A Detailed Comparison of the Dutch Shepherd and the English Toy Spaniel.

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Dutch Shepherd Versus English Toy Spaniel: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Dutch Shepherd and the English Toy Spaniel? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd and the English Toy Spaniel.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd or the English Toy Spaniel

Dutch Shepherd versus English Toy Spaniel: Overview

A very important difference between the Dutch Shepherd and the English Toy Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Dutch Shepherd is a medium-sized dog while the English Toy Spaniel is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Dutch Shepherd 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.

Dutch Shepherd versus English Toy Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dutch Shepherd 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.

Factor Dutch Shepherd English Toy Spaniel
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Height 21 to 25 inches 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
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 1/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Weight 50 to 70 pounds 8 to 14 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1590 $2350
Price Range $900 – $2000 $2250 – $2525
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•

    *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Dutch Shepherd 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 a Dutch Shepherd is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a English Toy Spaniel is 74 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Dutch Shepherd is a better pet than the English Toy Spaniel. So, you should get the Dutch Shepherd!

    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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd and the English Toy Spaniel

    Below is a list of where the Dutch Shepherd and the English Toy Spaniel are most different:

  • Dutch Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly. However, English Toy Spaniels do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    • The Similarities Between the Dutch Shepherd and the English Toy Spaniel

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

  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the English Toy Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the English Toy Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the English Toy Spaniel are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the English Toy Spaniel are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the English Toy Spaniel do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the English Toy Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the English Toy Spaniel get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the English Toy Spaniel shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the English Toy Spaniel are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the English Toy Spaniel have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the English Toy Spaniel are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Dutch Shepherd versus English Toy Spaniel

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Dutch Shepherd and the English Toy Spaniel.

    Dutch Shepherds weigh 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Dutch Shepherds are 21 to 25 inches 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.

    Price of Dutch Shepherd versus Price of English Toy Spaniel

    The average price of the Dutch Shepherd puppy is $1590. The price of the Dutch Shepherd typically ranges from $900 – $2000. However, the price of a Dutch Shepherd can be as low as $100 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 116 Dutch Shepherd 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. However, the price of a English Toy Spaniel can be as low as $2000 and as high as $2550. 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 Dutch Shepherd.

    Dutch Shepherd English Toy Spaniel
    Average Price $1590 $2350
    Price Range $900 to $2000 $2250 to $2525

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds. 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 from 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 one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dutch Shepherd versus English Toy Spaniel

    Dutch Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    English Toy Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Which one drools more, the Dutch Shepherd or the English Toy Spaniel

    Dutch Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    English Toy Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Do Dutch Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about English Toy Spaniels?

    Dutch Shepherds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Dutch Shepherd vs. English Toy Spaniel

    Dutch Shepherds do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    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.

    Is the Dutch Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the English Toy Spaniel?

    Dutch Shepherds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    English Toy Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Dutch Shepherd or the English Toy Spaniel?

    Dutch Shepherds are OK for new dog owners.

    English Toy Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Dutch Shepherd or the English Toy Spaniel?

    Dutch Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

    English Toy Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Does the Dutch Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the English Toy Spaniel?

    Dutch Shepherds have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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.

    Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can English Toy Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Dutch Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can English Toy Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dutch Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Are Dutch Shepherds good family dogs? What about English Toy Spaniels?

    Dutch Shepherds 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 Dutch Shepherds and English Toy Spaniels?

    Dutch Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    English Toy Spaniels do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dutch Shepherd or the English Toy Spaniel?

    Dutch Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    English Toy Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Do Dutch Shepherds shed more than English Toy Spaniels?

    Dutch Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Is the Dutch Shepherd Easier to Train than the English Toy Spaniel?

    Dutch Shepherds are very easy to train.

    English Toy Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dutch Shepherd

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dutch Shepherd that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Dutch Shepherd:

  • French Spaniel (80 percent match with Dutch Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the English Toy Spaniel vs French Spaniel.
  • Japanese Spitz (79 percent match with Dutch Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the English Toy Spaniel vs Japanese Spitz.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the English Toy Spaniel

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the English Toy Spaniel that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the English Toy Spaniel:

  • Japanese Chin (74 percent match with English Toy Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs Japanese Chin.
  • Pug (73 percent match with English Toy Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs Pug.
  • French Bulldog (74 percent match with English Toy Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs French Bulldog.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Dutch Shepherd and how the English Toy Spaniel compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Dutch Shepherd and of the English Toy Spaniel to other breeds:

    Dutch Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dutch Shepherd versus Irish Wolfhound     Dutch Shepherd versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Dutch Shepherd versus Vizsla     Dutch Shepherd versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Dutch Shepherd versus Standard Schnauzer     Dutch Shepherd versus American Eskimo Dog     Dutch Shepherd versus Doberman Pinscher     Dutch Shepherd versus Affenhuahua     Dutch Shepherd versus Dachshund     Dutch Shepherd versus Bracco Italiano     

    English Toy Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    English Toy Spaniel versus Bichon Frise     English Toy Spaniel versus Portuguese Water Dog     English Toy Spaniel versus Pharaoh Hound     English Toy Spaniel versus Chinook     English Toy Spaniel versus Doberman Pinscher     English Toy Spaniel versus Maltese     English Toy Spaniel versus Papillon     English Toy Spaniel versus Brittany     English Toy Spaniel versus Brittany     English Toy Spaniel versus Cocker Spaniel     

    Conclusion: Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd and the English Toy Spaniel better suits you and your family.