Is the Cardigan Welsh Corgi Better than the French Spaniel as a Pet? Answer…

Cardigan Welsh Corgi versus French Spaniel

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Cardigan Welsh Corgi Versus French Spaniel: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the French Spaniel? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi 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 Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the French Spaniel.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi 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 Cardigan Welsh Corgi 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Cardigan Welsh Corgi 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 Cardigan Welsh Corgi or the French Spaniel

Cardigan Welsh Corgi versus French Spaniel: Overview

A very important difference between the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the French Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a small-sized dog while the French Spaniel is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi 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.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi versus French Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cardigan Welsh Corgi 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.

Factor Cardigan Welsh Corgi French Spaniel
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Height 10 inches to 1 foot tall at the shoulder 21 to 24 inches.
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 12 years.
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Weight 25 to 38 pounds 45 to 60 pounds.
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $2100 $4250
Price Range $1250 – $3000 $3875 – $4625
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • approved laboratory
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy 3 (PRA) DNA Test
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Cardigan Welsh Corgi 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 a Cardigan Welsh Corgi is 84 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a French Spaniel is 85 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the French Spaniel is a better pet than the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. 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 Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the French Spaniel so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the French Spaniel

    The Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the French Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the French Spaniel are most similar:

  • Both the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the French Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the French Spaniel are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the French Spaniel are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Cardigan Welsh Corgi 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 Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the French Spaniel can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the French Spaniel get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the French Spaniel shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the French Spaniel are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the French Spaniel are very easy to train.
  • Both the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the French Spaniel have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the French Spaniel are very playful.
  • Both the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the French Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the French Spaniel are highly intelligent.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Cardigan Welsh Corgi versus French Spaniel

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the French Spaniel.

    Cardigan Welsh Corgis weigh 25 to 38 pounds when fully grown. Cardigan Welsh Corgis are 10 inches to 1 foot 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.

    Price of Cardigan Welsh Corgi versus Price of French Spaniel

    The average price of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi puppy is $2100. The price of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi typically ranges from $1250 – $3000. However, the price of a Cardigan Welsh Corgi can be as low as $700 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 117 Cardigan Welsh Corgi 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. However, the price of a French Spaniel can be as low as $3500 and as high as $5000. 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 Cardigan Welsh Corgi.

    Cardigan Welsh Corgi French Spaniel
    Average Price $2100 $4250
    Price Range $1250 to $3000 $3875 to $4625

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Cardigan Welsh Corgis. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Cardigan Welsh Corgis. 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 Cardigan Welsh Corgi 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 from 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 one of those puppy mills that 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 Cardigan Welsh Corgi versus Health Problems of French Spaniel

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

    Both the Cardigan Welsh Corgi 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 Cardigan Welsh Corgi is prone to more genetic health problems than the French Spaniel.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Cardigan Welsh Corgi than for the French Spaniel.

    4 health tests are recommended for Cardigan Welsh Corgi while 3 tests are recommended for the French Spaniel.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Cardigan Welsh Corgis and in French Spaniels.

    Cardigan Welsh Corgi Health Problems

    Cardigan Welsh Corgis are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Cardigan Welsh Corgi 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 Cardigan Welsh Corgi puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Cardigan Welsh Corgi 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 Cardigan Welsh Corgis for:

  • approved laboratory
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy 3 (PRA) DNA Test
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Cardigan Welsh Corgis 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.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Cardigan Welsh Corgis and French Spaniels

    Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Cardigan Welsh Corgi Breed is Degenerative Myelopathy problems.

    This is because the Cardigan Welsh Corgi ranks 10 out of 70 dog breeds for Degenerative Myelopathy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 777 Cardigan Welsh Corgis, 133 of them had Degenerative Myelopathy problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Cardigan Welsh Corgis, and how common these diseases are in Cardigan Welsh Corgis relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 10 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 34 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 43 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 45 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 84 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 143 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the French Spaniel Breed is Hips problems.

    This is because the French Spaniel ranks 125 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 254 French Spaniels, 23 of them had Hips problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in French Spaniels, and how common these diseases are in French Spaniels relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Hips problems: Rank 125 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Cardigan Welsh Corgi and in French Spaniel and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the French Spaniel:

    Disease Cardigan Welsh Corgi Rank French Spaniel Rank
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems 10 out of 70 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 34 out of 198 dog breeds 125 out of 198 dog breeds
    Thyroid problems 43 out of 115 dog breeds Not Common
    Patella problems 45 out of 145 dog breeds Not Common
    Elbow problems 84 out of 144 dog breeds Not Common
    Eyes problems 143 out of 182 dog breeds Not Common

    *To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.

    Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.

    Which one drools more, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi or the French Spaniel

    Cardigan Welsh Corgis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    French Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Cardigan Welsh Corgi versus French Spaniel

    Cardigan Welsh Corgis can be left alone only for a short time.

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

    Can Cardigan Welsh Corgis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can French Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cardigan Welsh Corgis 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 Cardigan Welsh Corgi or the French Spaniel?

    Cardigan Welsh Corgis get along fairly well with other dogs.

    French Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi or the French Spaniel?

    Cardigan Welsh Corgis are moderately easy to groom.

    French Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cardigan Welsh Corgi vs. French Spaniel

    Cardigan Welsh Corgis have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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.

    Is the Cardigan Welsh Corgi Better for Apartment Owners than the French Spaniel?

    Cardigan Welsh Corgis adapt very well to apartment living.

    French Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi or the French Spaniel?

    Cardigan Welsh Corgis are very good for new dog owners.

    French Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Can Cardigan Welsh Corgis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can French Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Cardigan Welsh Corgis can very well tolerate cold weather.

    French Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    How Kid-friendly are Cardigan Welsh Corgis and French Spaniels?

    Cardigan Welsh Corgis get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Do Cardigan Welsh Corgis shed more than French Spaniels?

    Cardigan Welsh Corgis shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    French Spaniels shed moderately.

    Is the Cardigan Welsh Corgi Easier to Train than the French Spaniel?

    Cardigan Welsh Corgis are very easy to train.

    French Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Does the Cardigan Welsh Corgi Have a Higher Prey Drive than the French Spaniel?

    Cardigan Welsh Corgis 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 Cardigan Welsh Corgis Bark and Howl? What about French Spaniels?

    Cardigan Welsh Corgis 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.

    Are Cardigan Welsh Corgis good family dogs? What about French Spaniels?

    Cardigan Welsh Corgis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cardigan Welsh Corgi

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Cardigan Welsh Corgi that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Cardigan Welsh Corgi:

  • West Highland White Terrier (84 percent match with Cardigan Welsh Corgi). Here is our comparison of the French Spaniel vs West Highland White Terrier.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the French Spaniel

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the French Spaniel that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the French Spaniel:

  • Dutch Shepherd (80 percent match with French Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi vs Dutch Shepherd.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and how the French Spaniel compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and of the French Spaniel to other breeds:

    Cardigan Welsh Corgi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cardigan Welsh Corgi versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Cardigan Welsh Corgi versus Catahoula Bulldog     Cardigan Welsh Corgi versus Bich Poo     Cardigan Welsh Corgi versus Dogo Argentino     Cardigan Welsh Corgi versus Weimaraner     Cardigan Welsh Corgi versus Puli     Cardigan Welsh Corgi versus French Bulldog     Cardigan Welsh Corgi versus Sloughi     Cardigan Welsh Corgi versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Cardigan Welsh Corgi versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     

    French Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    French Spaniel versus Airedale Terrier     French Spaniel versus Lancashire Heeler     French Spaniel versus Dalmatian     French Spaniel versus American Pit Bull Terrier     French Spaniel versus Sheepadoodle     French Spaniel versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     French Spaniel versus Xoloitzcuintli     French Spaniel versus Belgian Sheepdog     French Spaniel versus Beaglier     French Spaniel versus Xoloitzcuintli     

    Conclusion: Cardigan Welsh Corgi 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 Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the French Spaniel better suits you and your family.