 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and 26 Dutch Shepherds.

    Price of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Price of Dutch Shepherd

    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 Dutch Shepherd puppy is $1450. The price of the Dutch Shepherd typically ranges from $800 – $1500. However, the price of the Dutch Shepherd can be as low as $100 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 164 Dutch Shepherd puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is more expensive than the Dutch Shepherd.

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dutch Shepherd
    Average Price $2410 $1450
    Price Range $1800 to $3000 $800 to $1500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Dutch Shepherd. For different price points, the charts show how many Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies or how many Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherds

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds

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

    Adopting the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Adopting the Dutch Shepherd

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and many Dutch Shepherds 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 Camelot that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Cavalier King Charles Spaniels like Camelot on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Dutch Shepherds are also available for adoption. For example, Gunner is a Male Dutch Shepherd that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Dutch Shepherds like Gunner that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Dutch Shepherd can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

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

    Also, Ulter is an adorable Male Dutch Shepherd on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Dutch Shepherds are always available for adoption. Images and image labels from petfinder.com

    You can find more Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Dutch Shepherds that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Dutch Shepherd

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

    Dutch Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels shed more than Dutch Shepherds?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels shed moderately.

    Dutch Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Dutch Shepherd?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Dutch Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Dutch Shepherd?

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

    Dutch Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels good family dogs? What about Dutch Shepherds?

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

    Dutch Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Easier to Train than the Dutch Shepherd?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Dutch Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Dutch Shepherd

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

    Dutch Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Dutch Shepherds?

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

    Dutch Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Dutch Shepherd?

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

    Dutch Shepherds have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Dutch Shepherds?

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

    Dutch Shepherds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Dutch Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs. Dutch Shepherd

    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.

    Dutch Shepherds do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Dutch Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

    Is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Dutch Shepherd?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

    Dutch Shepherds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Dutch Shepherd?

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

    Dutch Shepherds are OK 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 Dutch Shepherd. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to other breeds:

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Sheepadoodle     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Clumber Spaniel     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Sloughi     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Belgian Tervuren     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus French Spaniel     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Cavapoo     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Great Dane     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Labrador Retriever     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Saluki     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Tibetan Terrier     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Akita     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Cairn Terrier     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Bracco Italiano     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Norwegian Lundehund     

    Conclusion: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Dutch Shepherd. 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 Dutch Shepherd better suits you and your family.