Why the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is Better than the King Shepherd as a Pet

Last Updated: Jun 14, 2022

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Versus King 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 King 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 King 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 King Shepherd.

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

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus King Shepherd

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus King Shepherd: Overview

A very important difference between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the King Shepherd is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small-sized dog while the King Shepherd is a giant-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 King Shepherd belongs to the Hybrid Dogs group. Hybrid Dogs are the offspring of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus King Shepherd: Comparison Table

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

FactorCavalier King Charles SpanielKing Shepherd
Tolerates Being Alone1/52/5
Does NOT Drool5/52/5
Height12 to 13 inches at the shoulder25 to 31 inches
Weight13 to 18 pounds75 to 150 pounds
Tolerates Hot Weather2/54/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl4/54/5
Tendency NOT to Wander4/53/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor4/53/5
Tolerates Cold Weather3/55/5
Does NOT Shed3/52/5
Does NOT chew on things3/53/5
Low Prey Drive3/54/5
NOT Rambunctious3/53/5
Easy To Groom4/54/5
General Health4/53/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight2/52/5
Easy To Train4/54/5
Intelligence4/55/5
Minimal Exercise Needs2/52/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living5/54/5
Good For Novice Owners5/52/5
Easygoing1/52/5
Affectionate With Family5/54/5
Kid-Friendly5/54/5
Dog Friendly5/55/5
Friendly Toward Strangers5/54/5
Potential For Playfulness5/54/5
Life Span9 to 15 years10 to 11 years
Average Lifespan12.0 years10.5 years
Average Price$2410$1880
Price Range$1800 – $3000$850 – $3000
Temperament Score85.5 percent100.0 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 King 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 King Shepherd is 84 out of 125.

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

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus King Shepherd

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

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

  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do not have the tendency to drool. However, King Shepherds have a very high tendency to drool.
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are good for new dog owners. However, King Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • The Similarities Between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the King Shepherd

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

  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the King Shepherd do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the King Shepherd are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the King 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 King Shepherd do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the King Shepherd are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the King 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 King Shepherd gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the King Shepherd are very easy to train.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the King Shepherd are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the King Shepherd require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the King Shepherd adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the King Shepherd 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 King Shepherd are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the King Shepherd get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the King Shepherd get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the King Shepherd are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the King Shepherd are very playful.
  • Size Comparison of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus King Shepherd

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the King 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 King Shepherd weighs 75 to 150 pounds when fully grown. The King Shepherd is 25 to 31 inches when fully grown.

    Size of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Size of King Shepherd

    Lifespan of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus King 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 King Shepherd is between 10 to 11 years . The average lifespan of the King Shepherd is 10.5 years.

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

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus King Shepherd

    Temperament of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Versus the King Shepherd

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

    This is because the temperament score for the King Shepherd is 100.0 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 100.0 percent, the King 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 King Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 62 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and 1 King Shepherds.

    Price of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Price of King 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 King Shepherd puppy is $1880. The price of the King Shepherd typically ranges from $850 – $3000. However, the price of the King Shepherd can be as low as $150 and as high as $3500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 47 King Shepherd puppies listed for sale from various sources.

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

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel King Shepherd
    Average Price $2410 $1880
    Price Range $1800 to $3000 $850 to $3000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of King Shepherds

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus King Shepherd

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

    King Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels shed more than King Shepherds?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels shed moderately.

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

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

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    King Shepherds are very easy to groom.

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

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

    King Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

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

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

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

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

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very easy to train.

    King Shepherds are very easy to train.

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

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

    King Shepherds have a very high tendency to drool.

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

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

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

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

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

    King Shepherds have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

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

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

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

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

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    King Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs. King 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.

    King Shepherds 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 King Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    King Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

    King Shepherds adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

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

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Maremma Sheepdog     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Dachshund     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Coton de Tulear     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Chinese Crested     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Scottish Terrier     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus American Foxhound     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Pyredoodle     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Shihpoo     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Shih Tzu     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus English Setter     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Goldador     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Akita     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Lakeland Terrier     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Miniature Pinscher     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Clumber Spaniel     

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