How long does a Australian Shepherd Cavalier Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 12–15 years, the midpoint of the Australian Shepherd (12–15 years) and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (12–15 years).

Is a Australian Shepherd Cavalier Mix easy to train?

Trainability is very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

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Australian Shepherd Cavalier Mix

A Australian Shepherd Cavalier mix is a cross between a Australian Shepherd and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Most grow into medium-sized dogs of 25–40 lb and live 12–15 years.

Australian Shepherd, a purebred dog — Australian ShepherdPhoto: Christoph Aeschlimann, CC BY-SA 3.0, source

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a purebred dog — Cavalier King Charles SpanielPhoto: Mapovfille, CC BY 3.0, source

Photos show the purebred parents. There is no single look for a mix: puppies in one litter can resemble either side.

Weight25–40 lbcan be 13–65 lb

Height15–18 inat the shoulder

Lifespan12–15 years

SizeMedium-sized

How big does a Australian Shepherd Cavalier Mix get?

Australian Shepherd40–65 lb

The mix25–40 lb

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel13–18 lb

Pounds. The dark band is where most Australian Shepherd Cavalier Mix dogs end up; the light band is the full range between the smallest and largest parent.

Height runs 15–18 inches at the shoulder, against 18–23 in for the Australian Shepherd and 12–13 in for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The parents differ a lot in size, so litters vary more than usual. Breeders normally use the larger breed as the mother to keep whelping safe.

Coat, energy and training

Shedding

Moderate

Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.

Energy

Low to high

Daily walks and some play are enough for most of these dogs.

Trainability

Very high

The Australian Shepherd rates very high and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel very high; a puppy may lean either way.

Grooming

Low

A weekly brush and the odd bath keep the coat in shape.

Temperament

The Australian Shepherd is usually described as smart, work-oriented, exuberant. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel as affectionate, gentle, graceful. A mix can take after either parent or land in between. If you can, meet both parents of a puppy before you choose.

Australian Shepherd vs Cavalier vs the mix

Trait	Australian Shepherd	Australian Shepherd Cavalier Mix	Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Weight	40–65 lb	25–40 lb	13–18 lb
Height	18–23 in	15–18 in	12–13 in
Lifespan	12–15 yr	12–15 yr	12–15 yr
Shedding	moderate	moderate	low
Energy	high	low to high	low
Group	Herding	mixed	Toy

Questions about the Australian Shepherd Cavalier Mix

How big does a Australian Shepherd Cavalier Mix get?: Most grow to 25–40 pounds and 15–18 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 13–65 pounds.
How long does a Australian Shepherd Cavalier Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 12–15 years, the midpoint of the Australian Shepherd (12–15 years) and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (12–15 years).
Does a Australian Shepherd Cavalier Mix shed?: Shedding is moderate. Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.
Is a Australian Shepherd Cavalier Mix easy to train?: Trainability is very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

Other Australian Shepherd mixes

Other Cavalier mixes

Figures are calculated from each parent breed's standard height, weight and life expectancy. How we calculate.