Dogs Similar to a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Bold, elegant, energetic, gentle and easy to train, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels thrive as pets in either city or country environments and are great with children. If you've always wanted a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel but don't have the resources to adopt or buy one, you have several similar options to choose from when it comes to dog breeds. By choosing a breed that shares similar characteristics to a Cavalier, you won't have to sacrifice the wonderful qualities that help make this dog such an exceptional pet.

  1. English Cocker Spaniel

    • Just like Cavaliers, English Cocker Spaniels have boundless energy.

      Another member of the spaniel family, English Cocker Spaniels tend to exude the same zest for life, energy and enthusiasm as Cavaliers. They are also similar in that they are overly affectionate dogs, giving kisses and sitting on the laps of everyone they meet. However, the English Cocker Spaniel will grow to be larger than the Cavalier, weighing about 26-43 pounds by adulthood, whereas the Cavalier generally remains in the 13-18 pound range. If looking for a smaller English Cocker Spaniel, you can gauge a puppy's potential adult weight by finding out the weight of both parents.

    Papillon

    • Previously known as the "Dwarf Spaniel," the name Papillon means "butterfly" in French, after the breed's butterfly-shaped ears. This perky pup shares the liveliness, inquisitive nature, small size and elegant beauty of the Cavalier. Papillons may be more delicate to handle than Cavaliers, weighing in on average 5-10 pounds as adults. Because of this, Papillons may be less suitable than other breeds as a children's pets.

    Phalène

    • The Phalène, quite popular in Europe, is another member of the Spaniel family. Its personality and physical characteristics are similar to the Papillon with the exception of its ears, which drop down instead of standing up. Also known as the Continental Toy Spaniel, this breed usually grows to be a bit larger than the Papillon--about 8 to 10 pounds. While they make excellent pets, these dogs may be difficult to find in the United States.

    Pomeranian

    • Pomeranians have the same "teddy bear" face as Cavaliers.

      While not a member the of Spaniel family, the Pomeranian is another toy dog breed that shares the zest for life and fearless attitude of the Cavalier. Most Pomeranians will grow to be smaller than the average Cavalier, reaching 3 to 7 pounds by adulthood. Like the Cavalier, a Pom may think and act as if it is a much larger dog. Both dogs require regular brushing of their long, silky coats.