A Detailed Comparison of the Australian Shepherd and the French Spaniel.

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Australian Shepherd Versus French Spaniel: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd and the French Spaniel.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd or the French Spaniel.

Australian Shepherd versus French Spaniel: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Australian Shepherd belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

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.

Australian Shepherd versus French Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd and the French Spaniel

Factor Australian Shepherd French Spaniel
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 12 years.
Height 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder 21 to 24 inches.
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Weight 40 to 65 pounds 45 to 60 pounds.
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 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 13.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1210 $4250
Price Range $800 – $1500 $3875 – $4625
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
    		•
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd is 70 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 Australian Shepherd. 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd and the French Spaniel

    Below is a list of where the Australian Shepherd and the French Spaniel are most different:

    • Australian Shepherds 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 Australian Shepherd and the French Spaniel

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

    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the French Spaniel do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the French Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the French Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the French Spaniel can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the French Spaniel get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the French Spaniel have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the French Spaniel do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the French Spaniel are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the French Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the French Spaniel get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the French Spaniel are very easy to train.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the French Spaniel are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the French Spaniel have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the French Spaniel require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the French Spaniel are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Australian Shepherd versus French Spaniel

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Shepherd and the French Spaniel.

    Australian Shepherds weigh 40 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Australian Shepherds are 18 to 23 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 Australian Shepherd versus French Spaniel

    The lifespan of Australian Shepherds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Australian Shepherds is 13.5 years.

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

    Australian Shepherds live longer than French Spaniels.

    Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of French Spaniel

    The average price of the Australian Shepherd puppy is $1210. The price of the Australian Shepherd typically ranges from $800 – $1500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1764 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd.

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Australian Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Australian Shepherds. 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 Australian Shepherd 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.

    Health Problems of Australian Shepherd versus Health Problems of French Spaniel

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Australian Shepherd and the French Spaniel are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Australian Shepherd is prone to more genetic health problems than the French Spaniel.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Australian Shepherd than for the French Spaniel.

    7 health tests are recommended for Australian Shepherd while 3 tests are recommended for the French Spaniel.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Australian Shepherds and in French Spaniels.

    Australian Shepherd Health Problems

    Australian Shepherds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Australian Shepherd puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Australian Shepherd puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Australian Shepherd breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Australian Shepherds for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Australian Shepherds here.

    French Spaniel Health Problems

    French Spaniels are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing French Spaniel puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a French Spaniel puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your French Spaniel breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen French Spaniels for:

  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for French Spaniels here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus French Spaniel

    Australian Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Australian Shepherds shed more than French Spaniels?

    Australian Shepherds shed moderately.

    French Spaniels shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the French Spaniel

    Australian Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    French Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the French Spaniel?

    Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    French Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the French Spaniel?

    Australian Shepherds 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 Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about French Spaniels?

    Australian Shepherds 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 Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can French Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Australian Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    French Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. French Spaniel

    Australian Shepherds 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 Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can French Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Australian Shepherds 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 Australian Shepherd or the French Spaniel?

    Australian Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    French Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about French Spaniels?

    Australian Shepherds 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 Australian Shepherds and French Spaniels?

    Australian Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the French Spaniel?

    Australian Shepherds are very easy to train.

    French Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Is the Australian Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the French Spaniel?

    Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    French Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Shepherd or the French Spaniel?

    Australian Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    French Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd and the French Spaniel better suits you and your family.