Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs German Shepherd
Discover the differences between Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and German Shepherd to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Affectionate, gentle, and graceful, this small spaniel delights with its expressive eyes and loving nature. An ideal companion, always eager to please and quick to form close bonds.
German Shepherd
Confident, loyal, and highly intelligent, this breed thrives as both a devoted family companion and a reliable working partner. Always alert and eager to learn, it adapts to many roles with ease.
Quick comparison
Small
5.9–8.2 kg
Silky, medium-length
12–15 years
5.9–8.2 kg
Moderately active
Large
30–40 kg
Double coat, dense undercoat
9–13 years
22–32 kg
High energy
Personality & behavior
Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Exceptionally sociable with people and other pets
Learns commands and routines fairly quickly
Moderate activity needs, enjoys daily outings
Enjoys games and interactive activities
Adjusts well to various living environments
German Shepherd
Warm with family, reserved with strangers
Quick learner, highly trainable and alert
Needs regular activity and vigorous exercise
Enjoys games, interactive and engaging
Adjusts well to new situations and environments
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Mitral valve disease, syringomyelia
German Shepherd
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Great choice
Easygoing temperament and manageable care needs make them suitable for new dog owners.
Highly suitable
Small size and calm nature adapt well to apartment living with daily walks.
Moderately suitable
Enjoy activity but may tire quickly and need moderate exercise.
Very friendly
Gentle and affectionate, typically patient with respectful young children.
Good fit
Usually sociable with other pets given proper introductions and supervision.
Prone to anxiety
Dislike being left alone and may develop separation anxiety if left for long hours.
German Shepherd
Challenging for beginners
Needs experienced, consistent training and socialization
Not ideal
Needs space and frequent exercise to prevent boredom
Perfect fit
Thrives with active owners who can provide daily physical and mental challenges
Highly suitable
Loyal and protective, can be gentle and patient with proper socialization
Usually compatible
Can get along with other pets if raised together and well socialized
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone for long periods and may develop behavioral issues
Breed strengths
What each breed excels at and their best qualities
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Affectionate and people-oriented temperament
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Gets along well with children and pets
- Eager to please and easy to train
- Enjoys both playtime and cuddling
German Shepherd
- Highly intelligent and quick to learn tasks
- Strong loyalty to family members
- Excellent working and service dog abilities
- Protective instincts make them good guardians
- Adaptable to various training activities
Challenges & considerations
Potential challenges and considerations for each breed
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Prone to separation anxiety when left alone
- High risk of heart and eye conditions
- Requires regular grooming for coat maintenance
- Can be prone to weight gain
- Sensitive to extreme heat and cold
German Shepherd
- Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia
- High exercise needs require daily activity
- Can develop separation anxiety if left alone
- May be wary of strangers without socialization
- Heavy seasonal shedding requires frequent grooming
Ready to choose your perfect breed?
Learn more about each breed or compare other breeds to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.
Discover more helpful tools
Make use of our other free tools to get the most out of your pet experience