Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Australian Shepherd
Breed Compatibility
88% Compatible
Energy Level
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Calm0.4
Australian Shepherd: Energetic0.8
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Eager to Please1.0
Australian Shepherd: Eager to Please1.0
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Weekly Brushing0.4
Australian Shepherd: Weekly Brushing0.4
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel5/5
Australian Shepherd5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel5/5
Australian Shepherd3/5
Good with Strangers
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel4/5
Australian Shepherd3/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Mitral Valve Disease: Heart condition
Syringomyelia: Neurological disorder
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation
Patellar Luxation: Kneecap issues
Eye Problems: Various conditions
Heart Murmurs: Cardiac concerns
Australian Shepherd
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
MDR1 Gene: Drug sensitivity issue
CEA: Hereditary eye condition
Epilepsy: Neurological disorder
Cataracts: Vision impairment risk
Elbow Dysplasia: Joint development
Pros & Cons Comparison
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Pros
Exceptionally affectionate
Good with children
Adaptable to different living situations
Easy to train
Gentle temperament
Cons
Significant health concerns
Regular grooming required
Separation anxiety prone
Cannot be left alone long
Expensive medical care
Australian Shepherd
Pros
Highly intelligent
Excellent work ethic
Versatile abilities
Strong protective instincts
Athletic and agile
Cons
High exercise needs
Intense herding instinct
Heavy shedding
Can be too energetic
Requires constant mental stimulation
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Fun Fact
King Charles II was so devoted to these dogs that he decreed they be allowed in any public place, including Parliament!
Australian Shepherd Fun Fact
Australian Shepherds, despite their name, were actually developed in the western United States, not Australia!
Heritage & Purpose
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Origin:
Developed in the United Kingdom during the 16th century as companion dogs for nobility, particularly favored by King Charles II. Served as lap warmers and gentle companions.
Australian Shepherd
Origin:
Developed in western United States during the 1800s, these dogs excelled in herding livestock across challenging terrain. Their versatile skills and keen intelligence made them invaluable to ranchers.
Special Considerations
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Regular heart monitoring required. Daily brushing needed to maintain coat. Cannot tolerate extreme temperatures or long periods of solitude.
Australian Shepherd
Regular grooming needed during shedding seasons. Requires extensive daily exercise and mental stimulation. Health testing for MDR1 gene mutation recommended.