A detailed side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right breed for your lifestyle.
| Attribute | English Springer Spaniel | Goldendoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Size | medium | medium |
| Weight | 18โ25 kg (40โ55 lbs) | 14โ30 kg (31โ66 lbs) |
| Height | 46โ51 cm (18โ20 in) | 43โ61 cm (17โ24 in) |
| Lifespan | 12โ14 yrs | 10โ15 yrs |
| Trainability | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Energy Level | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Good with Kids | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Shedding | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Grooming | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Apartment Friendly | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Price | $800โ$2,000 | $1,500โ$5,000 |
The English Springer Spaniel is known for being friendly, playful, obedient, while the Goldendoodle is typically described as friendly, intelligent, gentle. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.
Both breeds share a similar playfulness level at 5/5, so you can expect comparable levels of fun and games from either one.
Noise-wise, the English Springer Spaniel is more vocal with a barking level of 3/5, while the Goldendoodle is quieter at 2/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the Goldendoodle may be the better choice.
The English Springer Spaniel is a medium breed standing 46โ51 cm (18โ20 in) tall and weighing 18โ25 kg (40โ55 lbs). In comparison, the Goldendoodle is a medium breed at 43โ61 cm (17โ24 in) and 14โ30 kg (31โ66 lbs).
These two breeds are quite similar in size, so space and food requirements will be comparable for either choice.
The English Springer Spaniel has a medium coat available in liver and white, black and white, tricolor, while the Goldendoodle sports a curly coat in cream, gold, red, chocolate, black. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.
The English Springer Spaniel has very high energy (5/5) with very high exercise needs (5/5). The Goldendoodle has high energy (4/5) and high exercise needs (4/5).
The English Springer Spaniel requires more daily activity to stay happy and healthy. Without enough exercise, they may develop destructive behaviors. The Goldendoodle is more adaptable and can get by with shorter walks and play sessions.
For apartment dwellers, the Goldendoodle is the stronger choice with an apartment-friendliness score of 3/5, 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.
When it comes to shedding, the English Springer Spaniel drops more fur with a shedding level of 3/5, while the Goldendoodle is lighter at 1/5. If pet hair on furniture is a concern, the Goldendoodle will be easier to live with.
Grooming-wise, the Goldendoodle needs more upkeep (4/5) than the English Springer Spaniel (3/5). The Goldendoodle's curly coat demands regular professional grooming to stay in top shape.
Annual grooming costs average around $250 for the English Springer Spaniel and $500 for the Goldendoodle. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.
The English Springer Spaniel has a lifespan of 12โ14 years, while the Goldendoodle lives 10โ15 years. The English Springer Spaniel tends to live longer on average.
The Goldendoodle is generally the healthier breed, scoring 4/5 for health robustness versus the English Springer Spaniel's 3/5. This often translates to fewer vet visits and lower medical costs.
Common health issues for the English Springer Spaniel include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, elbow dysplasia, ear infections. The Goldendoodle is prone to hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, von Willebrand's disease, allergies. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.
Annual vet costs average $450 for the English Springer Spaniel and $450 for the Goldendoodle. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.
Both breeds are equally trainable at 5/5. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well with either breed.
Both breeds match in intelligence at 5/5, so expect similar learning speeds and mental stimulation needs from either choice.
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.
Both the English Springer Spaniel and Goldendoodle score 5/5 for intelligence, putting them on equal footing mentally. They'll learn commands at similar speeds and need comparable amounts of mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved.
Both breeds share a similar intelligence profile rooted in adaptive intelligence. Both are skilled at reading human emotions, adapting to new environments, and solving everyday problems on their own.
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.
Both breeds score 5/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed can be a wonderful addition to a household with kids.
If you have other pets, the Goldendoodle tends to get along better with other dogs (5/5) than the English Springer Spaniel (4/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the Goldendoodle is naturally more sociable with canine companions.
The Goldendoodle is more welcoming to strangers (5/5), while the English Springer Spaniel tends to be more reserved (4/5). If you frequently have guests, the Goldendoodle's sociable nature will make entertaining easier.
The initial purchase price for a English Springer Spaniel ranges from $800โ$2,000, while a Goldendoodle typically costs $1,500โ$5,000. The Goldendoodle is the more expensive breed to purchase.
Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,300 for the English Springer Spaniel and $1,610 for the Goldendoodle. The Goldendoodle costs more annually, largely because of higher food costs.
Monthly food costs run about $50 for the English Springer Spaniel and $55 for the Goldendoodle. 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.
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The English Springer Spaniel scores 5/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Goldendoodle at 5/5. Both breeds can be great family dogs with proper training and socialization.
The English Springer Spaniel is equally easy to train with a score of 5/5, matching the Goldendoodle. Both respond well to positive reinforcement methods.
A English Springer Spaniel puppy costs $800โ$2,000 while a Goldendoodle costs $1,500โ$5,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,300 for the English Springer Spaniel and $1,610 for the Goldendoodle.
The English Springer Spaniel lives 12โ14 years on average, while the Goldendoodle lives 10โ15 years. The English Springer Spaniel generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
The Goldendoodle adapts better to apartment living (3/5) than the English Springer Spaniel (2/5). However, neither breed is an ideal apartment dog โ daily outdoor exercise is essential.
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