English Springer Spaniel vs Shetland Sheepdog
Breed Compatibility
82% Compatible
Energy Level
English Springer Spaniel: Regular Exercise0.6
Shetland Sheepdog: Regular Exercise0.6
Very Compatible
Trainability
English Springer Spaniel: Eager to Please1.0
Shetland Sheepdog: Eager to Please1.0
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
English Springer Spaniel: Weekly Brushing0.4
Shetland Sheepdog: 2-3 Times a Week Brushing0.6
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
English Springer Spaniel3/5
Shetland Sheepdog5/5
Good with Other Dogs
English Springer Spaniel4/5
Shetland Sheepdog5/5
Good with Strangers
English Springer Spaniel4/5
Shetland Sheepdog2/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
English Springer Spaniel
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation issue
PRA: Progressive retinal deterioration
Ear Infections: Due to floppy ears
Phosphofructokinase: Metabolic disorder
Retinal Dysplasia: Eye development issue
Elbow Dysplasia: Joint development problem
Shetland Sheepdog
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
Von Willebrand's Disease: Blood clotting
Collie Eye Anomaly: Vision problems
Thyroid Issues: Hormone imbalances
MDR1 Gene: Medicine sensitivity
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Vision loss
Pros & Cons Comparison
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
Shetland Sheepdog
Pros
Highly intelligent
Excellent family dog
Low maintenance cost
Good with children
Cons
Excessive barking tendency
Heavy shedding
Can be shy with strangers
Requires extensive grooming
English Springer Spaniel Fun Fact
Their 'springing' hunting technique of flushing birds into flight gave this breed its distinctive name.
Shetland Sheepdog Fun Fact
Shelties were once called 'Toonie Dogs' because they were used on small farms called 'toons' in Shetland.
Heritage & Purpose
English Springer Spaniel
Origin:
Developed in England during the 1800s as skilled bird hunting dogs, specifically for flushing and retrieving game in varying terrain. Valued for exceptional nose work and stamina.
Shetland Sheepdog
Origin:
Developed in the Shetland Islands during the 1800s, these dogs were bred to herd sheep and small livestock across rugged terrain while being compact enough to maintain on limited resources.
Special Considerations
English Springer Spaniel
Regular ear cleaning needed to prevent infections. Requires consistent exercise and mental stimulation. Coat needs routine maintenance to prevent matting.
Shetland Sheepdog
Regular grooming sessions needed for double coat maintenance. Requires early socialization to prevent shyness. Tendency to bark needs early training attention.