Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Briard Versus French Spaniel: Introduction
- Briard versus French Spaniel: Overview
- Briard versus French Spaniel: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Briard and the French Spaniel
- The Similarities Between the Briard and the French Spaniel
- Size Comparison of Briard versus French Spaniel
- Lifespan of Briard versus French Spaniel
- Price of Briard versus Price of French Spaniel
- Health Problems of Briard versus Health Problems of French Spaniel
- Tolerates Being Alone: Briard versus French Spaniel
- Do Briards shed more than French Spaniels?
- Which one drools more, the Briard or the French Spaniel
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Briard or the French Spaniel?
- Does the Briard Have a Higher Prey Drive than the French Spaniel?
- Do Briards Bark and Howl? What about French Spaniels?
- Can Briards Tolerate Cold Weather? And can French Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Briard vs. French Spaniel
- Can Briards Tolerate Hot Weather? Can French Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Briard or the French Spaniel?
- Are Briards good family dogs? What about French Spaniels?
- How Kid-friendly are Briards and French Spaniels?
- Is the Briard Easier to Train than the French Spaniel?
- Conclusion: Briard versus French Spaniel. Which One is a Better Pet?
Briard Versus French Spaniel: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Briard 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 Briard 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 Briard and the French Spaniel.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Briard 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 Briard 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 Briard 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 Briard or the French Spaniel.
Briard versus French Spaniel: Overview
A very important difference between the Briard and the French Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Briard is a large-sized dog while the French Spaniel is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Briard 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.
Briard versus French Spaniel: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Briard 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 Briard and the French Spaniel
| Factor | Briard | French Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 10 to 12 years. |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder | 21 to 24 inches. |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 70 to 100 pounds | 45 to 60 pounds. |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $2500 | $4250 |
| Price Range | $2500 – $2500 | $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 Briard 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 Briard is 79 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 Briard. 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 Briard 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 Briard and the French Spaniel
Below is a list of where the Briard and the French Spaniel are most different:
- Briards 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 Briard and the French Spaniel
The Briard and the French Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Briard and the French Spaniel are most similar:
- Both the Briard and the French Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
- Both the Briard and the French Spaniel are not prone to nip and chew at things.
- Both the Briard 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 Briard and the French Spaniel can tolerate cold weather.
- Both the Briard and the French Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
- Both the Briard and the French Spaniel are very easy to train.
- Both the Briard and the French Spaniel are highly intelligent.
- Both the Briard and the French Spaniel have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
- Both the Briard and the French Spaniel do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
- Both the Briard and the French Spaniel require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
- Both the Briard and the French Spaniel are very playful.
- Both the Briard and the French Spaniel get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
- Both the Briard and the French Spaniel get along well with other dogs.
Size Comparison of Briard versus French Spaniel
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Briard and the French Spaniel.
Briards weigh 70 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Briards are 22 to 27 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 Briard versus French Spaniel
The lifespan of Briards is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Briards is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of French Spaniels is between 10 to 12 years.. The average lifespan of French Spaniels is 11.0 years.
Price of Briard versus Price of French Spaniel
The average price of the Briard puppy is $2500. The price of the Briard typically ranges from $2500 – $2500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1 Briard 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 Briard.
The charts below show the price distribution for the Briard and French Spaniel. For different price points, the charts show how many Briard puppies or how many French Spaniel puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Briards. 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 Briard 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 Briard 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 Briard 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 Briard is prone to more genetic health problems than the French Spaniel.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Briard than for the French Spaniel.
5 health tests are recommended for Briard while 3 tests are recommended for the French Spaniel.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Briards and in French Spaniels.
Briard Health Problems
Briards are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Briard 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 Briard puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Briard 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 Briards for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Briards 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: Briard versus French Spaniel
Briards can be left alone only for a short time.
French Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Briards shed more than French Spaniels?
Briards do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
French Spaniels shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Briard or the French Spaniel
Briards do have a very low tendency to drool.
French Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Briard or the French Spaniel?
Briards require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
French Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.
Does the Briard Have a Higher Prey Drive than the French Spaniel?
Briards have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
French Spaniels have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Briards Bark and Howl? What about French Spaniels?
Briards 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 Briards Tolerate Cold Weather? And can French Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
Briards can very well tolerate cold weather.
French Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Briard vs. French Spaniel
Briards 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 Briards Tolerate Hot Weather? Can French Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
Briards can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
French Spaniels cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Briard or the French Spaniel?
Briards get along very well with other dogs.
French Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Are Briards good family dogs? What about French Spaniels?
Briards 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 Briards and French Spaniels?
Briards get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
French Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Briard Easier to Train than the French Spaniel?
Briards are very easy to train.
French Spaniels are very easy to train.
Is the Briard Better for Apartment Owners than the French Spaniel?
Briards adapt moderately well to apartment living.
French Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Briard or the French Spaniel?
Briards are OK for new dog owners.
French Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.
Conclusion: Briard 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 Briard and the French Spaniel better suits you and your family.