Saint Bernard vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Saint Bernard
Working Group
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Saint Bernard Overview
Saint Bernards are majestic giants with powerful, muscular bodies and distinctive broad heads. Their thick double coat comes in white with red, brown, or brindle markings. Known for their gentle expression and patient demeanor, these dogs combine impressive strength with remarkable gentleness. Their deep chest, strong legs, and massive frame reflect their historical role as mountain rescue dogs.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Saint Bernards are more energetic than Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Saint Bernards require less grooming attention compared to Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Saint Bernards tend to be more reserved with strangers than Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
- Trainability: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels may be slightly easier to train due to their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels adapt better to apartment living, while Saint Bernards typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Saint Bernard and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Saint Bernard | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 8-10 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Saint Bernard | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 26-30 inches 66-76 cm | 12-13 inches 30-33 cm |
| Weight | 120-180 lbs 54-82 kg | 13-18 lbs 6-8 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Saint Bernard | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Playful, Charming, Inquisitive | Affectionate, Gentle, Graceful |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Saint Bernard | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Saint Bernard Temperament
The Saint Bernard is known for being playful, charming, inquisitive, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Temperament
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is characterized by being affectionate, gentle, graceful, which makes them great companions for families. 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 Saint Bernard and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, 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
Saint Bernard
Rating: 5/5
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Rating: 2/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Saint Bernard
Rating: 2/5
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Saint Bernard Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Saint Bernards 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, Saint Bernards require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels 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, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Saint Bernard Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Elbow Dysplasia
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Mitral Valve Disease
- Syringomyelia
- Hip Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Eye Problems
Pros & Cons
Saint Bernard
Pros
- Gentle and patient with children
- Loyal and protective
- Good-natured temperament
- Excellent cold weather tolerance
Cons
- Heavy drooling
- Expensive to feed and maintain
- Short lifespan
- Not suited for hot climates
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Saint Bernard and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.