Quick Links: Table of Contents
- French Spaniel Versus German Shepherd Dog: Introduction
- French Spaniel versus German Shepherd Dog: Overview
- French Spaniel versus German Shepherd Dog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the French Spaniel and the German Shepherd Dog
- The Similarities Between the French Spaniel and the German Shepherd Dog
- Size (Weight and Height) of French Spaniel versus German Shepherd Dog
- Price of French Spaniel versus Price of German Shepherd Dog
- Health Problems of French Spaniel versus Health Problems of German Shepherd Dog
- Can French Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which one drools more, the French Spaniel or the German Shepherd Dog
- Do French Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about German Shepherd Dogs?
- Wanderlust Potential: French Spaniel vs. German Shepherd Dog
- Tolerates Being Alone: French Spaniel versus German Shepherd Dog
- Do French Spaniels shed more than German Shepherd Dogs?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the French Spaniel or the German Shepherd Dog?
- Does the French Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the German Shepherd Dog?
- Can French Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- How Kid-friendly are French Spaniels and German Shepherd Dogs?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the French Spaniel or the German Shepherd Dog?
- Is the French Spaniel Easier to Train than the German Shepherd Dog?
- Are French Spaniels good family dogs? What about German Shepherd Dogs?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the French Spaniel
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Shepherd Dog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: French Spaniel versus German Shepherd Dog. Which One is a Better Pet?
French Spaniel Versus German Shepherd Dog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the French Spaniel and the German Shepherd Dog? 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 French Spaniel and the German Shepherd Dog 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 French Spaniel and the German Shepherd Dog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the French Spaniel and the German Shepherd Dog 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 French Spaniel and for the German Shepherd Dog. 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 French Spaniel and the German Shepherd Dog.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the French Spaniel or the German Shepherd Dog
French Spaniel versus German Shepherd Dog: Overview
A very important difference between the French Spaniel and the German Shepherd Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The French Spaniel is a medium-sized dog while the German Shepherd Dog is a large-sized dog.
Furthermore, 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.
On the other hand, the German Shepherd Dog 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.
French Spaniel versus German Shepherd Dog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the French Spaniel to the German Shepherd Dog 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 | French Spaniel | German Shepherd Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years. | 10 to 14 years |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 21 to 24 inches. | 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 45 to 60 pounds. | 75 to 95 pounds |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 12.0 years |
| Average Price | $4250 | $1280 |
| Price Range | $3875 – $4625 | $800 – $1500 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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*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 French Spaniel 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 German Shepherd Dog. 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 French Spaniel is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a German Shepherd Dog is 77 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the French Spaniel is a better pet than the German Shepherd Dog. 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 French Spaniel and the German Shepherd Dog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the French Spaniel and the German Shepherd Dog
Below is a list of where the French Spaniel and the German Shepherd Dog are most different:
The Similarities Between the French Spaniel and the German Shepherd Dog
The French Spaniel and the German Shepherd Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the French Spaniel and the German Shepherd Dog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of French Spaniel versus German Shepherd Dog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the French Spaniel and the German Shepherd Dog.
French Spaniels weigh 45 to 60 pounds. when fully grown. French Spaniels are 21 to 24 inches. when fully grown.
On the other hand, German Shepherd Dogs weigh 75 to 95 pounds when fully grown. German Shepherd Dogs are 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall when fully grown.
Price of French Spaniel versus Price of German Shepherd Dog
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 reviewing the prices of 2 French Spaniel puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the German Shepherd Dog puppy is $1280. The price of the German Shepherd Dog typically ranges from $800 – $1500. However, the price of a German Shepherd Dog can be as low as $195 and as high as $6500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1776 German Shepherd Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The French Spaniel is more expensive than the German Shepherd Dog.
| French Spaniel | German Shepherd Dog | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $4250 | $1280 |
| Price Range | $3875 to $4625 | $800 to $1500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the French Spaniel and German Shepherd Dog. For different price points, the charts show how many French Spaniel puppies or how many German Shepherd Dog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of French Spaniels. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of German Shepherd Dogs
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the French Spaniel puppy or the German Shepherd Dog 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 French Spaniel versus Health Problems of German Shepherd Dog
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 French Spaniel and the German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog is prone to more genetic health problems than the French Spaniel.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the German Shepherd Dog than for the French Spaniel.
3 health tests are recommended for French Spaniel while 7 tests are recommended for the German Shepherd Dog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in French Spaniels and in German Shepherd Dogs.
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:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for French Spaniels here.
German Shepherd Dog Health Problems
German Shepherd Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for German Shepherd Dogs here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in French Spaniels and German Shepherd Dogs
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:
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 German Shepherd Dog Breed is Shoulder problems.
This is because the German Shepherd Dog ranks 8 out of 22 dog breeds for Shoulder problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 149 German Shepherd Dogs, 5 of them had Shoulder problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in German Shepherd Dogs, and how common these diseases are in German Shepherd Dogs relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in French Spaniel and in German Shepherd Dog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the French Spaniel and the German Shepherd Dog:
| Disease | French Spaniel Rank | German Shepherd Dog Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Hips problems | 125 out of 198 dog breeds | 40 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Shoulder problems | Not Common | 8 out of 22 dog breeds |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | Not Common | 11 out of 70 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 22 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | Not Common | 41 out of 71 dog breeds |
| Dentition Database problems | Not Common | 42 out of 49 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | Not Common | 64 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 71 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | Not Common | 102 out of 145 dog breeds |
*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 French Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the German Shepherd Dog?
French Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.
German Shepherd Dogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Can French Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
French Spaniels cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
German Shepherd Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which one drools more, the French Spaniel or the German Shepherd Dog
French Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
German Shepherd Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Do French Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about German Shepherd Dogs?
French Spaniels are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
German Shepherd Dogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Wanderlust Potential: French Spaniel vs. German Shepherd Dog
French Spaniels do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
German Shepherd Dogs 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: French Spaniel versus German Shepherd Dog
French Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.
German Shepherd Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Do French Spaniels shed more than German Shepherd Dogs?
French Spaniels shed moderately.
German Shepherd Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the French Spaniel or the German Shepherd Dog?
French Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.
German Shepherd Dogs are very easy to groom.
Does the French Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the German Shepherd Dog?
French Spaniels have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
German Shepherd Dogs 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.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the French Spaniel or the German Shepherd Dog?
French Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.
German Shepherd Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Can French Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
French Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
German Shepherd Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
How Kid-friendly are French Spaniels and German Shepherd Dogs?
French Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
German Shepherd Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the French Spaniel or the German Shepherd Dog?
French Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
German Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Is the French Spaniel Easier to Train than the German Shepherd Dog?
French Spaniels are very easy to train.
German Shepherd Dogs are very easy to train.
Are French Spaniels good family dogs? What about German Shepherd Dogs?
French Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
German Shepherd Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
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 Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Shepherd Dog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the French Spaniel and how the German Shepherd Dog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the French Spaniel and of the German Shepherd Dog to other breeds:
French Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
French Spaniel versus Bedlington Terrier French Spaniel versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier French Spaniel versus Estrela Mountain Dog French Spaniel versus Samoyed French Spaniel versus Kai Ken French Spaniel versus Shihpoo French Spaniel versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier French Spaniel versus Chi-Poo French Spaniel versus English Springer Spaniel French Spaniel versus American Bulldog
German Shepherd Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
German Shepherd Dog versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde German Shepherd Dog versus Cavapoo German Shepherd Dog versus Samoyed German Shepherd Dog versus Clumber Spaniel German Shepherd Dog versus Whippet German Shepherd Dog versus Standard Poodle German Shepherd Dog versus English Cocker Spaniel German Shepherd Dog versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier German Shepherd Dog versus Maremma Sheepdog German Shepherd Dog versus Bullmastiff
Conclusion: French Spaniel versus German Shepherd Dog. 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 French Spaniel and the German Shepherd Dog better suits you and your family.