King Charles Spaniel vs Golden Retriever
Discover the differences between King Charles Spaniel and Golden Retriever to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
King Charles Spaniel
Charming, affectionate, and gentle, this breed loves close companionship and adapts well to quiet or active homes. Delightful expressive eyes and a sweet temperament make every day brighter.
Golden Retriever
A loving, intelligent breed with an easygoing nature and playful spirit. Known for loyalty and adaptability, making them exceptional companions for families of all kinds.
Quick comparison
Small
5.9–8.2 kg
Silky, straight
9–14 years
5.9–8.2 kg
Moderately active
Large
29–34 kg
Double coat, water-repellent
10–12 years
25–29 kg
High energy
Personality & behavior
Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.
King Charles Spaniel
Affectionate with people and other animals
Learns commands and routines fairly quickly
Enjoys activity but not overly energetic
Likes interactive games and gentle play
Adjusts well to new environments and routines
Golden Retriever
Very sociable, enjoys people and other dogs
Quick to learn commands and routines
Needs regular activity and mental stimulation
Loves games and interactive activities
Adjusts well to various living environments
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
King Charles Spaniel
Heart disease, ear infections
Golden Retriever
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
King Charles Spaniel
Great choice
Gentle nature and easygoing temperament make them suitable for novice owners
Perfect fit
Small size and moderate exercise needs suit apartment environments well
Moderately suitable
Enjoy playtime but may struggle with very high activity levels
Very friendly
Patient and affectionate with young children, but supervision is still needed
Highly suitable
Generally sociable and adapts well to living with other pets
Prone to anxiety
Dislike being left alone and may develop separation issues
Golden Retriever
Great choice
Friendly, trainable nature makes them easy for new owners to manage
Needs space
Large size and high energy can be challenging in small apartments
Highly suitable
Enjoys regular exercise and outdoor activities with active people
Perfect fit
Gentle temperament and patience make them excellent with young children
Very friendly
Generally sociable and gets along well with other pets
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone for extended periods and may develop separation issues
Breed strengths
What each breed excels at and their best qualities
King Charles Spaniel
- Affectionate with family members
- Good with children and other pets
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Generally easy to train
- Moderate exercise requirements
Golden Retriever
- Friendly with children and other pets
- Highly trainable and eager to please
- Consistent, gentle temperament in most settings
- Reliable as therapy and assistance dogs
- Strong retrieving and swimming abilities
Challenges & considerations
Potential challenges and considerations for each breed
King Charles Spaniel
- Prone to heart and eye problems
- Can develop separation anxiety
- Requires regular grooming and brushing
- Sensitive to heat and humidity
- May bark excessively if not trained
Golden Retriever
- Prone to obesity without portion control
- High shedding year-round requires regular grooming
- Needs ample daily exercise to prevent boredom
- Can develop separation anxiety when left alone
- Susceptible to certain genetic health conditions
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