English Toy Spaniel vs Australian Terrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
English Toy Spaniel
Toy Group
Australian Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
Australian Terrier Overview
Australian Terriers are compact, sturdy dogs with distinctive rough-coated fur and alert, upright ears. Their long neck flows into well-laid shoulders, complemented by a harsh, straight topcoat and soft undercoat in blue and tan or solid sandy colors. These small but robust terriers possess a confident stance, keen expression, and strong hunting instincts, embodying their heritage as skilled vermin hunters.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: English Toy Spaniels are less energetic than Australian Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: English Toy Spaniels require more grooming attention compared to Australian Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, English Toy Spaniels tend to be more reserved with strangers than Australian Terriers.
- Trainability: Australian Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Australian Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: English Toy Spaniels adapt better to apartment living, while Australian Terriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the English Toy Spaniel and Australian Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | English Toy Spaniel | Australian Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 11-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | English Toy Spaniel | Australian Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 9-10 inches 23-25 cm | 10-11 inches 25-28 cm |
| Weight | 8-14 lbs 4-6 kg | 15-20 lbs 7-9 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | English Toy Spaniel | Australian Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Gentle, Playful, Intelligent | Affectionate, Courageous, Spirited |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | English Toy Spaniel | Australian Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
English Toy Spaniel Temperament
The English Toy Spaniel is known for being gentle, playful, intelligent, making them excellent family dogs. 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.
Australian Terrier Temperament
The Australian Terrier is characterized by being affectionate, courageous, spirited, 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 high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the English Toy Spaniel and Australian Terrier, 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 Toy Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
Australian Terrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
Australian Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Australian Terrier
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 2/5
Australian Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 4/5
Australian Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
English Toy Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
English Toy 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 Toy Spaniels require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Australian Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Australian Terriers need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Australian Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
English Toy Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Heart Disease
- Eye Problems
- Patellar Luxation
- Syringomyelia
- Dental Issues
Australian Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Diabetes
- Luxating Patella
- Legg-Perthes
- Thyroid Issues
- Cruciate Ligament
Pros & Cons
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
Australian Terrier
Pros
- Compact size
- Low grooming needs
- Loyal companion
- Good watchdog
- Adaptable
- Intelligent
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- May bark frequently
- Strong prey drive
- Can be territorial
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the English Toy Spaniel and Australian Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.