Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Dachshund
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Toy Group
Dachshund
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Overview
Graceful and compact, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels feature silky coats in four distinct color patterns, expressive round eyes, and gently domed heads. Their medium-length coat flows elegantly, while their friendly expressions and feathered ears create an endearing appearance. These gentle companions combine royal refinement with a sweet, affectionate nature, moving with characteristic grace and dignity.
Dachshund Overview
Dachshunds, with their distinctive long bodies and short legs, embody a perfect blend of charm and determination. Their smooth, wirehaired, or longhaired coats come in various colors, complementing their alert, intelligent expressions and paddle-shaped paws. Standing 8-9 inches tall, these compact hounds possess muscular bodies designed for tracking prey into burrows, while their long, tapered muzzles and powerful jaws reflect their hunting heritage.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are less energetic than Dachshunds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels require less grooming attention compared to Dachshunds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels tend to be more reserved with strangers than Dachshunds.
- Trainability: Dachshunds may be slightly easier to train due to their Dachshund's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels adapt better to apartment living, while Dachshunds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Dachshund, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Dachshund |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Dachshund |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 12-13 inches 30-33 cm | 5-9 inches 13-23 cm |
| Weight | 13-18 lbs 6-8 kg | 11-32 lbs 5-15 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Dachshund |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Gentle, Graceful | Friendly, Curious, Spunky |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Dachshund |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Temperament
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is known for being affectionate, gentle, graceful, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Dachshund Temperament
The Dachshund is characterized by being friendly, curious, spunky, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Dachshund, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
Dachshund
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
Dachshund
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Rating: 2/5
Dachshund
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Rating: 2/5
Dachshund
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Dachshund
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Dachshund Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Dachshunds need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Dachshunds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Mitral Valve Disease
- Syringomyelia
- Hip Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Eye Problems
Dachshund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- IVDD
- PRA
- Obesity
- Patella
- Heart
Pros & Cons
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
Dachshund
Pros
- Adaptable to various living situations
- Affectionate with family
- Good watchdogs
- Minimal grooming needs
Cons
- Can be stubborn during training
- Prone to back problems
- May be vocal
- Can be challenging to housebreak
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Dachshund, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.