Which lives longer, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the English Springer Spaniel?

The English Springer Spaniel has the longer median lifespan: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 11.8 years versus English Springer Spaniel 13.5 years (McMillan 2024).

Which is healthier, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the English Springer Spaniel?

On the Breed Health Score the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel scores 57/100 and the English Springer Spaniel scores 83/100. The English Springer Spaniel scores higher.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs English Springer Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a median lifespan of 11.8 years and a Breed Health Score of 57/100 (grade C); the English Springer Spaniel lives a median of 13.5 years with a score of 83/100 (grade A). On the overall index the English Springer Spaniel scores higher. The English Springer Spaniel has the longer median lifespan.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

57grade C

English Springer Spaniel

83grade A

Median lifespan

11.8 yr

13.5 yr

Size

small · 5-8 kg

medium · 18-25 kg

Flat-faced

Yes

Longevity

Conformation

100

Hereditary burden

Health Score

57C

83A

Conditions

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

Progressive retinal atrophy Hip dysplasia Otitis externa PFK deficiency Fucosidosis

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.