Skip to content

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Pug

Compare two breeds

Pick two breeds to see them compared side by side.

First breed
Second breed
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel photo

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was created in the early twentieth century to recreate the longer-muzzled spaniel type seen in old portraits from the era of King Charles II, who adored such dogs. It differs from the shorter-faced King Charles Spaniel mainly in its longer nose and flatter skull. At around 8 kilograms, it is one of the most popular toy breeds in the world, though it carries a known predisposition to heart valve disease, which makes health screening in breeding lines especially important. The long, silky, slightly wavy coat needs regular brushing. Temperament is exceptionally friendly, rarely aggressive, and it gets along well with children and other pets. That devotion to people can tip into separation anxiety if left alone too long. Despite its small size, it still needs a daily walk. Life expectancy runs 10 to 14 years.

Pug photo

Pug

The Pug originated in China, where it was kept as a favored companion in the imperial court more than two thousand years ago, before Dutch traders brought it to Europe in the 16th century, where it became a symbol of the House of Orange. The flattened face that defines the breed causes real breathing difficulty in heat and during exertion, so the dog tolerates hot weather and long summer walks poorly. Weighing around 8 kilograms, it is compact and muscular but prone to rapid weight gain if feeding isn't controlled. The short, smooth coat sheds heavily year round. Temperamentally it is playful and affectionate, and tends to bond very closely with its owner. Life expectancy runs 12 to 15 years.

At a glance

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Pug
Height (male) 30.0–33.0 cm not specified
Weight (male) 5.4–8.0 kg 6.3–8.1 kg
Life expectancy 10–14 yrs 12–15 yrs
Coat long, silky, slightly wavy fine, smooth, short, glossy coat

Temperament & Family Life

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Pug
Family friendly
Good with children
Good with other dogs
Friendly with strangers
Intelligence
Trainability

Exercise, Energy & Space

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Pug
Energy level
Exercise need
Apartment friendly
Prey drive
Hunting instinct

Guarding & Alertness

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Pug
Guarding instinct
Watchfulness
Barking level

Grooming & Care

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Pug
Shedding
Drooling
Grooming need

Temperament and care scores (1-5) are a general guide based on the breed standard — every individual dog is different.