King Charles Spaniel vs Cairn Terrier
Compare King Charles Spaniel and Cairn Terrier side by side and get a clear picture of what sets the breeds apart. Explore differences in size, weight, temperament, activity level, and other key traits to more easily decide which breed best fits your lifestyle and circumstances.
Characteristic
King Charles Spaniel
Cairn Terrier
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
29 – 30 cm
28 – 31 cm
Weight
3 – 9 kg
7 – 8 kg
Life expectancy
10 – 14 years
12 – 17 years
Child friendly
4/5
5/5
Energy level
3/5
3/5
Intelligence
3/5
3/5
Trainability
3/5
4/5
Health
3/5
4/5
Grooming needs
3/5
4/5
Shedding
3/5
1/5
Barking level
3/5
4/5
Aggressiveness
3/5
2/5
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Characteristics
King Charles Spaniel
Great with kids
Small
Cairn Terrier
Great with kids
Easy to train
Small
Summary
About King Charles Spaniel
Small, aristocratic toy spaniel with a domed head, short nose and large dark eyes, bred as a devoted lap companion. Calm indoors with moderate exercise needs, it thrives on constant human contact. Long, silky coat needs regular grooming; prone to heart, eye and brachycephalic‑related issues.
About Cairn Terrier
Small, sturdy Scottish terrier bred to hunt among rocky cairns. Around 28–31 cm tall with a harsh, weatherproof double coat needing regular stripping and brushing. Bold, curious, affectionate, and vocal; enjoys daily walks, mental stimulation, and active family life. Generally hardy and long-lived.
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