Which lives longer, the Border Collie or the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

The Border Collie has the longer median lifespan: Border Collie 13.1 years versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 11.8 years (McMillan 2024).

Which is healthier, the Border Collie or the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

On the Breed Health Score the Border Collie scores 78/100 and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel scores 57/100. The Border Collie scores higher.

Border Collie vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Border Collie has a median lifespan of 13.1 years and a Breed Health Score of 78/100 (grade A); the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel lives a median of 11.8 years with a score of 57/100 (grade C). On the overall index the Border Collie scores higher. The Border Collie has the longer median lifespan.

Border Collie

78grade A

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

57grade C

Median lifespan

13.1 yr

11.8 yr

Size

medium · 14-20 kg

small · 5-8 kg

Flat-faced

Yes

Longevity

Conformation

100

Hereditary burden

Health Score

78A

57C

Conditions

Collie eye anomaly Hip dysplasia Epilepsy Trapped neutrophil syndrome Ceroid lipofuscinosis

Mitral valve disease Syringomyelia Chiari-like malformation Episodic falling Dry eye

Full profiles

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How to read this. The Breed Health Score combines longevity (65%), conformation (20%) and hereditary burden (15%); see the methodology. Median lifespan is from McMillan, K.M. et al. (2024) "Longevity of companion dog breeds", Scientific Reports (584,734 UK dogs). Data CC-BY 4.0. These are independent estimates for comparing breeds, not veterinary advice. Build your own with the interactive compare tool.