Quick Links: Table of Contents
- French Spaniel Versus Great Dane: Introduction
- French Spaniel versus Great Dane: Overview
- French Spaniel versus Great Dane: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the French Spaniel and the Great Dane
- The Similarities Between the French Spaniel and the Great Dane
- Size (Weight and Height) of French Spaniel versus Great Dane
- Price of French Spaniel versus Price of Great Dane
- Health Problems of French Spaniel versus Health Problems of Great Dane
- Can French Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Great Danes Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which one drools more, the French Spaniel or the Great Dane
- Do French Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Great Danes?
- Wanderlust Potential: French Spaniel vs. Great Dane
- Tolerates Being Alone: French Spaniel versus Great Dane
- Do French Spaniels shed more than Great Danes?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the French Spaniel or the Great Dane?
- Does the French Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Great Dane?
- Can French Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Great Danes Tolerate Cold Weather?
- How Kid-friendly are French Spaniels and Great Danes?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the French Spaniel or the Great Dane?
- Is the French Spaniel Easier to Train than the Great Dane?
- Are French Spaniels good family dogs? What about Great Danes?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the French Spaniel
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Great Dane
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: French Spaniel versus Great Dane. Which One is a Better Pet?
French Spaniel Versus Great Dane: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the French Spaniel and the Great Dane? 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 Great Dane 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 Great Dane.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the French Spaniel and the Great Dane 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 Great Dane. 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 Great Dane.
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 Great Dane
French Spaniel versus Great Dane: Overview
A very important difference between the French Spaniel and the Great Dane is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The French Spaniel is a medium-sized dog while the Great Dane is a giant-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 Great Dane 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.
French Spaniel versus Great Dane: Comparison Table
The table below compares the French Spaniel to the Great Dane 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 | Great Dane |
---|---|---|
Life Span | 10 to 12 years. | 7 to 10 years |
Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 1/5 |
Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 2/5 |
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 | 2/5 |
Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 3/5 |
Height | 21 to 24 inches. | 26 to 34 inches tall at the shoulder |
Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 1/5 |
Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 1/5 |
Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 5/5 |
Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 1/5 |
Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 1/5 |
Easygoing | 2/5 | 1/5 |
Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 2/5 |
Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 5/5 |
General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Easy To Train | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Intelligence | 4/5 | 3/5 |
Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 1/5 |
Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Weight | 45 to 60 pounds. | 100 to 200 pounds |
Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 8.5 years |
Average Price | $4250 | $1560 |
Price Range | $3875 – $4625 | $1000 – $2000 |
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 Great Dane. 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 Great Dane is 73 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the French Spaniel is a better pet than the Great Dane. 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 Great Dane 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 Great Dane
Below is a list of where the French Spaniel and the Great Dane are most different:
The Similarities Between the French Spaniel and the Great Dane
The French Spaniel and the Great Dane are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the French Spaniel and the Great Dane are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of French Spaniel versus Great Dane
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the French Spaniel and the Great Dane.
French Spaniels weigh 45 to 60 pounds. when fully grown. French Spaniels are 21 to 24 inches. when fully grown.
On the other hand, Great Danes weigh 100 to 200 pounds when fully grown. Great Danes are 26 to 34 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Price of French Spaniel versus Price of Great Dane
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 Great Dane puppy is $1560. The price of the Great Dane typically ranges from $1000 – $2000. However, the price of a Great Dane can be as low as $100 and as high as $5500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1324 Great Dane puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The French Spaniel is more expensive than the Great Dane.
French Spaniel | Great Dane | |
---|---|---|
Average Price | $4250 | $1560 |
Price Range | $3875 to $4625 | $1000 to $2000 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the French Spaniel and Great Dane. For different price points, the charts show how many French Spaniel puppies or how many Great Dane 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 Great Danes
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the French Spaniel puppy or the Great Dane 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 Great Dane
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 Great Dane 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 Great Dane is prone to more genetic health problems than the French Spaniel.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Great Dane than for the French Spaniel.
3 health tests are recommended for French Spaniel while 4 tests are recommended for the Great Dane.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in French Spaniels and in Great Danes.
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.
Great Dane Health Problems
Great Danes are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Great Dane 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 Great Dane puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Great Dane 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 Great Danes for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Great Danes here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in French Spaniels and Great Danes
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 Great Dane Breed is Shoulder problems.
This is because the Great Dane ranks 4 out of 22 dog breeds for Shoulder problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 183 Great Danes, 10 of them had Shoulder problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Great Danes, and how common these diseases are in Great Danes relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in French Spaniel and in Great Dane and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the French Spaniel and the Great Dane:
Disease | French Spaniel Rank | Great Dane Rank |
---|---|---|
Hips problems | 125 out of 198 dog breeds | 92 out of 198 dog breeds |
Shoulder problems | Not Common | 4 out of 22 dog breeds |
Advanced Cardiac problems | Not Common | 33 out of 71 dog breeds |
Dentition Database problems | Not Common | 35 out of 49 dog breeds |
Congenital Cardiac problems | Not Common | 40 out of 159 dog breeds |
Thyroid problems | Not Common | 42 out of 115 dog breeds |
Eyes problems | Not Common | 59 out of 182 dog breeds |
Elbow problems | Not Common | 75 out of 144 dog breeds |
Patella problems | Not Common | 130 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 Great Dane?
French Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.
Great Danes do not adapt well to apartment living.
Can French Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Great Danes Tolerate Hot Weather?
French Spaniels cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Great Danes can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which one drools more, the French Spaniel or the Great Dane
French Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
Great Danes have a very high tendency to drool.
Do French Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Great Danes?
French Spaniels are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Great Danes are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Wanderlust Potential: French Spaniel vs. Great Dane
French Spaniels do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Great Danes have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Tolerates Being Alone: French Spaniel versus Great Dane
French Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.
Great Danes do not like to be left alone.
Do French Spaniels shed more than Great Danes?
French Spaniels shed moderately.
Great Danes shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the French Spaniel or the Great Dane?
French Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.
Great Danes are very easy to groom.
Does the French Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Great Dane?
French Spaniels have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Great Danes have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the French Spaniel or the Great Dane?
French Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.
Great Danes are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Can French Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Great Danes Tolerate Cold Weather?
French Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Great Danes cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
How Kid-friendly are French Spaniels and Great Danes?
French Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Great Danes get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the French Spaniel or the Great Dane?
French Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Great Danes get along very well with other dogs.
Is the French Spaniel Easier to Train than the Great Dane?
French Spaniels are very easy to train.
Great Danes are very easy to train.
Are French Spaniels good family dogs? What about Great Danes?
French Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Great Danes 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 Great Dane
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Great Dane 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 Great Dane:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the French Spaniel and how the Great Dane compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the French Spaniel and of the Great Dane to other breeds:
French Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
French Spaniel versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog French Spaniel versus Silky Terrier French Spaniel versus Welsh Springer Spaniel French Spaniel versus German Longhaired Pointer French Spaniel versus Catahoula Bulldog French Spaniel versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog French Spaniel versus Akita French Spaniel versus Puggle French Spaniel versus Brussels Griffon French Spaniel versus Tibetan Terrier
Great Dane Versus Other Dog Breeds
Great Dane versus Shihpoo Great Dane versus Akita Great Dane versus Norfolk Terrier Great Dane versus Beagle Great Dane versus Doberman Pinscher Great Dane versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Great Dane versus Bich Poo Great Dane versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Great Dane versus Portuguese Water Dog Great Dane versus Toy Poodle
Conclusion: French Spaniel versus Great Dane. 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 Great Dane better suits you and your family.