English Toy SpanielVSPomeranian

The English Toy Spaniel is known for being gentle, quiet, loving, while the Pomeranian is typically described as lively, bold, inquisitive. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

The Pomeranian tends to be more playful, scoring 4/5 versus the English Toy Spaniel's 3/5. Expect the Pomeranian to be more eager for playtime and interactive games.

Noise-wise, the Pomeranian is more vocal with a barking level of 5/5, while the English Toy Spaniel is quieter at 2/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the English Toy Spaniel may be the better choice.

The English Toy Spaniel is a small breed standing 25–28 cm (10–11 in) tall and weighing 4–6 kg (9–13 lbs). In comparison, the Pomeranian is a small breed at 15–18 cm (6–7 in) and 1–3 kg (2–7 lbs).

These two breeds are quite similar in size, so space and food requirements will be comparable for either choice.

The English Toy Spaniel has a long coat available in blenheim, prince charles, king charles, ruby, while the Pomeranian sports a long coat in orange, black, white, cream, sable, blue. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The English Toy Spaniel has low energy (2/5) with very low exercise needs (1/5). The Pomeranian has moderate energy (3/5) and low exercise needs (2/5).

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

Both breeds shed at a similar rate (3/5), so you can expect comparable amounts of loose fur from either one.

Grooming-wise, the Pomeranian needs more upkeep (4/5) than the English Toy Spaniel (3/5). The Pomeranian's long coat demands regular professional grooming to stay in top shape.

Annual grooming costs average around $200 for the English Toy Spaniel and $400 for the Pomeranian. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The English Toy Spaniel has a lifespan of 10–12 years, while the Pomeranian lives 12–16 years. The Pomeranian generally has a longer lifespan.

The Pomeranian is generally the healthier breed, scoring 3/5 for health robustness versus the English Toy Spaniel's 2/5. This often translates to fewer vet visits and lower medical costs.

Common health issues for the English Toy Spaniel include mitral valve disease, patellar luxation, open fontanel, retinal dysplasia. The Pomeranian is prone to patellar luxation, tracheal collapse, alopecia X, dental disease. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $600 for the English Toy Spaniel and $450 for the Pomeranian. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

Both breeds are equally trainable at 3/5. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well with either breed.

The Pomeranian ranks higher in intelligence (4/5 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 Pomeranian is the more intelligent of the two, scoring 4/5 to the English Toy Spaniel's 3/5. This means the Pomeranian 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 English Toy Spaniel leans toward adaptive intelligence — reading human emotions, adapting to new environments, and solving unfamiliar problems. The Pomeranian, on the other hand, shows strong instinctive intelligence — excelling at breed-specific tasks through natural instinct rather than learned behavior.

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.

For families with children, the English Toy Spaniel is the stronger choice, scoring 3/5 for kid-friendliness compared to the Pomeranian's 2/5. The English Toy Spaniel's gentle nature makes it a natural fit for households with young ones.

If you have other pets, the English Toy Spaniel tends to get along better with other dogs (4/5) than the Pomeranian (2/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the English Toy Spaniel is naturally more sociable with canine companions.

The initial purchase price for a English Toy Spaniel ranges from $1,500–$3,000, while a Pomeranian typically costs $800–$3,000. The English Toy Spaniel has a higher upfront cost.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,100 for the English Toy Spaniel and $1,150 for the Pomeranian. The Pomeranian costs more annually, largely because of grooming expenses.

Monthly food costs run about $25 for the English Toy Spaniel and $25 for the Pomeranian. 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.