Before considering getting a dog, one of the most important things is to choose the right breed for you and your lifestyle.
In this blog post, I’ll compare breeds: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs. French Bulldog. By exploring their temperament, health, exercise needs, grooming requirements, and more, I hope to help you make an informed decision and find the perfect pet for you and your family.
Many dog handling and behavior problems arise from choosing the wrong type of dog for the wrong reasons. Each breed has its unique characteristics, and some are better suited to certain lifestyles and personalities than others.
First, we’ll go through an overview of each breed, and then, we’ll talk about how they compare on some important aspects of dog ownership. See the table of contents to check specific sections of this post.
Among the many options, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the French Bulldog stand out as two popular choices. From their physical attributes to their temperaments and care requirements, this comprehensive guide will help you make an informed decision about which breed may be the perfect fit for you.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Overview
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are small emotionally intelligent dogs who love affection and cuddles. These dogs have a friendly and affectionate temperament and are known for their gentle and playful nature.
They are very social and thrive on human companionship, making cavaliers great pets for families, first-time dog owners, and the elderly. Cavaliers often qualify as therapy dogs.
They have long, beautiful silky coats and happily wagging tails. Even though cavaliers are no longer bred for hunting sports, the cavalier is still a great choice for an active lifestyle.
This breed has some serious health problems that need to be taken into consideration if you are thinking about getting a cavalier.
French Bulldog Overview
The French Bulldog, affectionately known as the “Frenchie,” is a small, muscular dog with a smooth coat, compact build, and a signature “bat ear” appearance.
Originally bred in the 19th century as a companion dog and to chase away rats. French Bulldogs have a distinctive, short snout and can be prone to respiratory issues, so it’s essential to be mindful of their breathing.
Their low energy levels make them ideal for apartment living, though they still enjoy daily walks and playtime. Grooming needs are minimal, with occasional brushing and regular cleaning of their facial folds.
Frenchies are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They thrive on human interaction and are especially good with children and other pets.
Frenchies are intelligent and eager to please but can be a bit stubborn, so consistent training is recommended. They are excellent watchdogs, alert but not overly barky.
Quick Comparison Chart:
| French Bulldog | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | |
| Size: | Small but sturdy | Small |
| Life expectancy: | 10-12 years | 10-13 years |
| Temperament: | Affectionate, playful, loyal | Gentle, social, happy-go-lucky |
| Trainability: | Stubborn but easily capable | Easy and quick to learn |
| Energy levels: | At least 45 mins per day | At least 1 hour per day |
| Grooming Needs: | Maintenance once a week | Maintenance few times a week |
The Temperament, Trainability, and Energy Levels:
Temperament:
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels:
Cavalier king charles spaniel is known for its friendly, gentle, and affectionate temperament. They are a very social breed and thrive on human companionship.
They are happy, social dogs that are excited to meet new friends. Cavalier king charles spaniels are generally good with children and other pets, and should never be aggressive toward strangers.
French Bulldogs:
French Bulldogs are renowned for their charming and amiable temperament.
They are affectionate and love to spend time with their families, often forming strong bonds with their owners.
Known for their playful and fun-loving nature, Frenchies enjoy interactive games and activities but are equally content to snuggle up on the couch for some quality cuddle time.
Despite their generally laid-back attitude, French Bulldogs can display a bit of a stubborn streak. They are intelligent dogs but sometimes have their own ideas about what they want to do.
Frenchies are alert and can serve as effective watchdogs, often sounding the alarm when they sense something unusual.
Conclusion:
The French Bulldog and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel have distinct temperaments that cater to different owner preferences.
Cavaliers are typically more eager to please and less stubborn than French Bulldogs, contributing to their reputation as sweet-natured and adaptable companions.
Both breeds are loving and devoted, but the cavalier’s consistently gentle disposition contrasts with the frenchie’s occasionally headstrong behavior.
Trainability:
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels:
Cavalier king charles spaniels are generally an easily trainable breed, as they are intelligent, eager to please, and respond well to positive reinforcement.
Cavaliers are smart dogs, they learn quickly and they are highly motivated by treats. With only a few repetitions cavaliers catch on to what is asked of them and then start to offer that behavior rather quickly.
Plus, they love to interact with people. That’s why they are great companions for agility and obedience as well.
French Bulldogs:
Training a French Bulldog can be a rewarding yet occasionally challenging endeavor.
Frenchies are intelligent and quick learners, often picking up new commands and tricks with enthusiasm. Their eagerness to please their owners works to their advantage in training sessions.
However, French Bulldogs are also known for their stubborn streak. At times, they might prefer to follow their own inclinations rather than obey commands, which can be frustrating for their owners.
This independent nature requires a firm but gentle approach, ensuring that training remains a positive experience without becoming overly harsh.
Short, engaging training sessions work best, as Frenchies can become bored with repetitive or lengthy exercises.
Conclusion:
The French Bulldog and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel both exhibit trainability, but they approach learning in slightly different ways.
French Bulldogs are intelligent and eager to please, yet they can be stubborn and independent, requiring consistent, positive reinforcement and a patient approach to training. Short, engaging sessions work best to keep them interested.
On the other hand, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are highly trainable due to their eager-to-please and gentle nature.
They respond well to positive reinforcement and are generally quick learners, making them more straightforward to train compared to the sometimes headstrong French Bulldog.
Energy Levels:
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels:
Cavalier king charles spaniels are moderate-energy dogs that can spend a day with you hiking and walking or watch Netflix indoors. The minimum requirement for them is 1 hour of exercise per day.
While they may not have a high energy levels, they still enjoy playtime and engaging with their owners.
Cavaliers are also responsive to training and enjoy activities such as obedience and agility. The more exercise they get, the more stress gets relieved and the happier they are.
French Bulldogs:
French Bulldogs have low to moderate energy levels, making them well-suited for a variety of living environments, including apartments and urban settings.
They are not as high-energy as some other breeds, but they do enjoy their fair share of playtime and exercise.
A few short walks each day, combined with some indoor play, usually suffice to meet their physical activity needs.
Frenchies often enjoy interactive toys and games that stimulate their minds as well as their bodies. Despite their love for activity, they are equally content to relax and lounge around the house, often snuggling up close to their owners.
While French Bulldogs do have bursts of playful energy, they are not typically hyperactive.
It’s important to monitor their activity in hot or humid weather due to their brachycephalic (short-nosed) anatomy, which can make them prone to overheating and breathing difficulties. Overall, French Bulldogs strike a balance between being playful and relaxed, making them adaptable to both active and more laid-back lifestyles.
Conclusion:
French Bulldogs are known for their moderate energy levels; they enjoy short bursts of activity, like playful games and brief walks, but they are equally content to lounge and relax throughout the day.
In contrast, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have higher energy levels and require more regular exercise. They thrive on daily walks and active playtime, benefiting from activities that engage both their minds and bodies.
Cavaliers are more likely to enjoy longer periods of physical activity and can adapt well to a more active household, making them suitable for families who enjoy outdoor adventures and have a more dynamic lifestyle.
Do They Bark A Lot?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels:
Cavalier king charles spaniels are not considered to be a particularly vocal breed and are generally not known for excessive barking.
However, it is important to provide them with proper socialization and training to prevent any undesirable behaviors from developing.
I have had a cavalier who barked impulsively at every noise multiple times a day and a cavalier who rarely barked. Overall, individual dogs may exhibit different levels of barking depending on their personality and environment.
French Bulldogs:
No, French Bulldogs are not known for excessive barking.
They tend to be relatively quiet dogs, making them suitable for apartment living or close-quarters situations where frequent barking could be a problem.
While they do bark to alert their owners of someone at the door or an unfamiliar noise, their barking is typically not incessant. This makes them good watchdogs without being overly noisy.
However, like any breed, individual French Bulldogs can have different temperaments, and some may bark more than others.
Conclusion
The French Bulldog and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel differ notably in their barking behaviors.
French Bulldogs are generally known for being relatively quiet dogs. They do bark to alert their owners of strangers or unusual noises, but their barking is typically not excessive.
In contrast, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels tend to be more vocal. They are more likely to bark in response to various stimuli, including excitement, boredom, or to alert their owners.
While not excessively yappy, their higher tendency to bark compared to French Bulldogs means they might require more training to manage and minimize unnecessary barking.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs French Bulldog – Grooming
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels:
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a long, flowy, and silky coat that comes in four different colors: black and tan, blenheim (white with brown markings), tricolor (white, black, and brown markings), and ruby which is rich reddish brown.
Cavaliers do not have a double coat. Cavalier coat can get knotted and matted rather easily. In my experience, most knots form behind the ears and armpits. Cavaliers shed a lot, especially in the spring and fall.
Weekly brushing with conditioner spray helps to keep those knots away. Cavaliers, like any long-haired dogs, need a bath about every four weeks.
Cavalier king charles spaniels do not require trimming. Paw and paw pad hair can be trimmed for sanitary and practical reasons. I also trim the hair around their ears to ensure better airflow.
Nails should be trimmed or at least checked every week to prevent them from getting too long and causing discomfort or injury. Note that some dogs’ nails grow faster than others.
Trimming a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a debated topic but there is really no right or wrong answer. Everyone does what is best for their dogs and lifestyles.
French Bulldogs:
Grooming a French Bulldog is relatively straightforward due to their short, smooth coat.
Regular brushing, at least once a week, helps to remove loose hair and keep their coat healthy and shiny.
A soft-bristle brush works well for this purpose. Despite their short coat, French Bulldogs do shed, so routine brushing can help manage shedding and reduce the amount of hair around the house.
Bathing should be done as needed, typically every month or so, depending on their activity level and how dirty they get.
Use a gentle dog shampoo to avoid irritating their sensitive skin. After bathing, make sure to dry them thoroughly, paying special attention to the folds of their skin to prevent moisture from causing irritation or infections.
Their facial wrinkles need regular cleaning with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris, followed by drying to prevent moisture buildup.
French Bulldogs’ nails should be trimmed every couple of weeks to prevent overgrowth and discomfort. Their ears need to be checked and cleaned regularly to avoid wax buildup and infections.
Allergies and Health Problems
Understanding potential health issues and allergies associated with different breeds is crucial.
By comparing the health profiles of these two breeds, you can make an informed decision about which might be the best fit for your home and lifestyle.
Allergies in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels:
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can be prone to food sensitivities and allergies, though it varies from dog to dog.
Common symptoms of food allergies in Cavaliers include skin irritations, itching, ear infections, gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea or vomiting, and chronic heartburn.
Managing food sensitivities and allergies in Cavaliers often involves identifying the specific allergen through an elimination diet or allergy testing.
Regular veterinary check-ups and a carefully managed diet can help alleviate and prevent the symptoms associated with food allergies.
Allergies in French Bulldogs:
One of the most common types of allergies in Frenchies is atopic dermatitis, which is often caused by environmental factors such as pollen, dust mites, and mold.
Food allergies are also prevalent in French Bulldogs, with common culprits including beef, chicken, dairy, and grains.
French Bulldogs can suffer from contact allergies. Common irritants include certain types of grass, household cleaning products, and even some dog shampoos. These allergies often result in localized skin reactions, such as rashes and sores, particularly in areas where the skin is thinner and more sensitive.
Additionally, French Bulldogs’ distinctive facial folds require special attention, as moisture and debris can accumulate in these areas, leading to irritation and infection. Keeping these folds clean and dry is crucial in preventing allergic reactions and maintaining the overall health of French Bulldogs.
Health Problems:
In this chart, I have gathered the most common hereditary diseases of cavaliers and frenchies:
| French Bulldogs | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel |
| – Patellar luxation | – Patellar luxation |
| – Hip dysplasia | – Hip dysplasia |
| – Multiple eye disorders | – Eye disorders |
| – Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) | – Mitral valve disease |
| – Hemivertebrae | – Chiari malformation |
| – Brachycephalic Syndrome | – Syringomyelia |
| – Heart Disease | – Periodontitis |
| – Hip and Elbow Dysplasia | – Primary secretory otitis media (PSOM) |
| – Skin Fold Dermatitis | – Episodic falling syndrome |
| – Allergies | – Curly coat & Dry eye syndrome |
Conclusion:
No matter which breed you choose, they come with several common potential illnesses.
If you want to be a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel owner:
Are They Good for Families and Children?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels:
Cavalier king charles spaniels make excellent family dogs due to their gentle, patient and affectionate nature. They absolutely love spending time with people and playing with children.
However, it is important to note that like any breed of dog, individual dogs can have different personalities and temperaments.
It is important to supervise interactions between children and dogs, and teach children how to properly interact with dogs to prevent any accidents or negative interactions
French Bulldogs:
Yes, French Bulldogs are generally excellent with children. Their affectionate, gentle, and playful nature makes them wonderful companions for kids of all ages.
Frenchies tend to be patient and tolerant, often enjoying the company of children and engaging in their activities. They are sturdy and robust, which allows them to handle the occasional rough play that can come from younger children.
However, as with any breed, it is essential to teach children how to interact appropriately with dogs. Supervised interactions are crucial to ensure both the dog and the child feel safe and comfortable.
Teaching children to respect the dog’s space, avoid pulling on ears or tails, and recognize when the dog needs a break helps foster a positive relationship.
Are They Good With Other Dogs?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels:
Cavalier king charles spaniels are a social breed and enjoy the company of other dogs. That’s why you often see two cavaliers in one household.
Proper socialization and training from a young age can help ensure that a cavaliers are well-behaved and friendly with other dogs. As a result your dog gets used to hanging around and meeting new dogs, big and small.
French Bulldogs:
French Bulldogs are generally good with other dogs, especially when they are socialized from an early age.
Their friendly and sociable nature makes them well-suited to interacting with other dogs. Frenchies often enjoy the company of other dogs and can form strong bonds with their fellow pets.
Their playful yet gentle demeanor typically makes them good companions in multi-dog households or social settings like dog parks.
It’s important to supervise initial interactions to ensure they are positive and stress-free. Proper socialization, which includes exposure to a variety of dogs in different environments, can help a French Bulldog learn to communicate and play appropriately with other dogs.
With the right training and socialization, French Bulldogs can be wonderful companions to other dogs, enjoying playtime and companionship together.
Are They Good With Cats?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels:
With a proper introduction and training, cavalier king charles spaniels behave well around cats and other house pets. They are not aggressive but might have an instinct to chase. That’s why it is important to introduce and train your dog properly with time.
Introducing a cavalier to a cat should be done gradually and under close supervision, especially if the dog has not been exposed to cats before. It’s important to take things slowly and ensure that both animals are comfortable and safe in each other’s presence.
It’s easiest for a cavalier puppy to get used to cats and other animals. Comprehensive socialization and training from a young age can also help your cavalier learn how to interact appropriately with cats.
French Bulldogs:
French Bulldogs can generally get along well with cats, especially if they are properly socialized from a young age.
Their friendly and affectionate nature often extends to cats. French Bulldogs are known for their easygoing temperament and adaptability, which can help in creating a harmonious household with cats.
Introduce the French Bulldog to the cat gradually and under controlled circumstances. Supervised interactions are crucial initially to ensure that both the dog and the cat feel safe and comfortable.
Final Conclusion
Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the French Bulldog make wonderful companions, each with their unique set of characteristics suited to different lifestyles and preferences.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, with its gentle, affectionate nature and higher energy levels, is perfect for families seeking a playful and sociable pet that thrives on interaction and regular activity.
Their trainability and friendly demeanor make them an excellent choice for households with children and other pets.
On the other hand, the French Bulldog’s charming, loyal, and somewhat independent temperament makes it a great match for those looking for a more low-maintenance, yet equally loving companion.
Their moderate energy levels, coupled with a generally quieter disposition, make them ideal for apartment living and urban environments.
While both breeds have specific health considerations and grooming needs, understanding these aspects can help prospective owners make an informed decision.
Ultimately, whether you choose the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the French Bulldog, you’re sure to gain a devoted and delightful addition to your family.
