English Toy Spaniel vs Shetland Sheepdog
Breed Compatibility
97% Compatible
Energy Level
English Toy Spaniel: Regular Exercise0.6
Shetland Sheepdog: Regular Exercise0.6
Very Compatible
Trainability
English Toy Spaniel: Independent0.4
Shetland Sheepdog: Eager to Please1.0
Less Compatible
Grooming Needs
English Toy Spaniel: 2-3 Times a Week Brushing0.6
Shetland Sheepdog: 2-3 Times a Week Brushing0.6
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
English Toy Spaniel5/5
Shetland Sheepdog5/5
Good with Other Dogs
English Toy Spaniel5/5
Shetland Sheepdog5/5
Good with Strangers
English Toy Spaniel3/5
Shetland Sheepdog2/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
English Toy Spaniel
Heart Disease: Mitral valve issues common
Eye Problems: Progressive retinal atrophy
Patellar Luxation: Kneecap displacement
Syringomyelia: Neurological condition
Dental Issues: Tooth overcrowding
Respiratory Issues: Due to flat face
Shetland Sheepdog
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
Von Willebrand's Disease: Blood clotting
Collie Eye Anomaly: Vision problems
Thyroid Issues: Hormone imbalances
MDR1 Gene: Medicine sensitivity
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Vision loss
Pros & Cons Comparison
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
Shetland Sheepdog
Pros
Highly intelligent
Excellent family dog
Low maintenance cost
Good with children
Cons
Excessive barking tendency
Heavy shedding
Can be shy with strangers
Requires extensive grooming
English Toy Spaniel Fun Fact
King Charles II was so devoted to these spaniels that they were allowed to roam freely in all royal palaces.
Shetland Sheepdog Fun Fact
Shelties were once called 'Toonie Dogs' because they were used on small farms called 'toons' in Shetland.
Heritage & Purpose
English Toy Spaniel
Origin:
Developed in England during the Tudor period as companions for nobility. Favored by King Charles II, these spaniels served as cherished royal lap dogs and palace companions.
Shetland Sheepdog
Origin:
Developed in the Shetland Islands during the 1800s, these dogs were bred to herd sheep and small livestock across rugged terrain while being compact enough to maintain on limited resources.
Special Considerations
English Toy Spaniel
Regular grooming needed for coat maintenance. Moderate exercise requirements. Health monitoring important due to breed-specific conditions.
Shetland Sheepdog
Regular grooming sessions needed for double coat maintenance. Requires early socialization to prevent shyness. Tendency to bark needs early training attention.
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