DachshundVSEnglish Springer Spaniel

The Dachshund is known for being clever, stubborn, playful, while the English Springer Spaniel is typically described as friendly, playful, obedient. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

The English Springer Spaniel tends to be more playful, scoring 5/5 versus the Dachshund's 4/5. Expect the English Springer Spaniel to be more eager for playtime and interactive games.

Noise-wise, the Dachshund is more vocal with a barking level of 4/5, while the English Springer Spaniel is quieter at 3/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the English Springer Spaniel may be the better choice.

The Dachshund is a small breed standing 20–23 cm (8–9 in) tall and weighing 7–15 kg (15–33 lbs). In comparison, the English Springer Spaniel is a medium breed at 46–51 cm (18–20 in) and 18–25 kg (40–55 lbs).

There's a significant size difference between these two breeds. The English Springer Spaniel is considerably heavier, which means higher food costs and the need for more physical space. The Dachshund's smaller frame makes it easier to handle and transport.

The Dachshund has a short coat available in red, black and tan, chocolate, cream, dapple, while the English Springer Spaniel sports a medium coat in liver and white, black and white, tricolor. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The Dachshund has moderate energy (3/5) with moderate exercise needs (3/5). The English Springer Spaniel has very high energy (5/5) and very high exercise needs (5/5).

You'll need to dedicate more time to exercising the English Springer Spaniel, which thrives on vigorous daily activity. The Dachshund is less demanding in this regard and settles more easily into a relaxed routine.

For apartment dwellers, the Dachshund is the stronger choice with an apartment-friendliness score of 4/5, compared to the English Springer Spaniel's 2/5. The English Springer Spaniel generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.

The English Springer Spaniel sheds more than the Dachshund — 3/5 versus 2/5. You'll want to invest in a good lint roller and vacuum if you go with the English Springer Spaniel.

Grooming-wise, the English Springer Spaniel needs more upkeep (3/5) than the Dachshund (2/5). The English Springer Spaniel's medium coat demands regular professional grooming to stay in top shape.

Annual grooming costs average around $100 for the Dachshund and $250 for the English Springer Spaniel. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Dachshund has a lifespan of 12–16 years, while the English Springer Spaniel lives 12–14 years. The Dachshund tends to live longer on average.

Both breeds score 3/5 for health robustness, meaning they share similar overall health profiles.

Common health issues for the Dachshund include intervertebral disc disease, obesity, dental issues, patellar luxation. The English Springer Spaniel is prone to hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, elbow dysplasia, ear infections. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $500 for the Dachshund and $450 for the English Springer Spaniel. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

Training comes more naturally with the English Springer Spaniel, which scores 5/5 for trainability. The Dachshund's score of 2/5 means you may need more patience and consistency to see results.

The English Springer Spaniel ranks higher in intelligence (5/5 vs 3/5), which can be both a blessing and a challenge. Smarter dogs learn commands faster but also get bored more easily and may develop behavioral issues without mental stimulation.

Regardless of which breed you choose, early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are key to raising a well-behaved dog. Puppy classes are a great investment for either breed.

The English Springer Spaniel is the more intelligent of the two, scoring 5/5 to the Dachshund's 3/5. This means the English Springer Spaniel generally picks up new commands faster and is better at figuring things out independently. On the flip side, their sharp mind needs regular engagement through puzzle toys, training games, and varied activities to prevent behavioral issues.

These breeds excel in different types of intelligence. The Dachshund leans toward instinctive intelligence — naturally excelling at the tasks their breed was designed for, like guarding or herding. The English Springer Spaniel, on the other hand, shows strong adaptive intelligence — figuring out new situations on their own and reading social cues effectively.

The English Springer Spaniel's higher intelligence translates directly into better trainability (5/5 vs 2/5), making them both the quicker learner and the easier breed to train. This combination is ideal for owners who want a responsive, obedient companion.

For either breed, mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle feeders, training sessions, scent work, and interactive toys keep intelligent dogs engaged and prevent the boredom that leads to chewing, digging, or excessive barking.

The English Springer Spaniel edges ahead as a family dog, scoring 5/5 with children versus the Dachshund's 3/5. The English Springer Spaniel's friendly temperament makes it especially patient around kids.

If you have other pets, the English Springer Spaniel tends to get along better with other dogs (4/5) than the Dachshund (3/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the English Springer Spaniel is naturally more sociable with canine companions.

The English Springer Spaniel is more welcoming to strangers (4/5), while the Dachshund tends to be more reserved (3/5). If you frequently have guests, the English Springer Spaniel's sociable nature will make entertaining easier.

The initial purchase price for a Dachshund ranges from $500–$2,000, while a English Springer Spaniel typically costs $800–$2,000. The English Springer Spaniel is the more expensive breed to purchase.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,020 for the Dachshund and $1,300 for the English Springer Spaniel. The English Springer Spaniel costs more annually, largely because of higher food costs.

Monthly food costs run about $35 for the Dachshund and $50 for the English Springer Spaniel. Over a typical lifespan, the total cost of ownership can differ by thousands of dollars, so it's worth factoring in the long-term financial commitment.