Which is Better Between the American Foxhound and the French Spaniel?

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

American Foxhound Versus French Spaniel: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Foxhound and the French Spaniel? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the American Foxhound and the French Spaniel better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the American Foxhound and the French Spaniel.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Foxhound and the French Spaniel is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the American Foxhound and for the French Spaniel. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the American Foxhound and the French Spaniel.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the American Foxhound or the French Spaniel.

American Foxhound versus French Spaniel: Overview

Both the American Foxhound and the French Spaniel are similar in size. The American Foxhound and the French Spaniel are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the American Foxhound belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

On the other hand, the French Spaniel belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

American Foxhound versus French Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Foxhound to the French Spaniel based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the American Foxhound and the French Spaniel

Factor American Foxhound French Spaniel
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 13 years 10 to 12 years.
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Easygoing 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Height 21 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder 21 to 24 inches.
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Weight 40 to 60 pounds 45 to 60 pounds.
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 3/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $460 $4250
Price Range $400 – $500 $3875 – $4625
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the American Foxhound in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the French Spaniel. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the American Foxhound is 74 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the French Spaniel is 85 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the French Spaniel is a better pet than the American Foxhound. So, you should get the French Spaniel!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the American Foxhound and the French Spaniel so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the American Foxhound and the French Spaniel

    Below is a list of where the American Foxhound and the French Spaniel are most different:

    • American Foxhounds gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them. However, French Spaniels are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • American Foxhounds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, French Spaniels are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • American Foxhounds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, French Spaniels do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    The Similarities Between the American Foxhound and the French Spaniel

    The American Foxhound and the French Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the American Foxhound and the French Spaniel are most similar:

    • Both the American Foxhound and the French Spaniel do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the American Foxhound and the French Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the American Foxhound and the French Spaniel can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the American Foxhound and the French Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the American Foxhound and the French Spaniel are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the American Foxhound and the French Spaniel have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the American Foxhound and the French Spaniel do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the American Foxhound and the French Spaniel get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the American Foxhound and the French Spaniel get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the American Foxhound and the French Spaniel are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the American Foxhound and the French Spaniel have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the American Foxhound and the French Spaniel require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the American Foxhound and the French Spaniel are very playful.

    Size Comparison of American Foxhound versus French Spaniel

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Foxhound and the French Spaniel.

    American Foxhounds weigh 40 to 60 pounds when fully grown. American Foxhounds are 21 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, French Spaniels weigh 45 to 60 pounds. when fully grown. French Spaniels are 21 to 24 inches. when fully grown.

    Lifespan of American Foxhound versus French Spaniel

    The lifespan of American Foxhounds is between 12 to 13 years. The average lifespan of American Foxhounds is 12.5 years.

    The lifespan of French Spaniels is between 10 to 12 years.. The average lifespan of French Spaniels is 11.0 years.

    American Foxhounds live longer than French Spaniels.

    Price of American Foxhound versus Price of French Spaniel

    The average price of the American Foxhound puppy is $460. The price of the American Foxhound typically ranges from $400 – $500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 11 American Foxhound puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the French Spaniel puppy is $4250. The price of the French Spaniel typically ranges from $3875 – $4625. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 2 French Spaniel puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The French Spaniel is more expensive than the American Foxhound.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the American Foxhound and French Spaniel. For different price points, the charts show how many American Foxhound puppies or how many French Spaniel puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of American Foxhounds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of American Foxhounds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of French Spaniels

    A breakdown of the prices of French Spaniels

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the American Foxhound puppy or the French Spaniel puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Foxhound versus French Spaniel

    American Foxhounds do not like to be left alone.

    French Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do American Foxhounds shed more than French Spaniels?

    American Foxhounds shed moderately.

    French Spaniels shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the American Foxhound or the French Spaniel

    American Foxhounds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    French Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the American Foxhound or the French Spaniel?

    American Foxhounds are very easy to groom.

    French Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the American Foxhound Have a Higher Prey Drive than the French Spaniel?

    American Foxhounds have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    French Spaniels have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do American Foxhounds Bark and Howl? What about French Spaniels?

    American Foxhounds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    French Spaniels are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can American Foxhounds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can French Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    American Foxhounds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    French Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Foxhound vs. French Spaniel

    American Foxhounds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    French Spaniels do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can American Foxhounds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can French Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    American Foxhounds can tolerate hot weather.

    French Spaniels cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Foxhound or the French Spaniel?

    American Foxhounds get along very well with other dogs.

    French Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are American Foxhounds good family dogs? What about French Spaniels?

    American Foxhounds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    French Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are American Foxhounds and French Spaniels?

    American Foxhounds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    French Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the American Foxhound Easier to Train than the French Spaniel?

    American Foxhounds are not easy to train.

    French Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Is the American Foxhound Better for Apartment Owners than the French Spaniel?

    American Foxhounds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    French Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Foxhound or the French Spaniel?

    American Foxhounds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    French Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: American Foxhound versus French Spaniel. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the American Foxhound and the French Spaniel better suits you and your family.