If you’re 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. Papillon. 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.
Among the many options, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Papillon stand out as two popular choices, loved for their charm and affectionate nature.
Cavaliers and Papillons differ significantly in at least 12 key areas 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.
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.
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 in four different colors 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.
Papillon Overview
The Papillon, a toy breed known for its distinctive butterfly-like ears, is a delightful and spirited companion. Originating in Europe, this breed’s name, “Papillon,” is French for butterfly, reflecting its unique ear shape.
Papillons come in various color combinations, typically with a white base and patches of color. While they are generally healthy, potential owners should be aware of common health issues such small companion dogs often have.
Despite their delicate appearance, they are robust and lively, often surprising owners with their agility and stamina.
Papillons are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them quick learners and excellent candidates for obedience training and dog sports like agility.
They are known for their friendly and outgoing nature, enjoying the company of people and other animals.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Papillon Comparison Chart:
| Papillon | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | |
|---|---|---|
| Size: | Tiny | Small |
| Life expectancy: | 12-15 years | 10-13 years |
| Temperament: | Friendly, intelligent, lively. | Gentle, social, happy-go-lucky |
| Trainability: | Easy and quick to learn | Easy and quick to learn |
| Energy levels: | At least 30 mins per day | At least 1 hour per day |
| Grooming Needs: | Maintenance every week | Maintenance every 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.
Papillon:
Known for their intelligence and vivacity, Papillons are often described as alert, friendly, and eager to please. Despite their small size, Papillons are quite bold and confident. They are not typically shy or timid and often exhibit a surprising level of bravery.
Without proper stimulation, they can become bored and may develop undesirable behaviors. This makes them excellent companions for active individuals or families who can provide ample playtime and engagement.
Conclusion:
The Papillon and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel both make excellent companions but have distinct temperamental differences.
Papillons are energetic, intelligent, and playful, thriving on mental and physical stimulation. They are alert and may bark excessively if not managed.
Cavaliers, on the other hand, are gentle, affectionate, and laid-back, enjoying both playtime and snuggling. They are easygoing and adaptable, making them suitable for various living environments.
Choosing between the two depends on whether you prefer the lively and spirited nature of the Papillon or the calm and loving temperament of the Cavalier.
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.
Papillon:
Papillons are highly intelligent and quick learners, which makes them relatively easy to train. Their eagerness to learn and perform tricks makes training sessions enjoyable for both the dog and the owner.
They excel in obedience and agility competitions, showcasing their sharp minds and agility. This intelligence also means they require regular mental challenges to stay happy and well-behaved.
Conclusion:
Papillons and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels both exhibit strong trainability, but their approaches differ based on their temperamental traits.
Papillons are highly intelligent and energetic, thriving on mental challenges and agility training. They respond well to positive reinforcement and enjoy learning new tasks.
Cavaliers are also eager to please and respond positively to training that fosters their bond with their owners. They may require less mental stimulation but excel in obedience training due to their calm demeanor and willingness to follow commands.
Choosing between the two depends on whether you prefer a lively and intellectually stimulated partner in the Papillon or a loving and obedient companion in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
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.
Cavaliers require about 30 to 60 minutes of exercise daily. 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.
Papillon:
Papillons are known for their high energy levels. Despite their small size, they require substantial physical activity and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
Daily exercise is essential to prevent restlessness and undesirable behaviors like excessive barking. Papillons typically require about 30 to 60 minutes of exercise daily.
Papillons excel in agility training and obedience competitions, and they love games like fetch and frisbee. These activities help channel their energy positively and strengthen the bond with their owners.
Conclusion:
Papillons and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels differ significantly in energy levels.
Papillons are highly energetic, needing 30 to 60 minutes of exercise daily through activities like agility training and interactive play. They suit active households that can provide regular physical and mental stimulation.
Cavaliers have moderate energy levels, requiring at least 30 minutes of daily exercise, including leisurely walks and gentle play. They are adaptable, fitting well into both active and relaxed lifestyles.
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.
Papillon:
Yes, Papillons are known to bark quite a bit. Their high energy levels and alert nature make them quick to vocalize at any perceived threat or change in their environment.
This trait can make them effective alerters, but it also means they can develop a tendency to bark excessively if not properly trained and managed.
Early socialization and consistent training can help mitigate excessive barking, teaching Papillons when it is appropriate to bark and when to remain quiet. Providing them with enough physical and mental stimulation can also reduce boredom-related barking.
Conclusion
Papillons tend to bark frequently due to their alert and energetic nature.
Cavaliers are generally quieter, barking less often due to their gentle and laid-back temperament.
If you prefer a quieter dog, a Cavalier is likely a better fit, while a Papillon suits those who appreciate a more vigilant and expressive companion.
Coat, Shedding, and 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.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels 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.
Weekly brushing with conditioner spray helps to keep those knots away. Cavaliers, like any long-haired dogs, need a bath about every four weeks.
Cavaliers shed a lot, especially in the spring and fall. Read more about the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel shedding and how to deal with it! ⬇
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.
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.
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.
Papillon:
Papillons have a beautiful, silky, single-layer coat that is straight and flowing. The Papillon is always parti-colored, featuring a white base with patches of any color. Acceptable parti-colors must have black pigment on the nose, eye rims, and lips.
Their fur is medium to long in length, with feathering on the ears, chest, legs, and tail, giving them their distinctive butterfly-like appearance.
Despite the luxurious look of their coat, Papillons are relatively low-shedding dogs compared to many other breeds. Papillons do shed, but the amount is generally moderate and manageable with regular grooming.
To keep their coat looking its best and to minimize shedding, brushing a Papillon’s fur once a week. This helps remove loose hairs and prevent tangles and mats, particularly in the feathered areas.
Bathing should be done as needed, usually every few weeks, to keep their coat clean and healthy.
Conclusion:
If you prefer a dog with lower shedding and moderate grooming needs, the Papillon might be the better choice.
However, if you don’t mind more frequent grooming and dealing with higher shedding, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel‘s beautiful, longer coat might be worth the extra effort.
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.
Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Papillon are beloved for their charming personalities and distinct appearances, but they come with unique health considerations.
Both breeds can be prone to allergies, manifesting as skin irritations or digestive problems.
Allergies:
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.
Once the offending ingredient is identified, it can be avoided, and a hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diet can be introduced. Regular veterinary check-ups and a carefully managed diet can help alleviate and prevent the symptoms associated with food allergies.
Papillon:
Papillons, like many dog breeds, can be prone to food sensitivities and allergies, but they are not inherently more susceptible than other breeds.
Common signs of food allergies in Papillons can include skin irritations, itching, ear infections, and digestive issues such as vomiting or diarrhea.
Overall, while Papillons can develop food sensitivities or allergies, they are not exceptionally prone to them compared to other breeds. Proper diet management and regular veterinary check-ups can help keep your Papillon healthy and comfortable.
Conclusion:
Both breeds can suffer from allergies, which typically manifest as skin irritations or digestive problems. These issues can be managed with proper veterinary care and diet adjustments.
To manage and prevent food sensitivities, it is essential to feed a high-quality diet that avoids common allergens such as dairy, wheat, and corn.
Health Problems:
In this chart, I have gathered the most common hereditary diseases of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Papillons:
| Papillon | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel |
|---|---|
| – Patellar luxation | – Patellar luxation |
| – Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) | – Hip dysplasia |
| – Dental problems due to their size | – Eye disorders |
| – Hernias | – Mitral valve disease |
| – Seizures (rare) | – Chiari malformation |
| – Syringomyelia | |
| – Periodontitis | |
| – Primary secretory otitis media (PSOM) | |
| – Episodic falling syndrome | |
| – Curly coat & Dry eye syndrome |
Conclusion:
When comparing the health of Papillons and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, notable differences and similarities highlight the importance of breed-specific considerations.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are prone to several genetic health issues, with mitral valve disease being particularly prevalent. This heart condition can lead to serious complications as the dog ages.
Cavaliers are also susceptible to hip dysplasia, which affects their mobility, and syringomyelia, a painful neurological condition caused by a malformation of the skull.
In contrast, Papillons generally have fewer severe genetic health issues but are still prone to specific problems. Common concerns for Papillons include patellar luxation, where the kneecap dislocates, causing pain and potential mobility issues.
Dental health is another important consideration, as their small mouths can lead to overcrowding and periodontal disease.
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
Papillon:
Papillons can make excellent family pets and are generally good with children, provided their interactions are managed properly.
These small, lively dogs are known for their friendly and outgoing nature, which makes them well-suited for family life. They thrive on human interaction and enjoy being part of family activities, making them a delightful addition to homes with active members who can engage with them regularly.
When it comes to children, Papillons can be very playful. Their small size and gentle demeanor often make them good companions for older children who understand how to handle pets respectfully.
Papillons enjoy games and activities that involve running and chasing, which can be a great way for children to bond with their pet. However, due to their small and delicate build, it is crucial to supervise interactions between Papillons and younger children to prevent accidental injury to the dog.
Conclusion:
Both Papillons and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can be excellent family pets, but their suitability varies based on family dynamics.
Papillons are energetic and playful, ideal for active families with older children who can handle them gently.
Cavaliers, with their gentle and affectionate nature, are more adaptable and tolerant, making them suitable for families with younger children or those seeking a more laid-back companion.
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.
Papillon:
Papillons are generally good with other dogs. Their friendly and social nature makes them enjoy the company of other dogs. They are often playful and energetic, which can be a great match for other dogs with similar temperaments.
Proper socialization from a young age is crucial to ensure they develop good manners and positive interactions with other dogs.
Introducing a Papillon to other dogs should be done gradually and in a controlled environment to ensure all animals feel safe and comfortable. Supervised playdates and training classes can help foster positive relationships.
Conclusion:
Papillons and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels both generally get along well with other dogs.
Papillons are energetic and playful, making them good companions for similarly active dogs, though care should be taken with larger dogs due to their small size.
Cavaliers are more laid-back and gentle, getting along well with a wide range of temperaments and breeds.
Papillons suit more active dogs, while Cavaliers are adaptable to various dog personalities, making them both good choices for multi-dog households.
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.
Papillon:
Papillons are generally good with cats, thanks to their friendly and social nature. Their playful and curious disposition often leads them to view cats as potential companions rather than adversaries.
Early socialization is key to fostering a positive relationship between a Papillon and a cat. Introducing them slowly and in a controlled environment allows both pets to become accustomed to each other’s presence without feeling threatened.
It’s important to consider the individual personalities of both the Papillon and the cat.
While Papillons are typically gentle and adaptable, their high energy levels can sometimes be overwhelming for more reserved or skittish cats.
Ensuring that interactions are supervised initially can help manage any overly enthusiastic behavior from the dog and allow the cat to set boundaries.
Conclusion:
Overall, with proper introduction and socialization, both breeds can coexist harmoniously with cats, often forming playful and affectionate bonds.
As with any multi-pet household, understanding and respecting the unique dynamics of each pet’s personality is crucial to maintaining a peaceful and happy home.
Final Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Papillon offer unique qualities that make them delightful companions, yet their differences cater to varying lifestyles and preferences.
Cavaliers, with their gentle, affectionate, and adaptable nature, are well-suited for families with children, those seeking a more laid-back pet, and households that appreciate a dog content with moderate exercise and lots of cuddling. Their compatibility with a wide range of dog temperaments further enhances their appeal as family pets.
On the other hand, Papillons bring a lively and energetic spirit to any home. Their intelligence and agility make them ideal for active owners who can engage them in play and training activities.
Papillons thrive in environments where their high energy levels are matched, and they enjoy forming bonds through interactive play. While they require careful handling due to their small size, their friendly and social disposition allows them to get along well with other dogs.
Ultimately, choosing between these two breeds depends on your specific needs and lifestyle. Whether you are drawn to the Cavalier’s sweet and easygoing charm or the Papillon’s vibrant and playful energy, both breeds offer loyal companionship and bring joy to their owners’ lives.
