Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Plott Hound
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
Plott Hound
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.
Plott Hound Overview
Plott Hounds are muscular, agile hunting dogs with distinctive brindle coats and keen tracking abilities. Their athletic build features strong legs, deep chest, and powerful shoulders suited for endurance in rough terrain. Alert expressions and well-proportioned heads complement their determined, intelligent nature. These hounds display remarkable stamina and tenacity while maintaining a dignified, confident bearing.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are less energetic than Plott Hounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels require more grooming attention compared to Plott Hounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Plott Hounds.
- Trainability: Plott Hounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Plott Hound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels adapt better to apartment living, while Plott Hounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Plott Hound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Plott Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | United States |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Plott Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 12-13 inches 30-33 cm | 20-25 inches 51-64 cm |
| Weight | 13-18 lbs 6-8 kg | 40-60 lbs 18-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Medium coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Medium |
| Shedding | Occasional | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Plott Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Gentle, Graceful | Loyal, Alert, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Plott Hound |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Plott Hound Temperament
The Plott Hound is characterized by being loyal, alert, intelligent, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Plott Hound, 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
Plott Hound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
Plott Hound
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Rating: 2/5
Plott Hound
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Rating: 2/5
Plott Hound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Plott Hound
Rating: 2/5
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.
Plott Hound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Plott Hounds need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their medium coat coat, Plott Hounds 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
Plott Hound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Heart Issues
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
Plott Hound
Pros
- Excellent tracking abilities
- Loyal companion
- Athletic and enduring
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise requirements
- Strong prey drive
- Independent nature
- Not apartment suitable
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Plott Hound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.