Cavalier King Charles SpanielVSMaltese
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Maltese are both gentle, affectionate lapdogs suitable for apartment living. They differ in health profile, energy level, and ideal owner lifestyle.
Last reviewed: June 2026
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 12–18 lbs, 12–13 in | 4–7 lbs, 7–9 in |
| Energy Level | ✓Moderate | Low–Moderate |
| Shedding | Moderate | ✓Very Low |
| Trainability | ✓Very Good | Good |
| Good With Kids | ✓Excellent | Moderate (fragile) |
| Apartment Friendly | Excellent | Excellent |
| Average Lifespan | 9–14 years | ✓12–15 years |
| Monthly Cost (est.) | $100–$180 | ✓$80–$140 |
✓ indicates advantage in this category. Tie = comparable.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Choose a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel if…
Families and seniors wanting a gentle, moderately active spaniel with excellent temperament and easy trainability.
Choose a Maltese if…
Allergy-prone owners wanting a tiny, low-shedding lapdog with a long lifespan and calm indoor demeanor.
Grooming & Shedding
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a silky, medium-length coat that sheds moderately — brushing three to four times per week is recommended, with special attention to the feathering on the ears and legs. Professional grooming every two to three months helps maintain coat health. Maltese have a long, fine, single-layer coat that sheds minimally, but needs daily brushing or professional trimming every four to six weeks to prevent tangles. For households sensitive to pet hair, the Maltese is the stronger choice. Both breeds carry ongoing grooming costs.
Temperament & Family Compatibility
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are famously gentle, adaptable, and affectionate — equally happy in a calm apartment or an active family home. They are excellent with children, other dogs, and strangers. Maltese are devoted and loving but their small, fragile size makes them less suitable for households with young children. Both breeds are companion dogs first and foremost — they do not do well when left alone for extended periods. Cavaliers are the more versatile family dog; Maltese are better suited to calm adult households or experienced small-dog owners.
Compare pet insurance for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Maltese
Both breeds have different health profiles — find the right coverage level before your first vet visit.
Compare Pet Insurance QuotesFrequently Asked Questions
Which has more health problems?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have significant well-documented health concerns, particularly mitral valve disease (MVD) and syringomyelia (SM). These conditions are widespread in the breed and can require expensive cardiac and neurological care. Maltese are generally healthier overall with fewer breed-specific conditions.
Which is better with children?
Cavaliers are significantly better with children due to their sturdier build and patient, gentle temperament. Maltese are too small and fragile for households with young children — they can be injured easily and may bite defensively if hurt.
Which sheds less?
Maltese shed almost nothing due to their single-layer silky coat, often recommended for mild allergy sufferers. Cavaliers have a silky wavy coat that sheds moderately, particularly seasonally.
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