Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Beagle Versus French Spaniel: Introduction
- Beagle versus French Spaniel: Overview
- Beagle versus French Spaniel: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Beagle and the French Spaniel
- The Similarities Between the Beagle and the French Spaniel
- Size Comparison of Beagle versus French Spaniel
- Lifespan of Beagle versus French Spaniel
- Price of Beagle versus Price of French Spaniel
- Health Problems of Beagle versus Health Problems of French Spaniel
- Tolerates Being Alone: Beagle versus French Spaniel
- Do Beagles shed more than French Spaniels?
- Which one drools more, the Beagle or the French Spaniel
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Beagle or the French Spaniel?
- Does the Beagle Have a Higher Prey Drive than the French Spaniel?
- Do Beagles Bark and Howl? What about French Spaniels?
- Can Beagles Tolerate Cold Weather? And can French Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Beagle vs. French Spaniel
- Can Beagles Tolerate Hot Weather? Can French Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Beagle or the French Spaniel?
- Are Beagles good family dogs? What about French Spaniels?
- How Kid-friendly are Beagles and French Spaniels?
- Is the Beagle Easier to Train than the French Spaniel?
- Conclusion: Beagle versus French Spaniel. Which One is a Better Pet?
Beagle Versus French Spaniel: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Beagle 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 Beagle 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 Beagle and the French Spaniel.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Beagle 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 Beagle 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 Beagle 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 Beagle or the French Spaniel.
Beagle versus French Spaniel: Overview
A very important difference between the Beagle and the French Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Beagle is a small-sized dog while the French Spaniel is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Beagle 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.
Beagle versus French Spaniel: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Beagle 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 Beagle and the French Spaniel
| Factor | Beagle | French Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 15 years | 10 to 12 years. |
| Height | 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder | 21 to 24 inches. |
| Weight | 18 to 30 pounds | 45 to 60 pounds. |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 12.5 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $1160 | $4250 |
| Price Range | $650 – $1450 | $3875 – $4625 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Beagle 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 Beagle is 71 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 Beagle. 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 Beagle 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 Beagle and the French Spaniel
Below is a list of where the Beagle and the French Spaniel are most different:
- Beagles have the tendency to develop certain health problems. However, French Spaniels are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
- Beagles are not easy to train. However, French Spaniels are very easy to train.
- Beagles gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them. However, French Spaniels are not prone to gaining weight easily.
- Beagles 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.
- Beagles 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 Beagle and the French Spaniel
The Beagle and the French Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Beagle and the French Spaniel are most similar:
- Both the Beagle and the French Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
- Both the Beagle 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 Beagle and the French Spaniel are very easy to groom.
- Both the Beagle and the French Spaniel are highly intelligent.
- Both the Beagle and the French Spaniel have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
- Both the Beagle and the French Spaniel require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
- Both the Beagle and the French Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
- Both the Beagle and the French Spaniel get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
- Both the Beagle and the French Spaniel get along well with other dogs.
- Both the Beagle and the French Spaniel are very friendly towards strangers.
- Both the Beagle and the French Spaniel are very playful.
Size Comparison of Beagle versus French Spaniel
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Beagle and the French Spaniel.
Beagles weigh 18 to 30 pounds when fully grown. Beagles are 13 to 15 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 Beagle versus French Spaniel
The lifespan of Beagles is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Beagles 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.
Beagles live longer than French Spaniels.
Price of Beagle versus Price of French Spaniel
The average price of the Beagle puppy is $1160. The price of the Beagle typically ranges from $650 – $1450. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1017 Beagle 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 Beagle.
The charts below show the price distribution for the Beagle and French Spaniel. For different price points, the charts show how many Beagle puppies or how many French Spaniel puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Beagles. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of French Spaniels
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Beagle 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 Beagle 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 Beagle 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 Beagle is prone to more genetic health problems than the French Spaniel.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Beagle than for the French Spaniel.
9 health tests are recommended for Beagle while 3 tests are recommended for the French Spaniel.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Beagles and in French Spaniels.
Beagle Health Problems
Beagles are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Beagle 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 Beagle puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Beagle 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 Beagles for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Beagles 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:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for French Spaniels here.
Tolerates Being Alone: Beagle versus French Spaniel
Beagles do not like to be left alone.
French Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Beagles shed more than French Spaniels?
Beagles shed moderately.
French Spaniels shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Beagle or the French Spaniel
Beagles do have a very low tendency to drool.
French Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Beagle or the French Spaniel?
Beagles are very easy to groom.
French Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.
Does the Beagle Have a Higher Prey Drive than the French Spaniel?
Beagles 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 Beagles Bark and Howl? What about French Spaniels?
Beagles 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 Beagles Tolerate Cold Weather? And can French Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
Beagles cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
French Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Beagle vs. French Spaniel
Beagles 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 Beagles Tolerate Hot Weather? Can French Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
Beagles 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 Beagle or the French Spaniel?
Beagles get along very well with other dogs.
French Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Are Beagles good family dogs? What about French Spaniels?
Beagles 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 Beagles and French Spaniels?
Beagles get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
French Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Beagle Easier to Train than the French Spaniel?
Beagles are not easy to train.
French Spaniels are very easy to train.
Is the Beagle Better for Apartment Owners than the French Spaniel?
Beagles adapt very well to apartment living.
French Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Beagle or the French Spaniel?
Beagles are OK for new dog owners.
French Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.
Conclusion: Beagle 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 Beagle and the French Spaniel better suits you and your family.