Spanish Water Dog 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.
Spanish Water Dog
Herding Group
English Toy Spaniel
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Spanish Water Dog Overview
Spanish Water Dogs showcase a distinctive curly coat and athletic build, standing 40-50 cm at the shoulder. Their powerful frame combines agility with strength, featuring a well-proportioned body and expressive eyes. Known for their rustic appearance, these versatile herders display remarkable intelligence and an eager-to-please attitude while maintaining their natural working instincts.
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: Spanish Water Dogs are more energetic than English Toy Spaniels, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Spanish Water Dogs require more grooming attention compared to English Toy Spaniels.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Spanish Water Dogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than English Toy Spaniels.
- 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 Spanish Water Dogs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Spanish Water Dog and English Toy Spaniel, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Spanish Water Dog | English Toy Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Spanish Water Dog | English Toy Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 16-20 inches 40-50 cm | 9-10 inches 23-25 cm |
| Weight | 31-49 lbs 14-22 kg | 8-14 lbs 4-6 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Spanish Water Dog | English Toy Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Playful but also Work-Oriented. Very Active and Upbeat. | Gentle, Playful, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Spanish Water Dog | English Toy Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Spanish Water Dog Temperament
The Spanish Water Dog is known for being playful but also work-oriented. very active and upbeat., 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. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
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 Spanish Water Dog 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
Spanish Water Dog
Rating: 4/5
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Spanish Water Dog
Rating: 3/5
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Spanish Water Dog
Rating: 4/5
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Spanish Water Dog
Rating: 1/5
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Spanish Water Dog
Rating: 5/5
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Spanish Water Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Spanish Water Dogs require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Spanish Water Dogs require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
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
Spanish Water Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- CHD
- Allergies
- Hypothyroidism
English Toy Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Heart Disease
- Eye Problems
- Patellar Luxation
- Syringomyelia
- Dental Issues
Pros & Cons
Spanish Water Dog
Pros
- Highly trainable
- Excellent swimming ability
- Low shedding coat
- Versatile working dog
Cons
- High grooming maintenance
- Requires extensive exercise
- Can be reserved with strangers
- Strong herding instincts
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 Spanish Water Dog and English Toy Spaniel, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.