A detailed side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right breed for your lifestyle.
| Attribute | English Toy Spaniel | Rottweiler |
|---|---|---|
| Size | small | large |
| Weight | 4โ6 kg (9โ13 lbs) | 36โ60 kg (79โ132 lbs) |
| Height | 25โ28 cm (10โ11 in) | 56โ69 cm (22โ27 in) |
| Lifespan | 10โ12 yrs | 8โ10 yrs |
| Trainability | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Energy Level | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Good with Kids | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Shedding | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Grooming | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Apartment Friendly | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Health | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Price | $1,500โ$3,000 | $1,000โ$3,000 |
The English Toy Spaniel is known for being gentle, quiet, loving, while the Rottweiler is typically described as loyal, confident, protective. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.
The Rottweiler tends to be more playful, scoring 4/5 versus the English Toy Spaniel's 3/5. Expect the Rottweiler to be more eager for playtime and interactive games.
Noise-wise, the Rottweiler is more vocal with a barking level of 3/5, 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 25โ28 cm (10โ11 in) tall and weighing 4โ6 kg (9โ13 lbs). In comparison, the Rottweiler is a large breed at 56โ69 cm (22โ27 in) and 36โ60 kg (79โ132 lbs).
There's a significant size difference between these two breeds. The Rottweiler is considerably heavier, which means higher food costs and the need for more physical space. The English Toy Spaniel's smaller frame makes it easier to handle and transport.
The English Toy Spaniel has a long coat available in blenheim, prince charles, king charles, ruby, while the Rottweiler sports a short coat in black and mahogany, black and tan, black and rust. 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 Rottweiler has high energy (4/5) and high exercise needs (4/5).
You'll need to dedicate more time to exercising the Rottweiler, which thrives on vigorous daily activity. The English Toy Spaniel is less demanding in this regard and settles more easily into a relaxed routine.
For apartment dwellers, the English Toy Spaniel is the stronger choice with an apartment-friendliness score of 5/5, compared to the Rottweiler's 2/5. The Rottweiler generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.
Both breeds shed at a similar rate (3/5), so you can expect comparable amounts of loose fur from either one.
The English Toy Spaniel demands more grooming attention with a score of 3/5, while the Rottweiler is lower-maintenance at 2/5. The English Toy Spaniel's long coat requires regular brushing and professional grooming sessions, adding to the overall cost of ownership.
Annual grooming costs average around $200 for the English Toy Spaniel and $150 for the Rottweiler. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.
The English Toy Spaniel has a lifespan of 10โ12 years, while the Rottweiler lives 8โ10 years. The English Toy Spaniel tends to live longer on average.
The Rottweiler 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 Rottweiler is prone to hip dysplasia, osteosarcoma, bloat, heart disease. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.
Annual vet costs average $600 for the English Toy Spaniel and $600 for the Rottweiler. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.
Training comes more naturally with the Rottweiler, which scores 4/5 for trainability. The English Toy Spaniel's score of 3/5 means you may need more patience and consistency to see results.
The Rottweiler 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 Rottweiler is the more intelligent of the two, scoring 5/5 to the English Toy Spaniel's 3/5. This means the Rottweiler 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 โ reading human emotions, adapting to new environments, and solving unfamiliar problems. The Rottweiler, on the other hand, shows strong working intelligence โ thriving when given a job to do and learning structured tasks quickly.
The Rottweiler's higher intelligence translates directly into better trainability (4/5 vs 3/5), 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.
Both breeds score 3/5 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 English Toy Spaniel tends to get along better with other dogs (4/5) than the Rottweiler (2/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the English Toy Spaniel is naturally more sociable with canine companions.
The English Toy Spaniel is more welcoming to strangers (3/5), while the Rottweiler tends to be more reserved (2/5). If you frequently have guests, the English Toy Spaniel's sociable nature will make entertaining easier.
The initial purchase price for a English Toy Spaniel ranges from $1,500โ$3,000, while a Rottweiler typically costs $1,000โ$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 $1,590 for the Rottweiler. The Rottweiler costs more annually, largely because of higher food costs.
Monthly food costs run about $25 for the English Toy Spaniel and $70 for the Rottweiler. 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 Toy Spaniel scores 3/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Rottweiler at 3/5. Both breeds can be great family dogs with proper training and socialization.
The Rottweiler is easier to train, scoring 4/5 versus the English Toy Spaniel's 3/5. The Rottweiler's eagerness to please makes training sessions more productive.
A English Toy Spaniel puppy costs $1,500โ$3,000 while a Rottweiler costs $1,000โ$3,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,100 for the English Toy Spaniel and $1,590 for the Rottweiler.
The English Toy Spaniel lives 10โ12 years on average, while the Rottweiler lives 8โ10 years. The English Toy Spaniel generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
The English Toy Spaniel is better suited for apartments (5/5) compared to the Rottweiler (2/5). It adapts well to smaller spaces.
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