Have you always wanted to own a dog but were concerned that the noise and mess aren’t the right fit for your life?
We all love our big, friendly dogs. But wouldn’t it be great to have a compromise that didn’t compromise our space and peace?
If you agree, why not consider adding small spaniel breeds to your family instead? These adorable little fur-balls are not only beautiful, but they also make fantastic family pets.
If you’re not convinced, then read on to find out the reasons why they are the best dogs for families.
1. They Are Adaptive to Different Living Environments
Small spaniels make great family pets because they can easily adapt to different living environments. Spaniel breeds excel in both small and large environments. This is because they are small enough to not need too much room and will happily sleep in a crate or a small bed.
Having a pet that can move from living in a large house to an apartment without a yard will make life easier for your family. Should you move from one home to another, you wouldn’t have to concern yourself with how to retrain them in a new space.
2. They Are Inherently Trainable
Spaniel breeds are generally known as being one of the most trainable dogs. They can learn relatively quickly and can even learn advanced behaviors such as agility and scent detection.
They can also learn basic obedience and commands, such as ‘sit,’ ‘stay,’ and retrieving objects. They are intelligent enough to figure out tricks, like shaking hands or playing dead.
While it’s necessary to begin training a young pup as soon as possible to prevent bad habits, these breeds will still succeed in learning as adults. So if you’re family is open to adopting an older dog, small dogs like the spaniel are a great option.
3. They Have Low-Maintenance Grooming Needs
These breeds typically have slim and short coats that can be brushed with a slicker brush and combed daily to keep them clean. They require minimal bathing, and no professional groomer is usually necessary.
As a result, weekly brushing and bathing can usually be done at home, making these breeds a more economical choice for families on a budget. Their short coats also dry quickly and easily, meaning that a warm towel or a blow-dryer will often do the trick.
4. They Will Have Fewer Health Issues
Another reason for choosing a small spaniel breed is they are less likely to develop serious health issues as compared to larger breeds. Small breeds typically have fewer genetic issues and are generally healthier as they age. This means that they will require fewer veterinary visits.
However, this does not mean that you do not need to get pet insurance. When taking care of your pet, it’s always better to get them a policy from the best pet insurance companies. This way, should any change in their health arise, you will be financially prepared.
5. They Require Little Exercise
Smaller spaniels usually have shorter legs and are typically fairly low-energy dogs. This makes them great indoor lapdogs who don’t need a lot of outside activity to stay content.
They can usually get all the exercise they need to stay healthy with just a few daily walks. So, if you have a busy family, adopting a dog like a Cocker Spaniel is perfect for you.
6. They Are Loyal and Affectionate
Small spaniels bond closely with their people and can be easily drawn in and given lots of love. They have a sunny disposition and enjoy being part of the family, often fitting in easily with children.
They are also energetic, adventurous, and loyal. They will enjoy joining in family activities, such as going for walks or playing games, if given a chance.
7. They Have Gentle Temperaments
These small dogs tend to be quite patient and well-behaved around children. This quality is especially important if you have kids in the house. It means that the dog won’t be too overwhelmed or get into spats with them.
Spaniel breeds also get along with other dogs. This can make for a fun, happy household when everyone gets along.
8. They Are Surprisingly Tough
Despite their small size, spaniels have a natural resilience that allows them to withstand the rough and tumble of everyday life. They are alert, barking an alert when someone approaches the home. You can have peace of mind knowing that your home and family are watched over and protected.
9. They Don’t Take up Much Space
For family dogs, not taking up much space is an advantage. This is because you can easily transport them and you can fit them in almost any home.
When you’re traveling, you also don’t have to stress about the logistics. You can easily find their space in the car’s seating. Or you can buy a relatively small traveling cage that you can pop in the trunk.
10. They Are Cute
Small spaniels make great family pets for many reasons, but undoubtedly, one of the primary ones is that they are simply adorable. Their bright eyes, fluffy coats, and endearing personalities are impossible to resist.
Not only are these dogs cute, but they also come in many varieties. You can easily find the perfect companion for your family.
For example, you can choose to adopt Cocker Spaniels. They have long, floppy ears, a broad head and muzzle, and a graceful, medium-length coat.
Or you can also choose to add King Charles Spaniels to your family. These dogs have long, silky hair, floppy ears, and round eyes. They have an “apple dome” shaped head with a long muzzle and a small, black nose with their colors ranging from black and white to shades of red and tan.
Small Spaniel Breeds Make Great Family Pets
Small spaniel breeds are gentle, loyal, and require little maintenance. Whether you have space for a large breed or just a little lap pup, you can’t deny that small spaniels make excellent pets.
So, if you’re looking for a pet that will offer lots of love and be there through thick and thin, consider giving a small spaniel breed a chance to be part of your family. We promise you won’t regret it.
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