English Toy Spaniel vs Bolognese
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
Bolognese
Foundation Stock Service
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.
Bolognese Overview
Graceful and elegant, the Bolognese captivates with its cloud-like white coat and endearing expression. Distinguished by a compact, square-built frame and flowing pure white fur that forms loose, open ringlets, these charming companions possess a naturally dignified bearing. Their gentle, alert expression and dark round eyes reflect an intelligent and affectionate nature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: English Toy Spaniels are more energetic than Bologneses, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: English Toy Spaniels require less grooming attention compared to Bologneses.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, English Toy Spaniels tend to be more reserved with strangers than Bologneses.
- Trainability: Bologneses may be slightly easier to train due to their Bolognese's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Bologneses adapt better to apartment living, while English Toy Spaniels typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the English Toy Spaniel and Bolognese, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | English Toy Spaniel | Bolognese |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | English Toy Spaniel | Bolognese |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 9-10 inches 23-25 cm | 10-12 inches 25-30 cm |
| Weight | 8-14 lbs 4-6 kg | 5-9 lbs 2-4 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | English Toy Spaniel | Bolognese |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Gentle, Playful, Intelligent | Playful, Easy-Going, Devoted |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | English Toy Spaniel | Bolognese |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Bolognese Temperament
The Bolognese is characterized by being playful, easy-going, devoted, 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 Toy Spaniel and Bolognese, 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
Bolognese
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
Bolognese
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Bolognese
Rating: 2/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 2/5
Bolognese
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 4/5
Bolognese
Rating: 4/5
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.
Bolognese Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bologneses 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, Bologneses 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
English Toy Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Heart Disease
- Eye Problems
- Patellar Luxation
- Syringomyelia
- Dental Issues
Bolognese Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Eye Problems
- Hip Dysplasia
- Dental Issues
- Heart Murmurs
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
Bolognese
Pros
- Minimal shedding
- Excellent companion dog
- Good for apartments
- Highly adaptable
Cons
- Regular grooming needed
- Can be stubborn
- Separation anxiety prone
- Relatively rare breed
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the English Toy Spaniel and Bolognese, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.