Is the English Springer Spaniel Better than the English Toy Spaniel as a Pet? Answer…

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English Springer Spaniel Versus English Toy Spaniel: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the English Springer Spaniel 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 English Springer Spaniel 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 English Springer Spaniel 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 English Springer Spaniel or the English Toy Spaniel

English Springer Spaniel versus English Toy Spaniel: Overview

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

Furthermore, the English Springer 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 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.

English Springer Spaniel versus English Toy Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the English Springer Spaniel 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 English Springer Spaniel English Toy Spaniel
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Height 1 foot, 6 inches to 1 foot, 10 inches tall at the 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 1/5
General Health 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
Weight 45 to 55 pounds 8 to 14 pounds
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Life Span 9 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1310 $2350
Price Range $950 – $1600 $2250 – $2525
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • AKC DNA Profile
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Canine Good Citizen Certification
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • DNA Bank
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • FUCOSIDOSIS
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • PFK
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 27 134

    *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 English Springer 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 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 English Springer Spaniel is 78 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 English Springer Spaniel is a better pet than the English Toy Spaniel. So, you should get the English Springer Spaniel!

    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 English Springer Spaniel 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 English Springer Spaniel and the English Toy Spaniel

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

  • English Springer Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living. However, English Toy Spaniels adapt well to apartment living.
  • English Springer Spaniels 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.
  • English Springer Spaniels 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 English Springer Spaniel and the English Toy Spaniel

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

  • Both the English Springer Spaniel and the English Toy Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the English Springer Spaniel and the English Toy Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the English Springer Spaniel 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 English Springer Spaniel and the English Toy Spaniel are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the English Springer Spaniel and the English Toy Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the English Springer Spaniel and the English Toy Spaniel get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the English Springer Spaniel and the English Toy Spaniel have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the English Springer Spaniel and the English Toy Spaniel are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of English Springer Spaniel versus English Toy Spaniel

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

    English Springer Spaniels weigh 45 to 55 pounds when fully grown. English Springer Spaniels are 1 foot, 6 inches to 1 foot, 10 inches tall at the 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 English Springer Spaniel versus Price of English Toy Spaniel

    The average price of the English Springer Spaniel puppy is $1310. The price of the English Springer Spaniel typically ranges from $950 – $1600. However, the price of a English Springer Spaniel can be as low as $500 and as high as $3300. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 334 English Springer Spaniel 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 English Springer Spaniel.

    English Springer Spaniel English Toy Spaniel
    Average Price $1310 $2350
    Price Range $950 to $1600 $2250 to $2525

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

    A breakdown of the prices of English Springer Spaniels. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of English Springer Spaniels. 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 English Springer Spaniel 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.

    The Popularity of English Springer Spaniel versus Popularity of English Toy Spaniel

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the English Springer Spaniel and the English Toy Spaniel over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the English Springer Spaniel is more popular with dog owners than the English Toy Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the English Springer Spaniel is 27 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the English Toy Spaniel is 134 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of English Springer Spaniel

    Popularity of English Springer Spaniel

    Popularity of English Toy Spaniel

    Popularity of English Toy Spaniel

    Year English Springer Spaniel Popularity Rank English Toy Spaniel Popularity Rank
    2013 28 135
    2014 28 138
    2015 27 129
    2016 26 130
    2017 27 134
    2018 27 135
    2019 27 139
    2020 26 138

    Health Problems of English Springer Spaniel versus Health Problems of English Toy Spaniel

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. Therefore, there is nothing like a perfect puppy.

    Both the English Springer Spaniel 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 Springer Spaniel is prone to more genetic health problems than the English Toy Spaniel.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the English Springer Spaniel than for the English Toy Spaniel.

    12 health tests are recommended for English Springer Spaniel while 4 tests are recommended for the English Toy Spaniel.

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

    English Springer Spaniel Health Problems

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

  • AKC DNA Profile
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Canine Good Citizen Certification
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • DNA Bank
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • FUCOSIDOSIS
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • PFK
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for English Springer Spaniels 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.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in English Springer Spaniels and English Toy Spaniels

    Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the English Springer Spaniel Breed is Phosphofructokinase Deficiency problems.

    This is because the English Springer Spaniel ranks 1 out of 2 dog breeds for Phosphofructokinase Deficiency problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 242 English Springer Spaniels, 0 of them had Phosphofructokinase Deficiency problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in English Springer Spaniels, and how common these diseases are in English Springer Spaniels relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Phosphofructokinase Deficiency problems: Rank 1 out of 2 Dog Breeds
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems: Rank 2 out of 32 Dog Breeds
  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 26 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 29 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Advanced Cardiac problems: Rank 31 out of 71 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 72 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 78 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 89 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 93 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 114 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the English Toy Spaniel Breed is Congenital Cardiac problems.

    This is because the English Toy Spaniel ranks 2 out of 159 dog breeds for Congenital Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 470 English Toy Spaniels, 21 of them had Congenital Cardiac problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in English Toy Spaniels, and how common these diseases are in English Toy Spaniels relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 2 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 4 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 4 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in English Springer Spaniel and in English Toy Spaniel and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the English Springer Spaniel and the English Toy Spaniel:

    Disease English Springer Spaniel Rank English Toy Spaniel Rank
    Phosphofructokinase Deficiency problems 1 out of 2 dog breeds Not Common
    Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems 2 out of 32 dog breeds Not Common
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems 26 out of 70 dog breeds Not Common
    Elbow problems 29 out of 144 dog breeds Not Common
    Advanced Cardiac problems 31 out of 71 dog breeds Not Common
    Congenital Cardiac problems 72 out of 159 dog breeds 2 out of 159 dog breeds
    Thyroid problems 78 out of 115 dog breeds Not Common
    Eyes problems 89 out of 182 dog breeds 4 out of 182 dog breeds
    Hips problems 93 out of 198 dog breeds Not Common
    Patella problems 114 out of 145 dog breeds 4 out of 145 dog breeds

    *To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.

    Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.

    Is the English Springer Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the English Toy Spaniel?

    English Springer Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    English Toy Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

    Tolerates Being Alone: English Springer Spaniel versus English Toy Spaniel

    English Springer Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    English Toy Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Which one drools more, the English Springer Spaniel or the English Toy Spaniel

    English Springer Spaniels 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 English Springer Spaniel or the English Toy Spaniel?

    English Springer Spaniels require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    English Toy Spaniels are very easy to groom.

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

    English Springer Spaniels are OK for new dog owners.

    English Toy Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Can English Springer Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can English Toy Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    English Springer Spaniels can moderately tolerate cold weather.

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

    Do English Springer Spaniels shed more than English Toy Spaniels?

    English Springer Spaniels shed moderately.

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

    Do English Springer Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about English Toy Spaniels?

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

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

    Can English Springer Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can English Toy Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    English Springer Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: English Springer Spaniel vs. English Toy Spaniel

    English Springer Spaniels 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.

    Are English Springer Spaniels good family dogs? What about English Toy Spaniels?

    English Springer Spaniels 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 English Springer Spaniels and English Toy Spaniels?

    English Springer Spaniels 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 English Springer Spaniel or the English Toy Spaniel?

    English Springer Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    English Toy Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Is the English Springer Spaniel Easier to Train than the English Toy Spaniel?

    English Springer Spaniels are very easy to train.

    English Toy Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

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

    English Springer 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.

    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.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the English Springer Spaniel

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the English Springer 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 Springer Spaniel:

  • Australian Shepherd (81 percent match with English Springer Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the English Toy Spaniel vs Australian Shepherd.
  • Field Spaniel (84 percent match with English Springer Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the English Toy Spaniel vs Field Spaniel.
  • Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (82 percent match with English Springer Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the English Toy Spaniel vs Wirehaired Pointing Griffon.
  • 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 English Springer Spaniel vs Japanese Chin.
  • Pug (73 percent match with English Toy Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the English Springer Spaniel vs Pug.
  • French Bulldog (74 percent match with English Toy Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the English Springer Spaniel vs French Bulldog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    English Springer Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    English Springer Spaniel versus Peek A Poo     English Springer Spaniel versus Spinone Italiano     English Springer Spaniel versus Silky Terrier     English Springer Spaniel versus Afador     English Springer Spaniel versus Border Terrier     English Springer Spaniel versus Pomchi     English Springer Spaniel versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     English Springer Spaniel versus Karelian Bear Dog     English Springer Spaniel versus Shichon     English Springer Spaniel versus Puggle     

    English Toy Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    English Toy Spaniel versus Tibetan Terrier     English Toy Spaniel versus Pomeranian     English Toy Spaniel versus Peek A Poo     English Toy Spaniel versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     English Toy Spaniel versus Pomeranian     English Toy Spaniel versus Boxer     English Toy Spaniel versus Vizsla     English Toy Spaniel versus Puli     English Toy Spaniel versus Black Mouth Cur     English Toy Spaniel versus Cavachon     

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