Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Golden Retriever

Side-by-side comparison — size, temperament, traits, costs, and health

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Category
Golden Retriever

📏 Physical Stats

13 - 18
Weight (lbs)
55 - 75
12 - 13
Height (inches)
21.5 - 24
10 - 14 years
Life Expectancy
10 - 12 years
Toy
Breed Group
Sporting
Great Britain
Origin
Scotland
Flushing small birds, companion
Bred For
Retrieving

⚡ Temperament & Traits

Scores are 1–5 from breed data. Higher = more of that trait. Barking: lower is quieter.

2/5
Energy Level
4/5
Better
3/5
Better
Trainability
2/5
5/5
Good with Children
5/5
5/5
Good with Other Dogs
5/5
2/5
Better
Grooming Needs
5/5

💰 Cost of Ownership

Based on breed-specific cost data at a moderate care level — quality food, routine vet, occasional grooming, standard insurance. Actual costs vary by location and provider.

Annual Cost
$2,096
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
vs
Annual Cost
$2,844
Golden Retriever
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Expense
Golden Retriever
$2,096
Lower ✓
Annual Cost
$2,844
$2,816
Lower ✓
First Year
$3,564
$25,872
Lower ✓
Lifetime Total
$32,004
$336
Lower ✓
Food (annual)
$780
$515
Lower ✓
Vet Care (annual)
$735
$560
Grooming (annual)
$440
Lower ✓
$660
Lower ✓
Insurance (annual)
$864
$55
Lower ✓
Insurance (monthly)
$72

Over their lifetimes, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (~12 yrs) costs approximately $6,132 less than a Golden Retriever (~11 yrs) in total.

🏥 Health Considerations

Health conditions listed are common concerns for these breeds or breed groups. Not every dog will develop these conditions. Regular vet check-ups are the best prevention.

🐾 Temperament

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Fearless, Affectionate, Sociable, Patient, Playful, Adaptable, Funny, Friendly, Smart, Curious, Gentle, Loyal, Independent, Protective, Quiet

Golden Retriever

Intelligent, Kind, Reliable, Friendly, Trustworthy, Confident, Affectionate, Curious, Gentle, Funny, Playful, Quiet, Smart, Loyal, Couch