Which is Better between the Fila Brasileiro and the French Spaniel? A Very Detailed Review.

Fila Brasileiro versus French Spaniel

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Fila Brasileiro Versus French Spaniel: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro or the French Spaniel

Fila Brasileiro versus French Spaniel: Overview

A very important difference between the Fila Brasileiro and the French Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Fila Brasileiro is a giant-sized dog while the French Spaniel is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Fila Brasileiro 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.

Fila Brasileiro versus French Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro French Spaniel
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 4/5
Height 24 to 30 inches 21 to 24 inches.
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 3/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 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
Life Span 9 to 12 years 10 to 12 years.
Weight 90 to 180 pounds 45 to 60 pounds.
Average Lifespan 10.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1270 $4250
Price Range $1000 – $1400 $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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro is 62 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 Fila Brasileiro. 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro and the French Spaniel

    Below is a list of where the Fila Brasileiro and the French Spaniel are most different:

  • Fila Brasileiros are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, French Spaniels are good for new dog owners.
  • Fila Brasileiros are not very friendly towards strangers. However, French Spaniels are very friendly towards strangers.
  • The Similarities Between the Fila Brasileiro and the French Spaniel

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

  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the French Spaniel do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the French Spaniel do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the French Spaniel are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the French Spaniel are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the French Spaniel have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the French Spaniel do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the French Spaniel require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Fila Brasileiro versus French Spaniel

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Fila Brasileiro and the French Spaniel.

    Fila Brasileiros weigh 90 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Fila Brasileiros are 24 to 30 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 Fila Brasileiro versus Price of French Spaniel

    The average price of the Fila Brasileiro puppy is $1270. The price of the Fila Brasileiro typically ranges from $1000 – $1400. However, the price of a Fila Brasileiro can be as low as $1000 and as high as $1800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 3 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro.

    Fila Brasileiro French Spaniel
    Average Price $1270 $4250
    Price Range $1000 to $1400 $3875 to $4625

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Fila Brasileiros. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Fila Brasileiros. 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 Fila Brasileiro 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.

    Is the Fila Brasileiro Better for Apartment Owners than the French Spaniel?

    Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living.

    French Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Fila Brasileiro or the French Spaniel?

    Fila Brasileiros are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    French Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Cold Weather? And can French Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Fila Brasileiros cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    French Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Fila Brasileiro or the French Spaniel?

    Fila Brasileiros do not get along well with other dogs.

    French Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Do Fila Brasileiros shed more than French Spaniels?

    Fila Brasileiros do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    French Spaniels shed moderately.

    Is the Fila Brasileiro Easier to Train than the French Spaniel?

    Fila Brasileiros are not easy to train.

    French Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Fila Brasileiro versus French Spaniel

    Fila Brasileiros can be left alone only for a short time.

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

    Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Hot Weather? Can French Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Fila Brasileiros 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.

    Are Fila Brasileiros good family dogs? What about French Spaniels?

    Fila Brasileiros are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Fila Brasileiros and French Spaniels?

    Fila Brasileiros get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Which one drools more, the Fila Brasileiro or the French Spaniel

    Fila Brasileiros drool moderately.

    French Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Do Fila Brasileiros Bark and Howl? What about French Spaniels?

    Fila Brasileiros bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Fila Brasileiro vs. French Spaniel

    Fila Brasileiros 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.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Fila Brasileiro or the French Spaniel?

    Fila Brasileiros are very easy to groom.

    French Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Fila Brasileiro Have a Higher Prey Drive than the French Spaniel?

    Fila Brasileiros 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 Fila Brasileiro

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro:

  • Afador (75 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the French Spaniel vs Afador.
  • Cane Corso (76 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the French Spaniel vs Cane Corso.
  • Dogo Argentino (80 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the French Spaniel vs Dogo Argentino.
  • Boerboel (78 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the French Spaniel vs Boerboel.
  • 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 Fila Brasileiro vs Dutch Shepherd.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Fila Brasileiro Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Fila Brasileiro versus Tibetan Mastiff     Fila Brasileiro versus German Shepherd Dog     Fila Brasileiro versus Clumber Spaniel     Fila Brasileiro versus English Springer Spaniel     Fila Brasileiro versus Scottish Deerhound     Fila Brasileiro versus Chinese Crested     Fila Brasileiro versus Boerboel     Fila Brasileiro versus Bluetick Coonhound     Fila Brasileiro versus Bluetick Coonhound     Fila Brasileiro versus Basset Hound     

    French Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    French Spaniel versus Pharaoh Hound     French Spaniel versus Briard     French Spaniel versus American Bulldog     French Spaniel versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     French Spaniel versus German Pinscher     French Spaniel versus Chinese Shar-Pei     French Spaniel versus Fila Brasileiro     French Spaniel versus Tibetan Mastiff     French Spaniel versus Bich Poo     French Spaniel versus Bullmastiff     

    Conclusion: Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro and the French Spaniel better suits you and your family.