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 Yorkshire Terrier. 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 Yorkshire Terrier 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.
Yorkshire Terrier Overview
The Yorkshire Terrier, often referred to as the Yorkie, is a small yet feisty breed known for its distinctive silky, blue-and-tan coat.
Originally bred in the 19th century in Yorkshire, England, to catch rats in clothing mills, the Yorkie has since become a popular companion dog. Yorkies possess a bold, confident demeanor.
They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate nature, making them excellent pets for individuals and families alike. Yorkshire Terriers are highly energetic and require regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental well-being.
Their long, luxurious coat needs consistent grooming to prevent tangles and mats, and many owners choose to keep their Yorkie’s coat trimmed for easier maintenance.
Quick Comparison Chart
| Yorkshire Terrier | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | |
|---|---|---|
| Size: | Tiny | small |
| Life expectancy: | 12-15 years | 10-13 years |
| Temperament: | Feisty, affectionate, energetic | Gentle, social, happy-go-lucky |
| Trainability: | Intelligent, responsive | 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.
Yorkshire Terriers:
Despite their sometimes stubborn streak, Yorkies are eager to please and thrive on human interaction, making them excellent companions.
They do well in various living situations, from apartments to larger homes, as long as they receive ample attention, exercise, and mental stimulation.
Their social nature means they typically get along well with other pets and children, though early socialization is key to ensuring they develop well-rounded, balanced behavior.
Conclusion:
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their gentle, affectionate, and easygoing nature. They are highly sociable dogs, thriving on human companionship and often getting along well with children, other dogs, and even strangers.
In contrast, Yorkshire Terriers are characterized by their lively, confident, and sometimes feisty temperament. Yorkies are affectionate and loyal but tend to be more assertive and protective than cavaliers. They are energetic and enjoy playtime and mental stimulation, often displaying a bold demeanor despite their small size.
While both breeds are affectionate and loyal, cavaliers are generally more laid-back and sociable, whereas yorkies are more energetic, assertive, and protective
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.
Yorkshire Terriers:
Yorkshire Terriers are highly intelligent and generally responsive to training, making them relatively easy to train despite their sometimes stubborn nature.
Consistency is key when training a Yorkie, as they can be strong-willed and may test boundaries if not given clear and consistent guidelines. Early socialization and basic obedience training are essential to help them develop into well-mannered adults.
However, due to their independent and spirited nature, some Yorkies may exhibit a degree of stubbornness or selective hearing, especially if they sense a lack of firm leadership.
With the right approach, Yorkies can excel in various activities, from basic obedience to more advanced tricks and even agility training, showcasing their intelligence and eagerness to please.
Conclusion:
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are generally easier to train due to their gentle, eager-to-please nature and sociable temperament.
In contrast, Yorkshire Terriers, while intelligent, can be more challenging to train because of their independent and assertive nature. They require a firm and consistent approach, as they can be stubborn and prone to testing boundaries.
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.
Yorkshire Terriers:
Yorkshire Terriers have high energy levels and are known for their lively and playful nature.
Despite their small size, they require regular exercise to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. Daily walks, play sessions, and interactive toys are essential to meet their activity needs.
Yorkies are always ready for an adventure and enjoy engaging in various activities, from chasing a ball to exploring their surroundings. Their energetic disposition makes them well-suited for active households where they can get plenty of attention and exercise.
Conclusion:
Cavaliers are just as happy lounging on the couch as they are playing fetch, making them suitable for both active and more relaxed households. In contrast, Yorkshire Terriers have high energy levels and a more lively, spirited nature.
They require consistent physical and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. Their energetic disposition means they are always ready for an adventure and can become bored or restless if not given enough exercise and attention.
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.
Yorkshire Terriers:
Yes, Yorkshire Terriers are known for their tendency to bark frequently. They are naturally alert and protective, often using barking as a way to alert their owners of perceived threats or unfamiliar activity.
Training and socialization from a young age can help mitigate this behavior, teaching Yorkies when it is appropriate to bark and when to remain quiet.
Consistent reinforcement and addressing the root causes of their barking, such as boredom or anxiety, are key to managing their vocal tendencies.
Conclusion
While both breeds will bark to communicate and alert their owners, Yorkshire Terriers are more prone to frequent and excessive barking due to their alert and protective nature.
Cavaliers, on the other hand, are generally quieter and bark less frequently, reflecting their more relaxed and friendly disposition.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier – 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.
Yorkshire Terriers:
Yorkshire Terriers have a distinctive coat that is silky, fine, and straight, often compared to human hair. Their coat is typically blue and tan, with a glossy, luxurious appearance. Yorkies are considered a hypoallergenic breed because they shed very little.
Instead of shedding, their hair grows continuously, similar to human hair, which means they require regular grooming to prevent tangles and mats.
Maintaining their coat requires consistent care, including regular brushing, bathing, and trimming.
Some owners opt to keep their Yorkie’s coat short for easier maintenance, often referred to as a “puppy cut,” while others prefer the traditional long show coat, which necessitates more frequent grooming.
Conclusion:
In summary, Yorkshire Terriers have a low-shedding coat that requires frequent grooming to prevent tangles, whereas Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a moderately shedding coat that requires regular brushing to manage shedding and prevent mats.
Yorkies demand more intensive grooming due to their continuously growing hair, while Cavaliers’ grooming needs focus more on managing moderate shedding and maintaining their silky coat.
Allergies and Health Problems
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 Yorkshire Terrier 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.
Regular veterinary check-ups and a carefully managed diet can help alleviate and prevent the symptoms associated with food allergies.
Yorkshire Terriers:
Yes, Yorkshire Terriers do have a hereditary tendency for allergies.
They are prone to both environmental and food allergies. Common environmental allergens include pollen, dust mites, mold, and certain cleaning products. Symptoms of these allergies can include itching, redness, sneezing, and skin infections.
Food allergies can also affect Yorkies, often triggered by specific proteins found in their diet, leading to symptoms such as gastrointestinal upset, itching, and ear infections.
Conclusion:
Both breeds can suffer from hereditary allergies, Yorkshire Terriers tend to have a higher predisposition to both environmental and food allergies compared to Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
Health Problems:
In this chart, I have gathered the most common hereditary diseases of cavaliers and yorkies:
| Yorkshire Terrier | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel |
|---|---|
| – Patellar luxation | – Patellar luxation |
| – Hip dysplasia | – Hip dysplasia |
| – Multiple eye disorders | – Eye disorders |
| – Collapsed Trachea | – Mitral valve disease |
| – Legg-Calve-Perthes disease | – Chiari malformation |
| – Portosystemic Shunt | – Syringomyelia |
| – Skin Allergies | – Periodontitis |
| – Primary secretory otitis media (PSOM) | |
| – Episodic falling syndrome | |
| – Curly coat & Dry eye syndrome |
Conclusion:
No matter which breed you choose, they unfortunately come with several common potential illnesses.
Cavalier king charles spaniels have more serious hereditary diseases than Yorkshire Terrier. To eliminate these diseases there are DNA tests and recommended health screenings.
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
Yorkshire Terriers:
Yorkshire Terriers can be good for families with children if the children are taught to handle them gently and respectfully.
Their affectionate and lively nature makes them great companions, but their small size and spirited temperament require supervision and consistent training.
Yorkies thrive with plenty of attention and mental stimulation, making them suitable for families who can provide a nurturing and attentive environment.
Conclusion:
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Yorkshire Terriers both have qualities that can make them good with children, but their suitability varies.
Cavaliers are known for their gentle, affectionate, and easygoing nature, making them excellent companions for children of all ages. They tend to be patient and enjoy snuggling, which suits family environments well.
Yorkshire Terriers are lively and energetic, often enjoying playtime with older children who understand how to handle small dogs gently. However, due to their delicate build and spirited nature, Yorkies require careful supervision with younger children to prevent injury and ensure proper handling.
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.
Yorkshire Terriers:
Yorkshire Terriers can get along well with other dogs if they are properly socialized from a young age. Their bold and confident nature can sometimes lead to assertive behavior, so gradual and controlled introductions are essential.
They generally enjoy companionship and can thrive in multi-dog households, especially with dogs of similar size and temperament. Monitoring interactions with larger dogs is important to prevent injuries.
Conclusion:
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Yorkshire Terriers both have the potential to get along well with other dogs, but their success varies based on their temperaments and socialization.
While Cavaliers are typically more relaxed and welcoming, Yorkies may require more careful introductions and supervision, especially with larger dogs, to ensure harmonious relationships.
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.
Yorkshire Terriers:
Yorkshire Terriers can be good with cats, but success depends on individual personalities and proper introductions. Yorkies’ bold and energetic nature may overwhelm some cats, but early socialization and gradual introductions help foster positive relationships.
Their prey drive varies, so training and supervision are essential. The cat’s temperament also plays a significant role; confident cats adapt better than skittish ones. With patience and consistent training, many Yorkies and cats can coexist peacefully and even form close bonds.
Conclusion:
Cavaliers, with their gentle and sociable nature, typically adapt well to living with cats, often forming friendly and harmonious relationships. They are less likely to exhibit strong prey drives and usually approach cats with a calm demeanor.
In contrast, Yorkshire Terriers, known for their energetic and bold personalities, may have a more challenging time adapting due to their higher prey drive and more assertive behavior.
Final Conclusion
Both Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Yorkshire Terriers make wonderful pets, but they cater to different preferences and lifestyles.
Cavaliers, with their gentle and sociable nature, are ideal for families seeking a loving, easygoing companion that gets along well with children and other pets.
Their moderate grooming needs and trainability make them a great fit for a variety of households.
On the other hand, Yorkshire Terriers, with their bold, energetic personality and hypoallergenic coat, are perfect for those who enjoy an active and lively pet that requires consistent grooming and training.
Whether you prefer the laid-back charm of a Cavalier or the spirited zest of a Yorkie, understanding their distinct characteristics will help you choose the best breed to match your home and lifestyle.
