English Springer Spaniel vs Chihuahua
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
English Springer Spaniel
Sporting Group
Chihuahua
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
English Springer Spaniel Overview
English Springer Spaniels showcase a balanced, athletic build with a distinctive feathered coat in liver and white or black and white combinations. Their medium-sized frame carries graceful lines and strong muscles, complemented by long, pendant ears and a gentle, intelligent expression. These dogs exhibit remarkable agility and stamina, with a characteristic springy gait that reflects their hunting heritage.
Chihuahua Overview
Chihuahuas embody confidence in a tiny package, featuring a distinctive apple-shaped head, large expressive eyes, and erect triangular ears. Their compact bodies showcase graceful movements, while their personalities are marked by fierce loyalty and spirited determination. Available in both long and smooth coat varieties, these diminutive dogs carry themselves with remarkable poise and dignity despite their small stature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: English Springer Spaniels are less energetic than Chihuahuas, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: English Springer Spaniels require more grooming attention compared to Chihuahuas.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, English Springer Spaniels tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Chihuahuas.
- Trainability: Chihuahuas may be slightly easier to train due to their Chihuahua's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Chihuahuas adapt better to apartment living, while English Springer Spaniels typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the English Springer Spaniel and Chihuahua, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | English Springer Spaniel | Chihuahua |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 14-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | English Springer Spaniel | Chihuahua |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 19-20 inches 48-51 cm | 5-8 inches 13-20 cm |
| Weight | 40-50 lbs 18-23 kg | 6-6 lbs 3-3 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | English Springer Spaniel | Chihuahua |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Playful, Obedient | Charming, Graceful, Sassy |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | English Springer Spaniel | Chihuahua |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
English Springer Spaniel Temperament
The English Springer Spaniel is known for being friendly, playful, obedient, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Chihuahua Temperament
The Chihuahua is characterized by being charming, graceful, sassy, which makes them better for households without small children. 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 English Springer Spaniel and Chihuahua, 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
English Springer Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Chihuahua
Rating: 1/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
English Springer Spaniel
Rating: 4/5
Chihuahua
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
English Springer Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Chihuahua
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
English Springer Spaniel
Rating: 1/5
Chihuahua
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
English Springer Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Chihuahua
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
English Springer Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
English Springer Spaniels 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, English Springer Spaniels require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Chihuahua Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Chihuahuas 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, Chihuahuas require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
English Springer Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Ear Infections
- Phosphofructokinase
- Retinal Dysplasia
Chihuahua Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Heart Murmurs
- Hydrocephalus
- Dental Issues
- Hypoglycemia
Pros & Cons
English Springer Spaniel
Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Highly trainable
- Athletic and versatile
- Good with children
Cons
- Requires regular exercise
- Needs consistent grooming
- Can be prone to ear infections
- May be too energetic for some
Chihuahua
Pros
- Highly portable
- Long lifespan
- Minimal space requirements
- Strong loyalty to owners
Cons
- Fragile physique
- Can be yappy
- May be aggressive if not socialized
- Temperature sensitive
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the English Springer Spaniel and Chihuahua, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.