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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Maltese

Side-by-side comparison of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Maltese: energy, shedding, trainability, apartment fit, and more.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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Maltese dog

Maltese

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Stats at a Glance

TraitCavalier King Charles SpanielMaltese
SizeSmallSmall
EnergyLow-ModerateLow-Moderate
SheddingModerateLow
GroomingModerateHigh
TrainabilityHighModerate
BarkingLow-ModerateHigh
Apartment FriendlyYesYes
Good With KidsYesOlder kids onlySmall size makes them vulnerable to rough handling; best with calm, older children
Good With DogsOftenOften, with socializationSocialization from an early age improves relations with other dogs
Daily Exercise30–60 min/day20–30 min/day
Origin—Malta

Quick Verdict

Best for apartments

Similar

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: "Yes"Maltese: "Yes"

Best with kids

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: "Yes"Maltese: "Older kids only"

Easiest to train

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: "High"Maltese: "Moderate"

Lower shedding

Maltese

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: "Moderate"Maltese: "Low"

Lower grooming burden

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: "Moderate"Maltese: "High"

More active households

Similar

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: "Low-Moderate"Maltese: "Low-Moderate"

Verdicts are based on trait ratings. Always evaluate individual dogs and confirm behaviour with the shelter, foster, or rescue organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Maltese better for apartments?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is rated "Yes" for apartment living, while Maltese is rated "Yes". Consider your building's space and noise policies when choosing.
Which breed sheds more, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Maltese?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has moderate shedding. Maltese has low shedding.
Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels or Malteses easier to train?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel trainability is rated "High" and Maltese is rated "Moderate". Both breeds respond best to early, consistent positive-reinforcement training.
Which needs more exercise, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Maltese?
A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel typically needs 30–60 min/day, while a Maltese needs 20–30 min/day. Actual needs vary by individual dog, age, and health.
Which is better with kids, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Maltese?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is rated "Yes" with children; Maltese is rated "Older kids only" (small size makes them vulnerable to rough handling; best with calm, older children). Supervision and early socialisation are recommended for any breed around young children.
How much grooming does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel need compared to a Maltese?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel requires moderate grooming, while Maltese needs high grooming.

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