Is the Boykin Spaniel or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier better for families with children?

Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Boykin Spaniel or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

The Boykin Spaniel and Staffordshire Bull Terrier shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Boykin Spaniel or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

The Boykin Spaniel is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Boykin Spaniel or Staffordshire Bull Terrier bigger?

Boykin Spaniel and Staffordshire Bull Terrier are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Boykin Spaniel or Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, Boykin Spaniel or Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

For apartment or apartment living, Boykin Spaniel and Staffordshire Bull Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Boykin Spaniel vs Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Easier to Groom?

Boykin Spaniel vs Staffordshire Bull Terrier: full comparison

Trait	Boykin Spaniel	Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	High	Medium
Friendliness	Very High	Very High
Good with children	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	Medium	Very Low
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	Low	Medium
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	14 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The Boykin Spaniel has noticeably higher grooming than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Size and living space

The Boykin Spaniel is a moderately built dog that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. By comparison, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a moderately built dog that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Boykin Spaniel needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Boykin Spaniel wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier takes almost no grooming, since the odd brush keeps it tidy and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Boykin Spaniel takes to training fast and works willingly, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. On guarding instinct, Boykin Spaniel shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers, whereas Staffordshire Bull Terrier announces visitors but stops short of guarding.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Boykin Spaniel and Staffordshire Bull Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Boykin Spaniel and Staffordshire Bull Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Boykin Spaniel has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Boykin Spaniel and Staffordshire Bull Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Boykin Spaniel and Staffordshire Bull Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Boykin Spaniel if you want an easier dog to train or you want a longer-lived breed.

Choose the Staffordshire Bull Terrier if you prefer lower grooming upkeep or you want a more protective, watchful guardian.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Boykin Spaniel or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier better for families with children?: Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Boykin Spaniel or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier?: The Boykin Spaniel and Staffordshire Bull Terrier shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Boykin Spaniel or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier?: The Boykin Spaniel is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Boykin Spaniel or Staffordshire Bull Terrier bigger?: Boykin Spaniel and Staffordshire Bull Terrier are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Boykin Spaniel or Staffordshire Bull Terrier?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, Boykin Spaniel or Staffordshire Bull Terrier?: For apartment or apartment living, Boykin Spaniel and Staffordshire Bull Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Boykin Spaniel vs Staffordshire Bull Terrier