Is the Dutch Shepherd Better than the French Spaniel as a Pet? Answer…

Dutch Shepherd versus French Spaniel

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Dutch Shepherd Versus French Spaniel: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd or the French Spaniel

Dutch Shepherd versus French Spaniel: Overview

Both the Dutch Shepherd and the French Spaniel are similar in size. The Dutch Shepherd and the French Spaniel are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Dutch Shepherd 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.

Dutch Shepherd versus French Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd French Spaniel
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 12 years.
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Height 21 to 25 inches 21 to 24 inches.
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Weight 50 to 70 pounds 45 to 60 pounds.
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1590 $4250
Price Range $900 – $2000 $3875 – $4625
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd is 85 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 not better or worse than the Dutch Shepherd. So, you can get the French Spaniel or the Dutch Shepherd!

    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 Dutch Shepherd and the French Spaniel so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the Dutch Shepherd and the French Spaniel

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

  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the French Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the French Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the French Spaniel are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the French Spaniel are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the French Spaniel are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd and the French Spaniel can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the French Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the French Spaniel get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the French Spaniel get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the French Spaniel shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the French Spaniel are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the French Spaniel are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the French Spaniel have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the French Spaniel require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the French Spaniel are very playful.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the French Spaniel are very easy to train.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Dutch Shepherd versus French Spaniel

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Dutch Shepherd and the French Spaniel.

    Dutch Shepherds weigh 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Dutch Shepherds are 21 to 25 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 Dutch Shepherd versus Price of French Spaniel

    The average price of the Dutch Shepherd puppy is $1590. The price of the Dutch Shepherd typically ranges from $900 – $2000. However, the price of a Dutch Shepherd can be as low as $100 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 116 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd.

    Dutch Shepherd French Spaniel
    Average Price $1590 $4250
    Price Range $900 to $2000 $3875 to $4625

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds. 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 Dutch Shepherd 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dutch Shepherd versus French Spaniel

    Dutch Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

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

    Which one drools more, the Dutch Shepherd or the French Spaniel

    Dutch Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    French Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Do Dutch Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about French Spaniels?

    Dutch Shepherds 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.

    Wanderlust Potential: Dutch Shepherd vs. French Spaniel

    Dutch Shepherds 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.

    Is the Dutch Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the French Spaniel?

    Dutch Shepherds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    French Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Dutch Shepherd or the French Spaniel?

    Dutch Shepherds are OK for new dog owners.

    French Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Dutch Shepherd or the French Spaniel?

    Dutch Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

    French Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Dutch Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the French Spaniel?

    Dutch Shepherds 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.

    Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can French Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Dutch Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    French Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can French Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dutch Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Are Dutch Shepherds good family dogs? What about French Spaniels?

    Dutch Shepherds 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 Dutch Shepherds and French Spaniels?

    Dutch Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dutch Shepherd or the French Spaniel?

    Dutch Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    French Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Do Dutch Shepherds shed more than French Spaniels?

    Dutch Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    French Spaniels shed moderately.

    Is the Dutch Shepherd Easier to Train than the French Spaniel?

    Dutch Shepherds are very easy to train.

    French Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dutch Shepherd

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd:

  • Japanese Spitz (79 percent match with Dutch Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the French Spaniel vs Japanese Spitz.
  • 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:

    Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Dutch Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dutch Shepherd versus Berger Picard     Dutch Shepherd versus Berger Picard     Dutch Shepherd versus Whippet     Dutch Shepherd versus Ibizan Hound     Dutch Shepherd versus Pharaoh Hound     Dutch Shepherd versus American Eskimo Dog     Dutch Shepherd versus Scottish Deerhound     Dutch Shepherd versus Miniature Poodle     Dutch Shepherd versus Cockalier     Dutch Shepherd versus Kai Ken     

    French Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    French Spaniel versus American Eskimo Dog     French Spaniel versus King Shepherd     French Spaniel versus Puli     French Spaniel versus Barbet     French Spaniel versus Alaskan Klee Kai     French Spaniel versus German Pinscher     French Spaniel versus Miniature Pinscher     French Spaniel versus Sealyham Terrier     French Spaniel versus American Hairless Terrier     French Spaniel versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     

    Conclusion: Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd and the French Spaniel better suits you and your family.