Compare breeds
Boston Terrier vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Boston Terrier
Short
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Long
Choose the Boston Terrier if you want…
- less hair around the house
- less time spent grooming
Choose the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel if you want…
- a home with other pets
Side by side
| Trait | Boston Terrier | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Small |
| Weight | 5–11 kg (11–24 lb) | 5–8 kg (11–18 lb) |
| Height | 38–43 cm (15–17 in) | 30–33 cm (12–13 in) |
| Life span | 11–13 years | 9–14 years |
| Origin | United States | United Kingdom |
| Energy | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Trainability | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Good with children | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Good with other pets | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Suits a flat | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Shedding | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Grooming needs | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Barking / vocal | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Quick answers
Which is bigger, the Boston Terrier or the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?
The Boston Terrier — typically about 1.2 times the weight. Boston Terrier: 5–11 kg (11–24 lb); Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: 5–8 kg (11–18 lb).
Which lives longer, the Boston Terrier or the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?
Their typical life spans are about the same. Boston Terrier: 11–13 years; Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: 9–14 years.
Is the Boston Terrier or the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel better with children?
We rate them the same. Both still need supervision with young children.
Other comparisons
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts