Which lives longer, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Labrador Retriever?

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

Which is healthier, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Labrador Retriever?

On the Breed Health Score the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel scores 57/100 and the Labrador Retriever scores 79/100. The Labrador Retriever scores higher.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a median lifespan of 11.8 years and a Breed Health Score of 57/100 (grade C); the Labrador Retriever lives a median of 13.1 years with a score of 79/100 (grade A). On the overall index the Labrador Retriever scores higher. The Labrador Retriever has the longer median lifespan.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

57grade C

Labrador Retriever

79grade A

Median lifespan

11.8 yr

13.1 yr

Size

small · 5-8 kg

large · 25-36 kg

Flat-faced

Yes

Longevity

Conformation

100

Hereditary burden

Health Score

57C

79A

Conditions

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

Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Obesity Osteoarthritis Exercise-induced collapse

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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.