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Lab Cavalier Mix

A Lab Cavalier mix is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Most grow into medium-sized dogs of 35–50 lb and live 11–14 years.

Labrador Retriever, a purebred dog
Labrador RetrieverPhoto: SixtyWeb, 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.

Weight35–50 lbcan be 13–80 lb
Height17–19 inat the shoulder
Lifespan11–14 years
SizeMedium-sized

How big does a Lab Cavalier Mix get?

Labrador Retriever55–80 lb
The mix35–50 lb
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel13–18 lb

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

Height runs 17–19 inches at the shoulder, against 21.5–24.5 in for the Labrador 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
Low to high

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 Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever is usually described as friendly, active, outgoing. 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.

Lab vs Cavalier vs the mix

TraitLabrador RetrieverLab Cavalier MixCavalier King Charles Spaniel
Weight55–80 lb35–50 lb13–18 lb
Height21.5–24.5 in17–19 in12–13 in
Lifespan10–12 yr11–14 yr12–15 yr
Sheddinghighlow to highlow
Energyvery highlow to very highlow
GroupSportingmixedToy

Questions about the Lab Cavalier Mix

How big does a Lab Cavalier Mix get?
Most grow to 35–50 pounds and 17–19 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 13–80 pounds.
How long does a Lab Cavalier Mix live?
A typical lifespan is 11–14 years, the midpoint of the Labrador Retriever (10–12 years) and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (12–15 years).
Does a Lab Cavalier Mix shed?
Shedding is low to high. Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.
Is a Lab 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 Lab mixes

Other Cavalier mixes

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