A Detailed Comparison of the Dogo Argentino and the French Spaniel.

Dogo Argentino versus French Spaniel

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Dogo Argentino Versus French Spaniel: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino or the French Spaniel

Dogo Argentino versus French Spaniel: Overview

A very important difference between the Dogo Argentino and the French Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Dogo Argentino is a large-sized dog while the French Spaniel is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the Dogo Argentino and the French Spaniel are Sporting Dogs. This means both the Dogo Argentino and the French Spaniel 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.

Dogo Argentino versus French Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino French Spaniel
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Height 23 to 27 inches 21 to 24 inches.
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 3/5
Weight 80 to 100 pounds 45 to 60 pounds.
Life Span 9 to 15 years 10 to 12 years.
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $2510 $4250
Price Range $1500 – $2500 $3875 – $4625
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • 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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino is 67 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 Dogo Argentino. 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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino and the French Spaniel

    Below is a list of where the Dogo Argentino and the French Spaniel are most different:

  • Dogo Argentinos are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, French Spaniels are good for new dog owners.
  • The Similarities Between the Dogo Argentino and the French Spaniel

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

  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the French Spaniel do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the French Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the French Spaniel are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the French Spaniel are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the French Spaniel are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the French Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the French Spaniel are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the French Spaniel have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the French Spaniel do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the French Spaniel require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Dogo Argentino versus French Spaniel

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Dogo Argentino and the French Spaniel.

    Dogo Argentinos weigh 80 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Dogo Argentinos are 23 to 27 inches 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 Dogo Argentino versus Price of French Spaniel

    The average price of the Dogo Argentino puppy is $2510. The price of the Dogo Argentino typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of a Dogo Argentino can be as low as $400 and as high as $6800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 114 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino.

    Dogo Argentino French Spaniel
    Average Price $2510 $4250
    Price Range $1500 to $2500 $3875 to $4625

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Dogo Argentinos. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Dogo Argentinos. 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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino 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 French Spaniel is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Dogo Argentino.

    3 health tests are recommended for Dogo Argentino while 3 tests are recommended for the French Spaniel.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Dogo Argentinos and in French Spaniels.

    Dogo Argentino Health Problems

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

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Dogo Argentinos 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 Dogo Argentinos 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 Dogo Argentino Breed is Baer Hearing Test problems.

    This is because the Dogo Argentino ranks 3 out of 21 dog breeds for Baer Hearing Test problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 105 Dogo Argentinos, 3 of them had Baer Hearing Test problems.

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

  • Baer Hearing Test problems: Rank 3 out of 21 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 16 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 85 out of 144 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 Dogo Argentino and in French Spaniel and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Dogo Argentino and the French Spaniel:

    Disease Dogo Argentino Rank French Spaniel Rank
    Baer Hearing Test problems 3 out of 21 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 16 out of 198 dog breeds 125 out of 198 dog breeds
    Elbow problems 85 out of 144 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.

    Is the Dogo Argentino Better for Apartment Owners than the French Spaniel?

    Dogo Argentinos do not adapt well to apartment living.

    French Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Dogo Argentino or the French Spaniel?

    Dogo Argentinos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    French Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Do Dogo Argentinos shed more than French Spaniels?

    Dogo Argentinos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    French Spaniels shed moderately.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dogo Argentino versus French Spaniel

    Dogo Argentinos do not like to be left alone.

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

    Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can French Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Dogo Argentinos cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    French Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    How Kid-friendly are Dogo Argentinos and French Spaniels?

    Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dogo Argentino or the French Spaniel?

    Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with other dogs.

    French Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Is the Dogo Argentino Easier to Train than the French Spaniel?

    Dogo Argentinos are not easy to train.

    French Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Do Dogo Argentinos Bark and Howl? What about French Spaniels?

    Dogo Argentinos are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Which one drools more, the Dogo Argentino or the French Spaniel

    Dogo Argentinos drool moderately.

    French Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can French Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dogo Argentinos can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Are Dogo Argentinos good family dogs? What about French Spaniels?

    Dogo Argentinos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Dogo Argentino or the French Spaniel?

    Dogo Argentinos are very easy to groom.

    French Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.

    Wanderlust Potential: Dogo Argentino vs. French Spaniel

    Dogo Argentinos 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.

    Does the Dogo Argentino Have a Higher Prey Drive than the French Spaniel?

    Dogo Argentinos 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.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dogo Argentino

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino:

  • American Bulldog (78 percent match with Dogo Argentino). Here is our comparison of the French Spaniel vs American Bulldog.
  • Fila Brasileiro (80 percent match with Dogo Argentino). Here is our comparison of the French Spaniel vs Fila Brasileiro.
  • 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 Dogo Argentino vs Dutch Shepherd.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Dogo Argentino Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dogo Argentino versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Dogo Argentino versus Fila Brasileiro     Dogo Argentino versus Boxer     Dogo Argentino versus Australian Terrier     Dogo Argentino versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Dogo Argentino versus Dalmatian     Dogo Argentino versus American Foxhound     Dogo Argentino versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Dogo Argentino versus Cockalier     Dogo Argentino versus American Hairless Terrier     

    French Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    French Spaniel versus Boxerdoodle     French Spaniel versus Spinone Italiano     French Spaniel versus Cocker Spaniel     French Spaniel versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     French Spaniel versus Lhasa Apso     French Spaniel versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     French Spaniel versus Beagle     French Spaniel versus Icelandic Sheepdog     French Spaniel versus Great Pyrenees     French Spaniel versus Australian Cattle Dog     

    Conclusion: Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino and the French Spaniel better suits you and your family.