Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Boykin Spaniel Versus Italian Greyhound: Introduction
- Boykin Spaniel versus Italian Greyhound: Overview
- Boykin Spaniel versus Italian Greyhound: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Boykin Spaniel and the Italian Greyhound
- The Similarities Between the Boykin Spaniel and the Italian Greyhound
- Size Comparison of Boykin Spaniel versus Italian Greyhound
- Lifespan of Boykin Spaniel versus Italian Greyhound
- Temperament of the Boykin Spaniel Versus the Italian Greyhound
- Price of Boykin Spaniel versus Price of Italian Greyhound
- Health Problems of Boykin Spaniel versus Health Problems of Italian Greyhound
- Tolerates Being Alone: Boykin Spaniel versus Italian Greyhound
- Do Boykin Spaniels shed more than Italian Greyhounds?
- Which one drools more, the Boykin Spaniel or the Italian Greyhound
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Boykin Spaniel or the Italian Greyhound?
- Does the Boykin Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Italian Greyhound?
- Do Boykin Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Italian Greyhounds?
- Can Boykin Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Italian Greyhounds Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Boykin Spaniel vs. Italian Greyhound
- Can Boykin Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Italian Greyhounds Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Boykin Spaniel or the Italian Greyhound?
- Are Boykin Spaniels good family dogs? What about Italian Greyhounds?
- How Kid-friendly are Boykin Spaniels and Italian Greyhounds?
- Is the Boykin Spaniel Easier to Train than the Italian Greyhound?
- Conclusion: Boykin Spaniel versus Italian Greyhound. Which One is a Better Pet?
Boykin Spaniel Versus Italian Greyhound: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Boykin Spaniel and the Italian Greyhound? 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 Boykin Spaniel and the Italian Greyhound 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 Boykin Spaniel and the Italian Greyhound.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Boykin Spaniel and the Italian Greyhound 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 Boykin Spaniel and for the Italian Greyhound. 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 Boykin Spaniel and the Italian Greyhound.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Boykin Spaniel or the Italian Greyhound.
Boykin Spaniel versus Italian Greyhound: Overview
A very important difference between the Boykin Spaniel and the Italian Greyhound is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Boykin Spaniel is a medium-sized dog while the Italian Greyhound is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Boykin Spaniel belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.
On the other hand, the Italian Greyhound 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.
Boykin Spaniel versus Italian Greyhound: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Boykin Spaniel to the Italian Greyhound 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 Boykin Spaniel and the Italian Greyhound
| Factor | Boykin Spaniel | Italian Greyhound |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 14 to 15 years |
| Height | 14 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder | 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder |
| General Health | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Weight | 25 to 40 pounds | 6 to 15 pounds |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 14.5 years |
| Average Price | $1110 | $1930 |
| Price Range | $900 – $1225 | $1500 – $2250 |
| Temperament Score | 100.0 percent | 81.5 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Boykin Spaniel 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 Italian Greyhound. 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 Boykin Spaniel is 71 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Italian Greyhound is 82 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Italian Greyhound is a better pet than the Boykin Spaniel. So, you should get the Italian Greyhound!
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 Boykin Spaniel and the Italian Greyhound so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Boykin Spaniel and the Italian Greyhound
Below is a list of where the Boykin Spaniel and the Italian Greyhound are most different:
- Boykin Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Italian Greyhounds adapt well to apartment living.
- Boykin Spaniels require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Italian Greyhounds are very easy to groom.
- Boykin Spaniels have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Italian Greyhounds have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
- Boykin Spaniels do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Italian Greyhounds do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
The Similarities Between the Boykin Spaniel and the Italian Greyhound
The Boykin Spaniel and the Italian Greyhound are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Boykin Spaniel and the Italian Greyhound are most similar:
- Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Italian Greyhound do not have the tendency to drool.
- Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Italian Greyhound have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
- Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Italian Greyhound 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 Boykin Spaniel and the Italian Greyhound can tolerate hot weather.
- Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Italian Greyhound get along well with other dogs.
- Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Italian Greyhound are very easy to train.
- Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Italian Greyhound are highly intelligent.
- Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Italian Greyhound are prone to nip and chew at things.
- Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Italian Greyhound have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
- Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Italian Greyhound are very playful.
- Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Italian Greyhound are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
- Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Italian Greyhound get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
- Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Italian Greyhound have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
- Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Italian Greyhound require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
Size Comparison of Boykin Spaniel versus Italian Greyhound
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Boykin Spaniel and the Italian Greyhound.
Boykin Spaniels weigh 25 to 40 pounds when fully grown. Boykin Spaniels are 14 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Italian Greyhounds weigh 6 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Italian Greyhounds are 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Boykin Spaniel versus Italian Greyhound
The lifespan of Boykin Spaniels is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Boykin Spaniels is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Italian Greyhounds is between 14 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Italian Greyhounds is 14.5 years.
Italian Greyhounds live longer than Boykin Spaniels.
Temperament of the Boykin Spaniel Versus the Italian Greyhound
The Boykin Spaniel has a better temperament than the Italian Greyhound.
This is because the temperament score for the Boykin Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Italian Greyhound is 81.5 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 100.0 percent, the Boykin Spaniel has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 81.5 percent, the Italian Greyhound has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Boykin Spaniel and the Italian Greyhound by measuring the temperaments of 2 Boykin Spaniels and 54 Italian Greyhounds.
Price of Boykin Spaniel versus Price of Italian Greyhound
The average price of the Boykin Spaniel puppy is $1110. The price of the Boykin Spaniel typically ranges from $900 – $1225. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 44 Boykin Spaniel puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Italian Greyhound puppy is $1930. The price of the Italian Greyhound typically ranges from $1500 – $2250. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 141 Italian Greyhound puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Italian Greyhound is more expensive than the Boykin Spaniel.
The charts below show the price distribution for the Boykin Spaniel and Italian Greyhound. For different price points, the charts show how many Boykin Spaniel puppies or how many Italian Greyhound puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Boykin Spaniels. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Italian Greyhounds
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Boykin Spaniel puppy or the Italian Greyhound 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 Boykin Spaniel versus Health Problems of Italian Greyhound
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 Boykin Spaniel and the Italian Greyhound 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 Boykin Spaniel is prone to more genetic health problems than the Italian Greyhound.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Boykin Spaniel than for the Italian Greyhound.
8 health tests are recommended for Boykin Spaniel while 4 tests are recommended for the Italian Greyhound.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Boykin Spaniels and in Italian Greyhounds.
Boykin Spaniel Health Problems
Boykin Spaniels are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Boykin 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 Boykin Spaniel puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Boykin 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 Boykin Spaniels for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Boykin Spaniels here.
Italian Greyhound Health Problems
Italian Greyhounds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhounds for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Italian Greyhounds here.
Tolerates Being Alone: Boykin Spaniel versus Italian Greyhound
Boykin Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.
Italian Greyhounds do not like to be left alone.
Do Boykin Spaniels shed more than Italian Greyhounds?
Boykin Spaniels shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Italian Greyhounds do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Boykin Spaniel or the Italian Greyhound
Boykin Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
Italian Greyhounds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Boykin Spaniel or the Italian Greyhound?
Boykin Spaniels require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Italian Greyhounds are very easy to groom.
Does the Boykin Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Italian Greyhound?
Boykin Spaniels 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.
Italian Greyhounds 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 Boykin Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Italian Greyhounds?
Boykin Spaniels bark and howl, but not very much.
Italian Greyhounds bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Boykin Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Italian Greyhounds Tolerate Cold Weather?
Boykin Spaniels can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Italian Greyhounds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: Boykin Spaniel vs. Italian Greyhound
Boykin Spaniels have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Italian Greyhounds have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Boykin Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Italian Greyhounds Tolerate Hot Weather?
Boykin Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.
Italian Greyhounds can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Boykin Spaniel or the Italian Greyhound?
Boykin Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Italian Greyhounds get along very well with other dogs.
Are Boykin Spaniels good family dogs? What about Italian Greyhounds?
Boykin Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Italian Greyhounds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Boykin Spaniels and Italian Greyhounds?
Boykin Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Italian Greyhounds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Boykin Spaniel Easier to Train than the Italian Greyhound?
Boykin Spaniels are very easy to train.
Italian Greyhounds are fairly easy to train.
Is the Boykin Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Italian Greyhound?
Boykin Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.
Italian Greyhounds adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Boykin Spaniel or the Italian Greyhound?
Boykin Spaniels are OK for new dog owners.
Italian Greyhounds are very good for new dog owners.
Conclusion: Boykin Spaniel versus Italian Greyhound. 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 Boykin Spaniel and the Italian Greyhound better suits you and your family.