Quick Links: Table of Contents
- French Spaniel Versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Introduction
- French Spaniel versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Overview
- French Spaniel versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the French Spaniel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback
- The Similarities Between the French Spaniel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Size (Weight and Height) of French Spaniel versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Lifespan of French Spaniel versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Price of French Spaniel versus Price of Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Health Problems of French Spaniel versus Health Problems of Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Tolerates Being Alone: French Spaniel versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Do French Spaniels shed more than Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
- Which one drools more, the French Spaniel or the Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Which is Easier to Groom, the French Spaniel or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
- Does the French Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
- Do French Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
- Can French Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: French Spaniel vs. Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Can French Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the French Spaniel or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
- Are French Spaniels good family dogs? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
- How Kid-friendly are French Spaniels and Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
- Is the French Spaniel Easier to Train than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the French Spaniel
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: French Spaniel versus Rhodesian Ridgeback. Which One is a Better Pet?
French Spaniel Versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the French Spaniel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the French Spaniel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the French Spaniel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the French Spaniel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
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 Rhodesian Ridgeback.
French Spaniel versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Overview
A very important difference between the French Spaniel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The French Spaniel is a medium-sized dog while the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
French Spaniel versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Comparison Table
The table below compares the French Spaniel to the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the French Spaniel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback
| Factor | French Spaniel | Rhodesian Ridgeback |
|---|---|---|
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years. | 10 to 12 years |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Height | 21 to 24 inches. | 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 45 to 60 pounds. | 70 to 85 pounds |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $4250 | $1620 |
| Price Range | $3875 – $4625 | $1250 – $1900 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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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 Rhodesian Ridgeback. 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 the French Spaniel is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 74 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the French Spaniel is a better pet than the Rhodesian Ridgeback. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback
Below is a list of where the French Spaniel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are most different:
The Similarities Between the French Spaniel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback
The French Spaniel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the French Spaniel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of French Spaniel versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the French Spaniel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
French Spaniels weigh 45 to 60 pounds. when fully grown. French Spaniels are 21 to 24 inches. when fully grown.
On the other hand, Rhodesian Ridgebacks weigh 70 to 85 pounds when fully grown. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of French Spaniel versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
The lifespan of French Spaniels is between 10 to 12 years.. The average lifespan of French Spaniels is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is 11.0 years.
Price of French Spaniel versus Price of Rhodesian Ridgeback
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 Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy is $1620. The price of the Rhodesian Ridgeback typically ranges from $1250 – $1900. However, the price of the Rhodesian Ridgeback can be as low as $500 and as high as $2850. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 175 Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The French Spaniel is more expensive than the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
| French Spaniel | Rhodesian Ridgeback | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $4250 | $1620 |
| Price Range | $3875 to $4625 | $1250 to $1900 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the French Spaniel and Rhodesian Ridgeback. For different price points, the charts show how many French Spaniel puppies or how many Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the French Spaniel puppy or the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 to buy 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 a puppy mill. Puppy mills 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the French Spaniel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback is prone to more genetic health problems than the French Spaniel.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Rhodesian Ridgeback than for the French Spaniel.
3 health tests are recommended for French Spaniel while 6 tests are recommended for the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in French Spaniels and in Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
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.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Health Problems
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Rhodesian Ridgebacks here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in French Spaniels and Rhodesian Ridgebacks
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 Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed is Thyroid problems.
This is because the Rhodesian Ridgeback ranks 11 out of 115 dog breeds for Thyroid problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 6564 Rhodesian Ridgebacks, 636 of them had Thyroid problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and how common these diseases are in Rhodesian Ridgebacks relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in French Spaniel and in Rhodesian Ridgeback and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the French Spaniel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback:
| Disease | French Spaniel Rank | Rhodesian Ridgeback Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Hips problems | 125 out of 198 dog breeds | 168 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 11 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Shoulder problems | Not Common | 15 out of 22 dog breeds |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | Not Common | 31 out of 70 dog breeds |
| Dentition Database problems | Not Common | 32 out of 49 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | Not Common | 48 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 56 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | Not Common | 97 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | Not Common | 102 out of 182 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.
Tolerates Being Alone: French Spaniel versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
French Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not like to be left alone.
Do French Spaniels shed more than Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
French Spaniels shed moderately.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the French Spaniel or the Rhodesian Ridgeback
French Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the French Spaniel or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
French Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very easy to groom.
Does the French Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
French Spaniels have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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.
Do French Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
French Spaniels are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can French Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Cold Weather?
French Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: French Spaniel vs. Rhodesian Ridgeback
French Spaniels do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can French Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather?
French Spaniels cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the French Spaniel or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
French Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along very well with other dogs.
Are French Spaniels good family dogs? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
French Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are French Spaniels and Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
French Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the French Spaniel Easier to Train than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
French Spaniels are very easy to train.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not easy to train.
Is the French Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
French Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the French Spaniel or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
French Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
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 Rhodesian Ridgeback
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the French Spaniel and how the Rhodesian Ridgeback compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the French Spaniel and of the Rhodesian Ridgeback to other breeds:
French Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
French Spaniel versus Ibizan Hound French Spaniel versus Shiloh Shepherd French Spaniel versus Affenhuahua French Spaniel versus Bulldog French Spaniel versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen French Spaniel versus Flat-Coated Retriever French Spaniel versus German Shepherd Dog French Spaniel versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde French Spaniel versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen French Spaniel versus Collie French Spaniel versus Dachshund French Spaniel versus Jack Russell Terrier French Spaniel versus Saluki French Spaniel versus Goldador French Spaniel versus Puggle French Spaniel versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi French Spaniel versus Norfolk Terrier French Spaniel versus Standard Poodle French Spaniel versus Miniature Schnauzer French Spaniel versus Dalmatian French Spaniel versus French Bulldog French Spaniel versus Golden Retriever French Spaniel versus Pyredoodle French Spaniel versus Basset Hound French Spaniel versus Boxerdoodle
Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus Other Dog Breeds
Rhodesian Ridgeback versus American Foxhound Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Japanese Chin Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Saint Berdoodle Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Pomchi Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Portuguese Water Dog Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Komondor Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Komondor Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Estrela Mountain Dog Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Beaglier Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Whoodle Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Japanese Spitz Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Belgian Malinois Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Sloughi Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Chow Chow Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Lakeland Terrier Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Belgian Malinois Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Black Russian Terrier Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Xoloitzcuintli Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Westiepoo Rhodesian Ridgeback versus King Shepherd Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Golden Cocker Retriever
Conclusion: French Spaniel versus Rhodesian Ridgeback. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback better suits you and your family.