Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Toy · Small

Labrador Retriever

Sporting · Large

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever

Side-by-side comparison of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Labrador Retriever — size, temperament, shedding, trainability, cost, and compatibility ratings.

Quick comparison

Best for families

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Based on good-with-kids rating

Easier to train

Labrador Retriever

Based on trainability rating

Less shedding

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Based on shedding level

Better for apartments

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Based on apartment-friendly rating

Lower maintenance

Labrador Retriever

Based on grooming needs

Longer lifespan

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Based on average lifespan

Detailed comparison

Physical traits

Trait	Cavalier King Charles Spaniel	Labrador Retriever
Size	Small	Large
Height	12–13″	21.5–24.5″
Weight	13–18 lbs	55–80 lbs
Lifespan	12–15 yrs	11–13 yrs
Group	Toy	Sporting
Coat type	Silky, medium length, feathered	Double coat, short and dense

Temperament & behavior

Trait	Cavalier King Charles Spaniel	Labrador Retriever
Energy level	Moderate	Very High
Trainability	High	Very High
Barking level	Low	Moderate

Compatibility

Trait	Cavalier King Charles Spaniel	Labrador Retriever
Good with kids	Very High	Very High
Good with dogs	Very High	Very High
Good with cats	Very High	Moderate
Apartment friendly	Very High	Low

Care requirements

Trait	Cavalier King Charles Spaniel	Labrador Retriever
Shedding	Moderate	High
Grooming needs	Moderate	Low
Daily exercise	30–60 min	60–120 min
Daily food	0.5–1 cups	2–3 cups
Annual cost	$1 200–$2 200	$1 500–$2 500

Temperament