English Toy Spaniel vs Keeshond
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
Keeshond
Non-Sporting 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.
Keeshond Overview
Keeshonds are distinctive spitz-type dogs featuring a luxurious double coat in silver and black, with distinctive 'spectacles' around their expressive eyes. Their fox-like face, coupled with a proud, plumed tail and thick ruff around the neck, creates an instantly recognizable silhouette. Medium-sized and well-proportioned, they carry themselves with confidence and grace.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: English Toy Spaniels are less energetic than Keeshonds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: English Toy Spaniels require less grooming attention compared to Keeshonds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, English Toy Spaniels tend to be more reserved with strangers than Keeshonds.
- Trainability: English Toy Spaniels may be slightly easier to train due to their English Toy Spaniel's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: English Toy Spaniels adapt better to apartment living, while Keeshonds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the English Toy Spaniel and Keeshond, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | English Toy Spaniel | Keeshond |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Non-Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | English Toy Spaniel | Keeshond |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 9-10 inches 23-25 cm | 17-18 inches 43-46 cm |
| Weight | 8-14 lbs 4-6 kg | 35-45 lbs 16-20 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | English Toy Spaniel | Keeshond |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Gentle, Playful, Intelligent | Friendly, Lively, Outgoing |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | English Toy Spaniel | Keeshond |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Keeshond Temperament
The Keeshond is characterized by being friendly, lively, outgoing, which makes them great companions for families. 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 Keeshond, 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
Keeshond
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
Keeshond
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Keeshond
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 2/5
Keeshond
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 4/5
Keeshond
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.
Keeshond Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Keeshonds 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, Keeshonds 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
Keeshond Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
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
Keeshond
Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Intelligent and trainable
- Alert watchdog
- Adaptable to different living situations
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- Regular grooming required
- Can be vocal
- Needs regular exercise
- May be stubborn
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the English Toy Spaniel and Keeshond, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.