Otterhound vs English Toy Spaniel
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Otterhound
Hound Group
English Toy Spaniel
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Otterhound Overview
Majestic and powerful, the Otterhound stands out with its rough double coat and impressive webbed feet. Their large, athletic build features a broad head, substantial bone structure, and loose-hanging skin that creates distinctive facial expressions. Possessing keen swimming abilities and an exceptional nose, these hounds combine strength with agility, while their waterproof coat protects them in various weather conditions.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Otterhounds are less energetic than English Toy Spaniels, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Otterhounds require less grooming attention compared to English Toy Spaniels.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Otterhounds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than English Toy Spaniels.
- Trainability: Otterhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Otterhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: English Toy Spaniels adapt better to apartment living, while Otterhounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Otterhound and English Toy Spaniel, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Otterhound | English Toy Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 10-13 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Otterhound | English Toy Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-27 inches 61-69 cm | 9-10 inches 23-25 cm |
| Weight | 80-115 lbs 36-52 kg | 8-14 lbs 4-6 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Otterhound | English Toy Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Even-Tempered, Amiable, Boisterous | Gentle, Playful, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Otterhound | English Toy Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Otterhound Temperament
The Otterhound is known for being even-tempered, amiable, boisterous, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
English Toy Spaniel Temperament
The English Toy Spaniel is characterized by being gentle, playful, intelligent, which makes them great companions for families. 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 Otterhound and English Toy Spaniel, 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
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Otterhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Otterhounds 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, Otterhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
English Toy Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
English Toy Spaniels 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, English Toy Spaniels 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
Otterhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Bloat
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Glaucoma
English Toy Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Heart Disease
- Eye Problems
- Patellar Luxation
- Syringomyelia
- Dental Issues
Pros & Cons
Otterhound
Pros
- Excellent swimming ability
- Friendly temperament
- Good with families
- Strong tracking abilities
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Requires lots of exercise
- Can be stubborn
- Rare and expensive
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Otterhound and English Toy Spaniel, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.