How long does a Golden Retriever Cavalier Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 11–14 years, the midpoint of the Golden Retriever (10–12 years) and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (12–15 years).

Is a Golden Retriever 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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Golden Retriever Cavalier Mix

A Golden Retriever Cavalier mix is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Most grow into medium-sized dogs of 35–45 lb and live 11–14 years.

Golden Retriever, a purebred dog — Golden RetrieverPhoto: Janneke Vreugdenhil, derivative work by Anka Friedrich, Public domain, 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.

Weight35–45 lbcan be 13–75 lb

Height17–18 inat the shoulder

Lifespan11–14 years

SizeMedium-sized

How big does a Golden Retriever Cavalier Mix get?

Golden Retriever55–75 lb

The mix35–45 lb

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel13–18 lb

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

Height runs 17–18 inches at the shoulder, against 21.5–24 in for the Golden Retriever 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 very high

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

Trainability

Very high

The Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever is usually described as friendly, intelligent, devoted. 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.

Golden Retriever vs Cavalier vs the mix

Trait	Golden Retriever	Golden Retriever Cavalier Mix	Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Weight	55–75 lb	35–45 lb	13–18 lb
Height	21.5–24 in	17–18 in	12–13 in
Lifespan	10–12 yr	11–14 yr	12–15 yr
Shedding	moderate	moderate	low
Energy	very high	low to very high	low
Group	Sporting	mixed	Toy

Questions about the Golden Retriever Cavalier Mix

How big does a Golden Retriever Cavalier Mix get?: Most grow to 35–45 pounds and 17–18 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 13–75 pounds.
How long does a Golden Retriever Cavalier Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 11–14 years, the midpoint of the Golden Retriever (10–12 years) and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (12–15 years).
Does a Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever mixes

Other Cavalier mixes

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