Is the Dogue de Bordeaux Better than the French Spaniel as a Pet? Answer…

Dogue de Bordeaux versus French Spaniel

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Dogue de Bordeaux Versus French Spaniel: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeaux or the French Spaniel

Dogue de Bordeaux versus French Spaniel: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Dogue de Bordeaux belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

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.

Dogue de Bordeaux versus French Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeaux French Spaniel
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 2/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 3/5
Height 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder 21 to 24 inches.
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
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
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 1/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Life Span 8 to 12 years 10 to 12 years.
Weight Starts at 100 pounds 45 to 60 pounds.
Average Lifespan 10.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $2270 $4250
Price Range $1800 – $2500 $3875 – $4625
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • 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 Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeaux is 70 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 Dogue de Bordeaux. 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 Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeaux and the French Spaniel

    Below is a list of where the Dogue de Bordeaux and the French Spaniel are most different:

  • Dogue de Bordeauxs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, French Spaniels are good for new dog owners.
  • Dogue de Bordeauxs do not get along well with other dogs. However, French Spaniels get along well with other dogs.
  • Dogue de Bordeauxs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, French Spaniels are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Dogue de Bordeauxs have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time. However, French Spaniels have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Dogue de Bordeauxs adapt well to apartment living. However, French Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Dogue de Bordeauxs have a very high tendency to drool. However, French Spaniels do not have the tendency to drool.
  • The Similarities Between the Dogue de Bordeaux and the French Spaniel

    The Dogue de Bordeaux and the French Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Dogue de Bordeaux and the French Spaniel are most similar:

  • Both the Dogue de Bordeaux and the French Spaniel do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Dogue de Bordeaux and the French Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Dogue de Bordeaux and the French Spaniel cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Dogue de Bordeaux and the French Spaniel are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Dogue de Bordeaux and the French Spaniel do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeaux and the French Spaniel have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Dogue de Bordeaux and the French Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dogue de Bordeaux and the French Spaniel get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Dogue de Bordeaux and the French Spaniel require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Dogue de Bordeaux versus French Spaniel

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Dogue de Bordeaux and the French Spaniel.

    Dogue de Bordeauxs weigh Starts at 100 pounds when fully grown. Dogue de Bordeauxs are 23 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.

    Price of Dogue de Bordeaux versus Price of French Spaniel

    The average price of the Dogue de Bordeaux puppy is $2270. The price of the Dogue de Bordeaux typically ranges from $1800 – $2500. However, the price of a Dogue de Bordeaux can be as low as $800 and as high as $4000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 103 Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeaux.

    Dogue de Bordeaux French Spaniel
    Average Price $2270 $4250
    Price Range $1800 to $2500 $3875 to $4625

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Dogue de Bordeauxs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Dogue de Bordeauxs. 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 Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeaux is prone to more genetic health problems than the French Spaniel.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Dogue de Bordeaux than for the French Spaniel.

    6 health tests are recommended for Dogue de Bordeaux while 3 tests are recommended for the French Spaniel.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Dogue de Bordeauxs and in French Spaniels.

    Dogue de Bordeaux Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Dogue de Bordeauxs 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 Dogue de Bordeauxs 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 Dogue de Bordeaux Breed is Shoulder problems.

    This is because the Dogue de Bordeaux ranks 2 out of 22 dog breeds for Shoulder problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 250 Dogue de Bordeauxs, 23 of them had Shoulder problems.

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

  • Shoulder problems: Rank 2 out of 22 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 4 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Advanced Cardiac problems: Rank 10 out of 71 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 14 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 25 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 47 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 79 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 94 out of 145 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 Dogue de Bordeaux and in French Spaniel and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Dogue de Bordeaux and the French Spaniel:

    Disease Dogue de Bordeaux Rank French Spaniel Rank
    Shoulder problems 2 out of 22 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 4 out of 198 dog breeds 125 out of 198 dog breeds
    Advanced Cardiac problems 10 out of 71 dog breeds Not Common
    Elbow problems 14 out of 144 dog breeds Not Common
    Congenital Cardiac problems 25 out of 159 dog breeds Not Common
    Eyes problems 47 out of 182 dog breeds Not Common
    Thyroid problems 79 out of 115 dog breeds Not Common
    Patella problems 94 out of 145 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 is Better for New Dog Owners, the Dogue de Bordeaux or the French Spaniel?

    Dogue de Bordeauxs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    French Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dogue de Bordeaux or the French Spaniel?

    Dogue de Bordeauxs do not get along well with other dogs.

    French Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Wanderlust Potential: Dogue de Bordeaux vs. French Spaniel

    Dogue de Bordeauxs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    French Spaniels do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dogue de Bordeaux versus French Spaniel

    Dogue de Bordeauxs do not like to be left alone.

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

    Can Dogue de Bordeauxs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can French Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dogue de Bordeauxs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Is the Dogue de Bordeaux Easier to Train than the French Spaniel?

    Dogue de Bordeauxs are not easy to train.

    French Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Do Dogue de Bordeauxs Bark and Howl? What about French Spaniels?

    Dogue de Bordeauxs 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.

    Can Dogue de Bordeauxs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can French Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Dogue de Bordeauxs can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    French Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Do Dogue de Bordeauxs shed more than French Spaniels?

    Dogue de Bordeauxs shed moderately.

    French Spaniels shed moderately.

    Does the Dogue de Bordeaux Have a Higher Prey Drive than the French Spaniel?

    Dogue de Bordeauxs 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.

    Is the Dogue de Bordeaux Better for Apartment Owners than the French Spaniel?

    Dogue de Bordeauxs adapt very well to apartment living.

    French Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Are Dogue de Bordeauxs good family dogs? What about French Spaniels?

    Dogue de Bordeauxs 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 Dogue de Bordeauxs and French Spaniels?

    Dogue de Bordeauxs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Which one drools more, the Dogue de Bordeaux or the French Spaniel

    Dogue de Bordeauxs have a very high tendency to drool.

    French Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Dogue de Bordeaux or the French Spaniel?

    Dogue de Bordeauxs are very easy to groom.

    French Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dogue de Bordeaux

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeaux:

  • Bullmastiff (66 percent match with Dogue de Bordeaux). Here is our comparison of the French Spaniel vs Bullmastiff.
  • Mastiff (72 percent match with Dogue de Bordeaux). Here is our comparison of the French Spaniel vs Mastiff.
  • Neapolitan Mastiff (67 percent match with Dogue de Bordeaux). Here is our comparison of the French Spaniel vs Neapolitan Mastiff.
  • 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 Dogue de Bordeaux vs Dutch Shepherd.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Dogue de Bordeaux Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dogue de Bordeaux versus Azawakh     Dogue de Bordeaux versus Finnish Spitz     Dogue de Bordeaux versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Dogue de Bordeaux versus Sealyham Terrier     Dogue de Bordeaux versus King Shepherd     Dogue de Bordeaux versus Miniature Pinscher     Dogue de Bordeaux versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Dogue de Bordeaux versus Standard Schnauzer     Dogue de Bordeaux versus Azawakh     Dogue de Bordeaux versus Brittany     

    French Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    French Spaniel versus Dogue de Bordeaux     French Spaniel versus Cocker Spaniel     French Spaniel versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     French Spaniel versus Brussels Griffon     French Spaniel versus Lowchen     French Spaniel versus Bracco Italiano     French Spaniel versus Canaan Dog     French Spaniel versus Briard     French Spaniel versus Bordoodle     French Spaniel versus Coton de Tulear     

    Conclusion: Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeaux and the French Spaniel better suits you and your family.