Which lives longer, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the German Shepherd Dog?

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has the longer median lifespan: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 11.8 years versus German Shepherd Dog 11.3 years (McMillan 2024).

Which is healthier, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the German Shepherd Dog?

On the Breed Health Score the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel scores 57/100 and the German Shepherd Dog scores 59/100. The German Shepherd Dog scores higher.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs German Shepherd Dog

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a median lifespan of 11.8 years and a Breed Health Score of 57/100 (grade C); the German Shepherd Dog lives a median of 11.3 years with a score of 59/100 (grade C). On the overall index the German Shepherd Dog scores higher. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has the longer median lifespan.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

57grade C

German Shepherd Dog

59grade C

Median lifespan

11.8 yr

11.3 yr

Size

small · 5-8 kg

large · 22-40 kg

Flat-faced

Yes

Longevity

Conformation

100

Hereditary burden

Health Score

57C

59C

Conditions

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

Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Degenerative myelopathy Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency GDV (bloat)

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.