Differences and Similarities between the French Spaniel and the Labradoodle.

French Spaniel versus Labradoodle

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French Spaniel Versus Labradoodle: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the French Spaniel and the Labradoodle 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 Labradoodle. 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 Labradoodle.

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 Labradoodle

French Spaniel versus Labradoodle: Overview

A very important difference between the French Spaniel and the Labradoodle is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The French Spaniel is a medium-sized dog while the Labradoodle 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 Labradoodle belongs to the Hybrid Dogs group. Hybrid Dogs are the offsprings of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds..

French Spaniel versus Labradoodle: Comparison Table

The table below compares the French Spaniel to the Labradoodle 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 Labradoodle
Life Span 10 to 12 years. 12 to 14 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 3/5
Height 21 to 24 inches. 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Weight 45 to 60 pounds. 50 to 65 pounds
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $4250 $1640
Price Range $3875 – $4625 $1000 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data

    *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 Labradoodle. 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 Labradoodle is 94 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Labradoodle is a better pet than the French Spaniel. So, you should get the Labradoodle!

    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 Labradoodle so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the French Spaniel and the Labradoodle

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

  • Both the French Spaniel and the Labradoodle do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Labradoodle do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Labradoodle are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Labradoodle are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Labradoodle are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Labradoodle do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Labradoodle are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Labradoodle 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 French Spaniel and the Labradoodle can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Labradoodle get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Labradoodle get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Labradoodle are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Labradoodle are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Labradoodle are very easy to train.
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Labradoodle are highly intelligent.
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Labradoodle require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Labradoodle are very playful.
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Labradoodle are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Labradoodle have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of French Spaniel versus Labradoodle

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

    French Spaniels weigh 45 to 60 pounds. when fully grown. French Spaniels are 21 to 24 inches. when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Labradoodles weigh 50 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Labradoodles are 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Price of French Spaniel versus Price of Labradoodle

    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 Labradoodle puppy is $1640. The price of the Labradoodle typically ranges from $1000 – $2000. However, the price of a Labradoodle can be as low as $250 and as high as $5850. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 2360 Labradoodle puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The French Spaniel is more expensive than the Labradoodle.

    French Spaniel Labradoodle
    Average Price $4250 $1640
    Price Range $3875 to $4625 $1000 to $2000

    The charts below show the price distribution for the French Spaniel and Labradoodle. For different price points, the charts show how many French Spaniel puppies or how many Labradoodle 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 French Spaniels. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Labradoodles

    A breakdown of the prices of Labradoodles

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the French Spaniel puppy or the Labradoodle 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 French Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Labradoodle?

    French Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Labradoodles adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Can French Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Labradoodles Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Labradoodles can tolerate hot weather.

    Which one drools more, the French Spaniel or the Labradoodle

    French Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Labradoodles do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Do French Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Labradoodles?

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

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

    Wanderlust Potential: French Spaniel vs. Labradoodle

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

    Labradoodles have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Tolerates Being Alone: French Spaniel versus Labradoodle

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

    Labradoodles can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Do French Spaniels shed more than Labradoodles?

    French Spaniels shed moderately.

    Labradoodles shed moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the French Spaniel or the Labradoodle?

    French Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.

    Labradoodles are very easy to groom.

    Does the French Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Labradoodle?

    French Spaniels have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Labradoodles have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

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

    French Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Labradoodles are very good for new dog owners.

    Can French Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Labradoodles Tolerate Cold Weather?

    French Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Labradoodles can very well tolerate cold weather.

    How Kid-friendly are French Spaniels and Labradoodles?

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

    Labradoodles get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    French Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Labradoodles get along very well with other dogs.

    Is the French Spaniel Easier to Train than the Labradoodle?

    French Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Labradoodles are very easy to train.

    Are French Spaniels good family dogs? What about Labradoodles?

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

    Labradoodles 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:

  • Dutch Shepherd (80 percent match with French Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Labradoodle vs Dutch Shepherd.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Labradoodle

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

  • Goldendoodle (78 percent match with Labradoodle). Here is our comparison of the French Spaniel vs Goldendoodle.
  • Goldador (85 percent match with Labradoodle). Here is our comparison of the French Spaniel vs Goldador.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    French Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    French Spaniel versus Canaan Dog     French Spaniel versus Bull Terrier     French Spaniel versus American Staffordshire Terrier     French Spaniel versus Giant Schnauzer     French Spaniel versus Bearded Collie     French Spaniel versus Boxerdoodle     French Spaniel versus Cockalier     French Spaniel versus American Staffordshire Terrier     French Spaniel versus German Shorthaired Pointer     

    Labradoodle Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Labradoodle versus Mal Shi     Labradoodle versus Scottish Terrier     Labradoodle versus Irish Wolfhound     Labradoodle versus English Toy Spaniel     Labradoodle versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Labradoodle versus Finnish Spitz     Labradoodle versus Norwegian Lundehund     Labradoodle versus Borzoi     Labradoodle versus Welsh Terrier     Labradoodle versus Icelandic Sheepdog     

    Conclusion: French Spaniel versus Labradoodle. 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 Labradoodle better suits you and your family.