English Toy Spaniel vs Great Pyrenees
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
Great Pyrenees
Working 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.
Great Pyrenees Overview
Majestic and powerful, Great Pyrenees dogs possess a thick white double coat that protected them from harsh mountain elements. Their muscular build and imposing presence belie their gentle, patient nature. Distinguished by a wedge-shaped head, dark almond eyes, and weather-resistant coat, these dogs maintain a calm, dignified bearing that reflects their heritage as noble guardians.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: English Toy Spaniels are less energetic than Great Pyreneess, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: English Toy Spaniels require more grooming attention compared to Great Pyreneess.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, English Toy Spaniels tend to be more reserved with strangers than Great Pyreneess.
- Trainability: Great Pyreneess may be slightly easier to train due to their Great Pyrenees's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: English Toy Spaniels adapt better to apartment living, while Great Pyreneess typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the English Toy Spaniel and Great Pyrenees, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | English Toy Spaniel | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | English Toy Spaniel | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 9-10 inches 23-25 cm | 25-32 inches 64-81 cm |
| Weight | 8-14 lbs 4-6 kg | 85-100 lbs 39-45 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | English Toy Spaniel | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Gentle, Playful, Intelligent | Smart, Patient, Calm |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | English Toy Spaniel | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Great Pyrenees Temperament
The Great Pyrenees is characterized by being smart, patient, calm, 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 high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the English Toy Spaniel and Great Pyrenees, 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
Great Pyrenees
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
Great Pyrenees
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Great Pyrenees
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 2/5
Great Pyrenees
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 4/5
Great Pyrenees
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.
Great Pyrenees Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Great Pyreneess 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, Great Pyreneess 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
Great Pyrenees Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Patellar Luxation
- Eye Problems
- Heart Issues
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
Great Pyrenees
Pros
- Excellent guardian
- Gentle with family
- Independent nature
- Good with children
- Weather-resistant coat
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- Stubborn streak
- Needs space
- Independent nature
- Barking tendency
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the English Toy Spaniel and Great Pyrenees, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.