Is the Belgian Tervuren Better than the English Toy Spaniel as a Pet? Our Answer.

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Belgian Tervuren Versus English Toy Spaniel: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervuren and the English Toy Spaniel.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervuren or the English Toy Spaniel.

Belgian Tervuren versus English Toy Spaniel: Overview

A very important difference between the Belgian Tervuren and the English Toy Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Belgian Tervuren is a large-sized dog while the English Toy Spaniel is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Belgian Tervuren 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.

Belgian Tervuren versus English Toy Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervuren and the English Toy Spaniel

Factor Belgian Tervuren English Toy Spaniel
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 12 years
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 2/5
Height 21 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Weight 40 to 70 pounds 8 to 14 pounds
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1630 $2350
Price Range $1200 – $2000 $2250 – $2525
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervuren is 77 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 Belgian Tervuren is a better pet than the English Toy Spaniel. So, you should get the Belgian Tervuren!

    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 Belgian Tervuren and the English Toy Spaniel so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the Belgian Tervuren and the English Toy Spaniel

    The Belgian Tervuren and the English Toy Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Belgian Tervuren and the English Toy Spaniel are most similar:

    • Both the Belgian Tervuren and the English Toy Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Belgian Tervuren and the English Toy Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Belgian Tervuren and the English Toy Spaniel are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the Belgian Tervuren and the English Toy Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Belgian Tervuren and the English Toy Spaniel shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervuren and the English Toy Spaniel are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Belgian Tervuren versus English Toy Spaniel

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Belgian Tervuren and the English Toy Spaniel.

    Belgian Tervurens weigh 40 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Belgian Tervurens are 21 to 26 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 Belgian Tervuren versus English Toy Spaniel

    The lifespan of Belgian Tervurens is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Belgian Tervurens is 11.0 years.

    The lifespan of English Toy Spaniels is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of English Toy Spaniels is 11.0 years.

    Price of Belgian Tervuren versus Price of English Toy Spaniel

    The average price of the Belgian Tervuren puppy is $1630. The price of the Belgian Tervuren typically ranges from $1200 – $2000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 27 Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervuren.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Belgian Tervuren and English Toy Spaniel. For different price points, the charts show how many Belgian Tervuren puppies or how many English Toy Spaniel puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Belgian Tervurens. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Belgian Tervurens. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of English Toy Spaniels

    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 Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervuren 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 English Toy Spaniel is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Belgian Tervuren.

    4 health tests are recommended for Belgian Tervuren while 4 tests are recommended for the English Toy Spaniel.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Belgian Tervurens and in English Toy Spaniels.

    Belgian Tervuren Health Problems

    Belgian Tervurens are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervuren puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervurens for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Belgian Tervurens 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:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for English Toy Spaniels here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Belgian Tervuren versus English Toy Spaniel

    Belgian Tervurens do not like to be left alone.

    English Toy Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Do Belgian Tervurens shed more than English Toy Spaniels?

    Belgian Tervurens shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    English Toy Spaniels shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Belgian Tervuren or the English Toy Spaniel

    Belgian Tervurens 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 Belgian Tervuren or the English Toy Spaniel?

    Belgian Tervurens are moderately easy to groom.

    English Toy Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Does the Belgian Tervuren Have a Higher Prey Drive than the English Toy Spaniel?

    Belgian Tervurens have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to 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 Belgian Tervurens Bark and Howl? What about English Toy Spaniels?

    Belgian Tervurens are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    English Toy Spaniels bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Belgian Tervurens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can English Toy Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Belgian Tervurens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    English Toy Spaniels cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Belgian Tervuren vs. English Toy Spaniel

    Belgian Tervurens 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 Belgian Tervurens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can English Toy Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Belgian Tervurens can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    English Toy Spaniels cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Belgian Tervuren or the English Toy Spaniel?

    Belgian Tervurens get along fairly well with other dogs.

    English Toy Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Belgian Tervurens good family dogs? What about English Toy Spaniels?

    Belgian Tervurens 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 Belgian Tervurens and English Toy Spaniels?

    Belgian Tervurens 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 Belgian Tervuren Easier to Train than the English Toy Spaniel?

    Belgian Tervurens are very easy to train.

    English Toy Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Belgian Tervuren Better for Apartment Owners than the English Toy Spaniel?

    Belgian Tervurens adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    English Toy Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Belgian Tervuren or the English Toy Spaniel?

    Belgian Tervurens are OK for new dog owners.

    English Toy Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervuren and the English Toy Spaniel better suits you and your family.