Quick Links: Table of Contents
- French Spaniel Versus Schipperke: Introduction
- French Spaniel versus Schipperke: Overview
- French Spaniel versus Schipperke: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the French Spaniel and the Schipperke
- The Similarities Between the French Spaniel and the Schipperke
- Size (Weight and Height) of French Spaniel versus Schipperke
- Price of French Spaniel versus Price of Schipperke
- Health Problems of French Spaniel versus Health Problems of Schipperke
- Can French Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Schipperkes Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which one drools more, the French Spaniel or the Schipperke
- Do French Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Schipperkes?
- Wanderlust Potential: French Spaniel vs. Schipperke
- Tolerates Being Alone: French Spaniel versus Schipperke
- Do French Spaniels shed more than Schipperkes?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the French Spaniel or the Schipperke?
- Does the French Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Schipperke?
- Can French Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Schipperkes Tolerate Cold Weather?
- How Kid-friendly are French Spaniels and Schipperkes?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the French Spaniel or the Schipperke?
- Is the French Spaniel Easier to Train than the Schipperke?
- Are French Spaniels good family dogs? What about Schipperkes?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the French Spaniel
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Schipperke
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: French Spaniel versus Schipperke. Which One is a Better Pet?
French Spaniel Versus Schipperke: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the French Spaniel and the Schipperke? 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 Schipperke 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 Schipperke.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the French Spaniel and the Schipperke 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 Schipperke. 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 Schipperke.
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 Schipperke
French Spaniel versus Schipperke: Overview
A very important difference between the French Spaniel and the Schipperke is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The French Spaniel is a medium-sized dog while the Schipperke is a tiny-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 Schipperke belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
French Spaniel versus Schipperke: Comparison Table
The table below compares the French Spaniel to the Schipperke 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 | Schipperke |
|---|---|---|
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years. | 13 to 15 years |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Height | 21 to 24 inches. | 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| 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. | 11 to 18 pounds |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 14.0 years |
| Average Price | $4250 | $1170 |
| Price Range | $3875 – $4625 | $900 – $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 Schipperke. 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 Schipperke is 73 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the French Spaniel is a better pet than the Schipperke. 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 Schipperke 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 Schipperke
Below is a list of where the French Spaniel and the Schipperke are most different:
The Similarities Between the French Spaniel and the Schipperke
The French Spaniel and the Schipperke are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the French Spaniel and the Schipperke are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of French Spaniel versus Schipperke
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the French Spaniel and the Schipperke.
French Spaniels weigh 45 to 60 pounds. when fully grown. French Spaniels are 21 to 24 inches. when fully grown.
On the other hand, Schipperkes weigh 11 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Schipperkes are 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Price of French Spaniel versus Price of Schipperke
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 Schipperke puppy is $1170. The price of the Schipperke typically ranges from $900 – $1500. However, the price of a Schipperke can be as low as $500 and as high as $2000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 60 Schipperke puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The French Spaniel is more expensive than the Schipperke.
| French Spaniel | Schipperke | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $4250 | $1170 |
| Price Range | $3875 to $4625 | $900 to $1500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the French Spaniel and Schipperke. For different price points, the charts show how many French Spaniel puppies or how many Schipperke 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 Schipperkes
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the French Spaniel puppy or the Schipperke 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 Schipperke
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 Schipperke 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 Schipperke is prone to more genetic health problems than the French Spaniel.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Schipperke than for the French Spaniel.
3 health tests are recommended for French Spaniel while 7 tests are recommended for the Schipperke.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in French Spaniels and in Schipperkes.
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.
Schipperke Health Problems
Schipperkes are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Schipperke 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 Schipperke puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Schipperke 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 Schipperkes for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Schipperkes here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in French Spaniels and Schipperkes
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 Schipperke Breed is Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.
This is because the Schipperke ranks 5 out of 40 dog breeds for Legg-Calve-Perthes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 295 Schipperkes, 4 of them had Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Schipperkes, and how common these diseases are in Schipperkes relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in French Spaniel and in Schipperke and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the French Spaniel and the Schipperke:
| Disease | French Spaniel Rank | Schipperke Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Hips problems | 125 out of 198 dog breeds | 142 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Legg-Calve-Perthes problems | Not Common | 5 out of 40 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | Not Common | 36 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 50 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | Not Common | 54 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 93 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | Not Common | 165 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.
Is the French Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Schipperke?
French Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.
Schipperkes adapt very well to apartment living.
Can French Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Schipperkes Tolerate Hot Weather?
French Spaniels cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Schipperkes cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which one drools more, the French Spaniel or the Schipperke
French Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
Schipperkes do have a very low tendency to drool.
Do French Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Schipperkes?
French Spaniels are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Schipperkes are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Wanderlust Potential: French Spaniel vs. Schipperke
French Spaniels do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Schipperkes have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Tolerates Being Alone: French Spaniel versus Schipperke
French Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.
Schipperkes can be left alone only for a short time.
Do French Spaniels shed more than Schipperkes?
French Spaniels shed moderately.
Schipperkes shed moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the French Spaniel or the Schipperke?
French Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.
Schipperkes are very easy to groom.
Does the French Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Schipperke?
French Spaniels have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Schipperkes 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 Schipperke?
French Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.
Schipperkes are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Can French Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Schipperkes Tolerate Cold Weather?
French Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Schipperkes can moderately tolerate cold weather.
How Kid-friendly are French Spaniels and Schipperkes?
French Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Schipperkes get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the French Spaniel or the Schipperke?
French Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Schipperkes do not get along well with other dogs.
Is the French Spaniel Easier to Train than the Schipperke?
French Spaniels are very easy to train.
Schipperkes are not easy to train.
Are French Spaniels good family dogs? What about Schipperkes?
French Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Schipperkes 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 Schipperke
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Schipperke 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 Schipperke:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the French Spaniel and how the Schipperke compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the French Spaniel and of the Schipperke to other breeds:
French Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
French Spaniel versus Standard Poodle French Spaniel versus Toy Poodle French Spaniel versus Golden Retriever French Spaniel versus Miniature Poodle French Spaniel versus Belgian Sheepdog French Spaniel versus Doberman Pinscher French Spaniel versus Bloodhound French Spaniel versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde French Spaniel versus Finnish Spitz French Spaniel versus Tibetan Mastiff
Schipperke Versus Other Dog Breeds
Schipperke versus Dalmatian Schipperke versus Pharaoh Hound Schipperke versus Mountain Cur Schipperke versus Pyrenean Mastiff Schipperke versus Chinese Shar-Pei Schipperke versus Chorkie Schipperke versus Pomapoo Schipperke versus Cocker Spaniel Schipperke versus Saluki Schipperke versus Alaskan Malamute
Conclusion: French Spaniel versus Schipperke. 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 Schipperke better suits you and your family.