English Toy Spaniel vs Chinese Crested
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
Chinese Crested
Toy 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.
Chinese Crested Overview
Graceful and elegant, the Chinese Crested comes in two varieties: the hairless with silky hair on head, tail, and feet, and the Powderpuff with a full soft coat. Their fine-boned, slender body carries them with a light, flowing gait. Distinguished by their alert expression and vivacious personality, these dogs combine exotic looks with a warm, affectionate nature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: English Toy Spaniels are less energetic than Chinese Cresteds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: English Toy Spaniels require more grooming attention compared to Chinese Cresteds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, English Toy Spaniels tend to be more reserved with strangers than Chinese Cresteds.
- Trainability: Chinese Cresteds may be slightly easier to train due to their Chinese Crested's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Chinese Cresteds 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 Chinese Crested, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | English Toy Spaniel | Chinese Crested |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 13-18 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | English Toy Spaniel | Chinese Crested |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 9-10 inches 23-25 cm | 11-13 inches 28-33 cm |
| Weight | 8-14 lbs 4-6 kg | 8-12 lbs 4-5 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | English Toy Spaniel | Chinese Crested |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Gentle, Playful, Intelligent | Affectionate, Alert, Lively |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | English Toy Spaniel | Chinese Crested |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Chinese Crested Temperament
The Chinese Crested is characterized by being affectionate, alert, lively, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. 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 Chinese Crested, 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
Chinese Crested
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
Chinese Crested
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Chinese Crested
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 2/5
Chinese Crested
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 4/5
Chinese Crested
Rating: 2/5
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.
Chinese Crested Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Chinese Cresteds 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, Chinese Cresteds 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
Chinese Crested Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Patellar Luxation
- Primary Lens Luxation
- Glaucoma
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
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
Chinese Crested
Pros
- Excellent companion dog
- Minimal shedding
- Good for apartment living
- Affectionate with family
Cons
- Requires skin care (hairless variety)
- Sensitive to extreme temperatures
- Can be yappy
- May be difficult to housebreak
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the English Toy Spaniel and Chinese Crested, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.