As a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel enthusiast, you might wonder whether a male or a female Cavalier is better. Although both genders make amazing family pets, a few differences make them distinct.
Male Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are slightly larger and more muscular than their female counterparts. They are also more energetic and affectionate. Meanwhile, female Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are more independent, focused, and calmer, making them easier to train than males.
It is also worth noting that both sexes have a fair share of their pros and cons, which you should consider in deciding which one to own.
Read on for more information on the differences between male and female Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Hopefully, this comprehensive guide will help you decide whether a male or female is more suitable for you. Let’s start!
Physical Differences
Male Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Male Cavalier King Charles Spaniels weigh around 13 to 18 pounds and stand between 12 and 13 inches in height. However, some male Cavaliers grow smaller than others, especially if they are bred with teacup Cavaliers.
For other dog breeds, males are usually larger and heavier than their female counterparts. However, this isn’t always the case for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, whose male and female heights and weights are usually the same.
In some cases, there can be a slight difference in weight between male and female Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. As big eaters, males can appear slightly more muscular than females.
In addition, the tummies of male Cavalier King Charles Spaniels may appear larger than their female counterparts, especially if the female isn’t pregnant.
Female Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Female Cavalier King Charles Spaniels look identical to their male counterparts. They also have similar weight and height to male Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
Despite having similar growth, female Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can be less muscular than their male counterparts as they tend to be moderate eaters.
As a recognized breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC), female Cavaliers typically have medium to long silky or wavy coats. Their coat colors can be black and tan, black and white, Blenheim, or ruby with tan markings, which are similar to male Cavs.
Watch this video to see what a female Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy looks like:
Temperamental Differences
Male Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Compared to their female counterparts, male Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are more affectionate, energetic, and aggressive.
Male Cavaliers tend to follow any member of the family everywhere. They can also become possessive, which may be a concern if there are children in the house or if they are not kennel-trained.
Additionally, males can get aggressive when competing for a female dog’s attention if they are unneutered. They can also be aggressive towards other female dogs if their advances are rejected.
Due to their tendency to be bold, it may be difficult for male Cavalier King Charles Spaniels to socialize with others. Hence, proper training and socialization should start at a young age.
In terms of energy, males tend to have higher energy levels than females. Surprisingly, they keep their energetic personalities even as they age. Regular exercise and activity are essential to keep their health in check.
Female Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Female Cavalier King Charles Spaniels tend to be less aggressive and energetic than their male counterparts. They are known for being more docile and independent.
While female Cavaliers are generally less aggressive than males, they can be just as feisty as males when trying to protect their puppies due to maternal instincts.
Unlike males, who tend to latch on to only one family member, females give equal affection to every family member.
As a breeder of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, my all-female pack of two blenheims, one ruby, and one tri-color are all easy to manage. They are not choosy with the family member they wish to play with, and they are more relaxed compared to their male counterparts.
They can be quite vocal, though, in the presence of strangers, which is also due to their maternal protective nature.
Despite being affectionate, female Cavaliers will have difficulty getting along with breeds of the same sex unless they are trained and socialized at a young age.
Behavior and Training
Male Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Males are relatively more difficult to train than females due to their short attention spans. Moreover, they prefer roaming around and playing freely to being confined and learning commands.
However, male Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are easier to please than females. Hence, with ample patience, owners can successfully train these dogs.
Territory marking is also common among male Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Fortunately, this common canine behavior can be outgrown with proper training. Neutering is also an effective way to solve this problem.
Males are likelier to hump people or be involved in fights to show dominance. This behavior can be harmful to your pup. Hence, proper training is required at an early age to prevent future mishaps.
Roaming around is also common among male Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, especially when an in-heat female is around. Keeping a close eye on your dog is needed as they tend to wander around in pursuit of in-heat females.
Barking is uncommon for this quintessential dog breed. Males will only bark if they are poorly socialized, bored, or anxious. Mostly, they are quiet and suitable for families living in apartments.
Female Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Due to their less energetic nature and obedient personality, female Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are easier to train than their male counterparts.
However, they can be self-willed and may assert dominance during training.
Owners may find it easy to convince females to train. However, getting them to do a task they don’t want can be challenging. In addition, they easily get unenthusiastic when handled harshly or roughly.
Both male and female Cavaliers have the habit of marking. However, females mark for various reasons, making it difficult to correct the behavior. Crate training may help prevent this undesirable behavior when you are away.
Female Cavaliers are less likely to hump people and be involved in fights. They also prefer staying indoors and having alone time rather than roaming around and playing with others.
Health Differences
Male Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are generally a healthy breed with an average lifespan of 9 to 14 years. However, they are prone to developing certain health conditions that are pretty much the same for both genders.
Both male and female Cavaliers are prone to developing episodic falling syndrome (EFS), syringomyelia, and patellar dislocation. Males are specifically more prone to suffer from obesity and dry eyes.
In addition, intact male Cavaliers are prone to developing urinary and bowel incontinence, prostate enlargement, testicular cancers, and tumors. It is best to have your male Cavalier neutered to avoid these serious health problems.
Female Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Aside from EFS, syringomyelia, and patellar dislocation, female Cavaliers are prone to suffer from urinary tract infections (UTI), pyometra, breast cancer, and other uterine infections.
Owners may consider spaying their female Cavaliers to lessen the risk of developing these conditions and illnesses. It will also free them from heat cycles which can negatively affect their mood.
Spaying, however, is believed to increase the risk of females becoming obese. Studies show that spayed females are twice as likely to become obese than intact females. Nonetheless, the benefits of spaying greatly outweigh its risks.
With Other Dogs and Pets
Male Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
While male Cavaliers are known to be affectionate and extroverted, they are still prone to becoming aggressive, especially when competing for a female dog’s attention.
Typically, male Cavaliers will find it more difficult to socialize with other dogs and pets. Male Cavaliers may also turn aggressive towards other female dogs if they don’t respond well to their advances.
Socialization and training should start as early as eight weeks for male Cavaliers, especially if you plan to introduce them to other pets.
Although sometimes aggressive, male Cavaliers are generally harmless dogs compared to other breeds. However, this behavior can still lead to fights and accidents if not monitored and corrected.
Female Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Female Cavaliers are highly sociable and will find it easy to bond with other dogs and pets. However, while dog fights and aggressiveness are uncommon among female Cavaliers, the possibility remains.
A female Cavalier in heat will attract many male dogs, which can be a problem if things go out of hand. A fight may occur if a female Cavalier rejects a male’s advances.
Whether your dog is spayed or intact, proper socialization and training should start at a young age, preferably as early as eight weeks. This is to prevent unwanted consequences of aggressiveness and asocial behavior.
With Children
Male Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Male Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are suitable for families with older children. Their energetic and playful nature makes them great playmates for older kids, especially when they are socialized and trained early.
Without proper training, the high energy levels of male Cavaliers can cause things to go out of control. Hence, proper training should be provided to ensure that children will have happy and safe good times with male Cavaliers.
Male Cavaliers are gentle with kids. Nonetheless, the importance of handling dogs properly should still be taught to younger children, such as not pinching, forcing, and hurting dogs to avoid unwanted incidents.
Female Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Female Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are better suited for families with younger children because of their strong maternal instincts. They are also calmer and more docile, which makes handling them easier.
Since younger children are sensitive and need close supervision, a calmer dog may be better for them. Female Cavaliers are known to become more peaceful as they age.
If you prefer a more relaxed environment, getting a female may be your best option, as they tend to become calmer later in life.
Pros and Cons of Male and Female Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Male Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Owning a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has its benefits and drawbacks, just as with other dogs. Nonetheless, the advantages significantly outweigh the cons.
First, male Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have an excellent reputation for being incredibly affectionate, delicate, and graceful. They are adorably obedient and will go to great lengths to please their masters.
Additionally, male Cavaliers are more fun and spirited than female Cavaliers, which makes it easier for them to interact with other humans. These qualities also make them ideal for families with an active lifestyle.
However, male Cavaliers tend to become more aggressive and less likely to get along with other dogs and pets. In comparison to their female counterparts, they might also be more territorial, sloppy, and messy.
Here is a table summarizing the pros and cons of having a male Cavalier King Charles Spaniel:
| Pros | Cons |
| Extremely affectionate | More aggressive |
| Playful and energetic | Less likely to get along with other dogs and pets |
| Eager to please their masters | Sloppy and messy |
| Easier to socialize with people | Easily distracted and harder to train |
Female Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Female Cavaliers are friendly, sensitive, and graceful, much like their male counterparts. Nonetheless, they are more suitable for families with young children and those with laid-back lifestyles.
Female Cavaliers are also more attentive and easier to train. They are also more likely to get along with other dogs and pets than male Cavaliers.
In addition, females are less stubborn, less aggressive, and more cautious with children.
However, their unenthusiastic behavior makes it harder for them to socialize with other people outside their families. Furthermore, they don’t demand much attention and would rather sleep than cuddle with their owners.
They also mature quickly, which makes them lose their “puppy energy” before they reach 12 months old.
| Pros | Cons |
| Affectionate and delicate | Less likely to socialize with other people |
| Suitable for families with a laidback lifestyle | Less playful |
| Less aggressive and stubborn | Not interested much in pleasing their owners |
| Calm and gentle around kids | Can be too self-willed |
Should You Get a Male or a Female Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?
As both male and female Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have wonderful characteristics, it can be challenging to choose between them. Your lifestyle and preference will play big roles in determining which gender you should get.
If you have an active lifestyle, male Cavaliers will be a better choice. Their high energy levels and playful nature will keep you on your toes.
They are also fit for families who wish to have an extremely affectionate companion. Male Cavaliers are known to follow their owners wherever and will go to great lengths to please them.
Meanwhile, if you have a sedentary lifestyle, the docile and aloof female Cavaliers are more compatible with you.
Compared to their male counterparts, they will be happy just sitting beside their owners or spending time alone. While they are less playful and energetic, female Cavaliers tend to be more intelligent and easier to train.
Your budget will also be a deciding factor when choosing between a male and a female. Females typically cost more due to their breeding potential.
Remember that your Cavalier’s well-being should always be your priority regardless of your choice. Ensure that you get your pup from reputable breeders and that they undergo health screening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Male or Female Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Calmer?
Generally, female Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are calmer than their male counterparts. They prefer sitting beside their owners or spending time alone.
Female Cavaliers are also known to become more relaxed as they age, making them suitable for laid-back families or families with small children.
Are Male or Female Cavalier King Charles Spaniels More Affectionate?
To some extent, male Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are more affectionate than females. Male Cavaliers love attention and tend to follow their family everywhere.
On the other hand, female Cavalier King Charles Spaniels equally enjoy spending time with their owners and having their alone time. They are affectionate but not as showy as male Cavaliers.
Are Male or Female Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Easier to Train?
Female Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are easier to train than their male counterparts. This is mainly because they are calmer and more focused. Female Cavaliers also mature earlier than males.
On the other hand, male Cavaliers are highly-energetic and easily distracted, making them more challenging to train.
Final Thoughts
There aren’t many differences between male and female Cavaliers. Both are equally loving and affectionate regardless of sex. Male and female Cavaliers will do everything they can to make their owners feel loved.
Choosing between a male and a female Cavalier King Charles Spaniel could be really challenging. Your decision will be influenced primarily by your personality and lifestyle.
Remember that regardless of your choice, you must ensure that you are getting a healthy puppy from a reputable breeder and that you are prepared for the responsibilities of owning a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Have you decided whether to take home a male or a female Cavalier King Charles Spaniel? Let us know in the comments!
