Chow Chow vs English Toy Spaniel
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Chow Chow
Non-Sporting Group
English Toy Spaniel
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Chow Chow Overview
Majestic and powerful, the Chow Chow boasts a distinctive lion-like mane and unique blue-black tongue. Their sturdy build, deep-set eyes, and thick double coat create an impressive presence. Standing proudly with a characteristic scowling expression, these ancient dogs combine strength with remarkable agility. Their aloof demeanor and dignified bearing reflect their noble heritage as guardians and companions.
English Toy Spaniel Overview
English Toy Spaniels feature a distinctive domed head, short muzzle, and large, dark eyes that give them an endearing expression. Their silky coat comes in four color combinations, with long feathering on ears, chest, and legs. Compact and square-proportioned, these gentle companions carry themselves with a dignified yet playful air, typically standing 9-10 inches at the shoulder.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Chow Chows are less energetic than English Toy Spaniels, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Chow Chows require less grooming attention compared to English Toy Spaniels.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Chow Chows tend to be more reserved with strangers than English Toy Spaniels.
- Trainability: English Toy Spaniels may be slightly easier to train due to their English Toy Spaniel's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: English Toy Spaniels adapt better to apartment living, while Chow Chows typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Chow Chow and English Toy Spaniel, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Chow Chow | English Toy Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 8-12 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Chow Chow | English Toy Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 17-20 inches 43-51 cm | 9-10 inches 23-25 cm |
| Weight | 45-70 lbs 20-32 kg | 8-14 lbs 4-6 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Chow Chow | English Toy Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Dignified, Bright, Serious-Minded | Gentle, Playful, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Chow Chow | English Toy Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Chow Chow Temperament
The Chow Chow is known for being dignified, bright, serious-minded, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
English Toy Spaniel Temperament
The English Toy Spaniel is characterized by being gentle, playful, intelligent, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Chow Chow and English Toy Spaniel, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Chow Chow
Rating: 3/5
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Chow Chow
Rating: 2/5
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Chow Chow
Rating: 3/5
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Chow Chow
Rating: 2/5
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Chow Chow
Rating: 4/5
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Chow Chow Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Chow Chows require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Chow Chows require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
English Toy Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
English Toy Spaniels need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, English Toy Spaniels require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Chow Chow Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Entropion
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Thyroid Disease
- Patellar Luxation
English Toy Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Heart Disease
- Eye Problems
- Patellar Luxation
- Syringomyelia
- Dental Issues
Pros & Cons
Chow Chow
Pros
- Loyal to family
- Clean and cat-like
- Excellent guard dog
- Minimal barking
- Independent nature
Cons
- Stubborn personality
- Challenging to train
- Heavy shedding
- Aloof with strangers
- Requires regular grooming
English Toy Spaniel
Pros
- Gentle temperament
- Good with families
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Affectionate nature
Cons
- Regular grooming needed
- Health issues common
- Can be stubborn
- Temperature sensitive
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Chow Chow and English Toy Spaniel, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.