Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Australian Cattle Dog Versus English Toy Spaniel: Introduction
- Australian Cattle Dog versus English Toy Spaniel: Overview
- Australian Cattle Dog versus English Toy Spaniel: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Cattle Dog and the English Toy Spaniel
- The Similarities Between the Australian Cattle Dog and the English Toy Spaniel
- Size Comparison of Australian Cattle Dog versus English Toy Spaniel
- Lifespan of Australian Cattle Dog versus English Toy Spaniel
- Price of Australian Cattle Dog versus Price of English Toy Spaniel
- Health Problems of Australian Cattle Dog versus Health Problems of English Toy Spaniel
- Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Cattle Dog versus English Toy Spaniel
- Do Australian Cattle Dogs shed more than English Toy Spaniels?
- Which one drools more, the Australian Cattle Dog or the English Toy Spaniel
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Cattle Dog or the English Toy Spaniel?
- Does the Australian Cattle Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the English Toy Spaniel?
- Do Australian Cattle Dogs Bark and Howl? What about English Toy Spaniels?
- Can Australian Cattle Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can English Toy Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Australian Cattle Dog vs. English Toy Spaniel
- Can Australian Cattle Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can English Toy Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Cattle Dog or the English Toy Spaniel?
- Are Australian Cattle Dogs good family dogs? What about English Toy Spaniels?
- How Kid-friendly are Australian Cattle Dogs and English Toy Spaniels?
- Is the Australian Cattle Dog Easier to Train than the English Toy Spaniel?
- Conclusion: Australian Cattle Dog versus English Toy Spaniel. Which One is a Better Pet?
Australian Cattle Dog Versus English Toy Spaniel: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Cattle Dog and the English Toy Spaniel? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Australian Cattle Dog and the English Toy Spaniel better suits you.
We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Australian Cattle Dog and the English Toy Spaniel.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Cattle Dog and the English Toy Spaniel is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.
Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Australian Cattle Dog and for the English Toy Spaniel. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Australian Cattle Dog and the English Toy Spaniel.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Australian Cattle Dog or the English Toy Spaniel.
Australian Cattle Dog versus English Toy Spaniel: Overview
A very important difference between the Australian Cattle Dog and the English Toy Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Australian Cattle Dog is a medium-sized dog while the English Toy Spaniel is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Australian Cattle Dog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
On the other hand, the English Toy Spaniel belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
Australian Cattle Dog versus English Toy Spaniel: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Australian Cattle Dog to the English Toy Spaniel based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.
When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets
Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.
However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Australian Cattle Dog and the English Toy Spaniel
| Factor | Australian Cattle Dog | English Toy Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Height | 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder | 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Weight | 30 to 50 pounds | 8 to 14 pounds |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $840 | $2350 |
| Price Range | $500 – $996 | $2250 – $2525 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Australian Cattle Dog in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the English Toy Spaniel. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.
The Better-Pet score for the Australian Cattle Dog is 76 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the English Toy Spaniel is 74 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Australian Cattle Dog is a better pet than the English Toy Spaniel. So, you should get the Australian Cattle Dog!
Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Australian Cattle Dog and the English Toy Spaniel so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Cattle Dog and the English Toy Spaniel
Below is a list of where the Australian Cattle Dog and the English Toy Spaniel are most different:
- Australian Cattle Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, English Toy Spaniels are good for new dog owners.
- Australian Cattle Dogs are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds However, English Toy Spaniels have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
- Australian Cattle Dogs require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise. However, English Toy Spaniels have low exercise needs.
The Similarities Between the Australian Cattle Dog and the English Toy Spaniel
The Australian Cattle Dog and the English Toy Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Australian Cattle Dog and the English Toy Spaniel are most similar:
- Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the English Toy Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
- Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the English Toy Spaniel are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
- Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the English Toy Spaniel are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
- Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the English Toy Spaniel get along well with other dogs.
- Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the English Toy Spaniel are very easy to groom.
- Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the English Toy Spaniel gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
- Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the English Toy Spaniel have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
- Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the English Toy Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
- Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the English Toy Spaniel are prone to nip and chew at things.
- Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the English Toy Spaniel are very playful.
Size Comparison of Australian Cattle Dog versus English Toy Spaniel
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Cattle Dog and the English Toy Spaniel.
Australian Cattle Dogs weigh 30 to 50 pounds when fully grown. Australian Cattle Dogs are 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, English Toy Spaniels weigh 8 to 14 pounds when fully grown. English Toy Spaniels are 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Australian Cattle Dog versus English Toy Spaniel
The lifespan of Australian Cattle Dogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Australian Cattle Dogs is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of English Toy Spaniels is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of English Toy Spaniels is 11.0 years.
Australian Cattle Dogs live longer than English Toy Spaniels.
Price of Australian Cattle Dog versus Price of English Toy Spaniel
The average price of the Australian Cattle Dog puppy is $840. The price of the Australian Cattle Dog typically ranges from $500 – $996. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 692 Australian Cattle Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the English Toy Spaniel puppy is $2350. The price of the English Toy Spaniel typically ranges from $2250 – $2525. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 3 English Toy Spaniel puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The English Toy Spaniel is more expensive than the Australian Cattle Dog.
The charts below show the price distribution for the Australian Cattle Dog and English Toy Spaniel. For different price points, the charts show how many Australian Cattle Dog puppies or how many English Toy Spaniel puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Australian Cattle Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of English Toy Spaniels
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Australian Cattle Dog puppy or the English Toy Spaniel puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.
Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
Health Problems of Australian Cattle Dog versus Health Problems of English Toy Spaniel
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the English Toy Spaniel are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Australian Cattle Dog is prone to more genetic health problems than the English Toy Spaniel.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Australian Cattle Dog than for the English Toy Spaniel.
9 health tests are recommended for Australian Cattle Dog while 4 tests are recommended for the English Toy Spaniel.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Australian Cattle Dogs and in English Toy Spaniels.
Australian Cattle Dog Health Problems
Australian Cattle Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Australian Cattle Dog puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Australian Cattle Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Australian Cattle Dog breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Australian Cattle Dogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Australian Cattle Dogs here.
English Toy Spaniel Health Problems
English Toy Spaniels are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing English Toy Spaniel puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a English Toy Spaniel puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your English Toy Spaniel breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen English Toy Spaniels for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for English Toy Spaniels here.
Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Cattle Dog versus English Toy Spaniel
Australian Cattle Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.
English Toy Spaniels do not like to be left alone.
Do Australian Cattle Dogs shed more than English Toy Spaniels?
Australian Cattle Dogs shed moderately.
English Toy Spaniels shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Australian Cattle Dog or the English Toy Spaniel
Australian Cattle Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
English Toy Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Cattle Dog or the English Toy Spaniel?
Australian Cattle Dogs are very easy to groom.
English Toy Spaniels are very easy to groom.
Does the Australian Cattle Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the English Toy Spaniel?
Australian Cattle Dogs have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
English Toy Spaniels have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
Do Australian Cattle Dogs Bark and Howl? What about English Toy Spaniels?
Australian Cattle Dogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
English Toy Spaniels bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Australian Cattle Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can English Toy Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
Australian Cattle Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
English Toy Spaniels cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: Australian Cattle Dog vs. English Toy Spaniel
Australian Cattle Dogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
English Toy Spaniels do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Can Australian Cattle Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can English Toy Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
Australian Cattle Dogs can tolerate hot weather.
English Toy Spaniels cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Cattle Dog or the English Toy Spaniel?
Australian Cattle Dogs get along very well with other dogs.
English Toy Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Are Australian Cattle Dogs good family dogs? What about English Toy Spaniels?
Australian Cattle Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
English Toy Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Australian Cattle Dogs and English Toy Spaniels?
Australian Cattle Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
English Toy Spaniels do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Is the Australian Cattle Dog Easier to Train than the English Toy Spaniel?
Australian Cattle Dogs are very easy to train.
English Toy Spaniels are fairly easy to train.
Is the Australian Cattle Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the English Toy Spaniel?
Australian Cattle Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
English Toy Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Cattle Dog or the English Toy Spaniel?
Australian Cattle Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
English Toy Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.
Conclusion: Australian Cattle Dog versus English Toy Spaniel. Which One is a Better Pet?
In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Australian Cattle Dog and the English Toy Spaniel better suits you and your family.