Last Updated: Jun 17, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Great Dane Versus French Spaniel: Introduction
- Great Dane versus French Spaniel: Overview
- Great Dane versus French Spaniel: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Great Dane and the French Spaniel
- The Similarities Between the Great Dane and the French Spaniel
- Size Comparison of the Great Dane versus French Spaniel
- Lifespan of Great Dane versus French Spaniel
- Price of Great Dane versus Price of French Spaniel
- Health Problems of Great Dane versus Health Problems of French Spaniel
- Tolerates Being Alone: Great Dane versus French Spaniel
- Do Great Danes shed more than French Spaniels?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Great Dane or the French Spaniel?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Great Dane or the French Spaniel?
- Are Great Danes good family dogs? What about French Spaniels?
- Is the Great Dane Easier to Train than the French Spaniel?
- Which one drools more, the Great Dane or the French Spaniel
- How Kid-friendly are Great Danes and French Spaniels?
- Does the Great Dane Have a Higher Prey Drive than the French Spaniel?
- Do Great Danes Bark and Howl? What about French Spaniels?
- Can Great Danes Tolerate Cold Weather? And can French Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Great Dane vs. French Spaniel
- Can Great Danes Tolerate Hot Weather? Can French Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Great Dane Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Great Dane versus French Spaniel. Which One is a Better Pet?
Great Dane Versus French Spaniel: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Great Dane and the French Spaniel? 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 Great Dane and the French Spaniel 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 Great Dane and the French Spaniel.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Great Dane and the French Spaniel 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 Great Dane and for the French Spaniel. 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 Great Dane and the French Spaniel.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Great Dane or the French Spaniel.
Great Dane versus French Spaniel: Overview
A very important difference between the Great Dane and the French Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Great Dane is a giant-sized dog while the French Spaniel is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, 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.
On the other hand, 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.
Great Dane versus French Spaniel: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Great Dane to the French Spaniel 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 Great Dane and the French Spaniel
| Factor | Great Dane | French Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 100 to 200 pounds | 45 to 60 pounds. |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 26 to 34 inches tall at the shoulder | 21 to 24 inches. |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 7 to 10 years | 10 to 12 years. |
| Average Lifespan | 8.5 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $1560 | $2820 |
| Price Range | $1000 – $2000 | $1200 – $3500 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Great Dane 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 French Spaniel. 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 Great Dane is 73 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the French Spaniel is 85 out of 125.
Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the French Spaniel, we still believe that the Great Dane is a better pet than the French Spaniel.
This is because Great Danes are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Great Dane will come out on top.
Also, we are biased in favor of the Great Dane :-). We are for the Great Dane. So get a Great Dane!
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Great Dane and the French Spaniel
Below is a list of where the Great Dane and the French Spaniel are most different:
The Similarities Between the Great Dane and the French Spaniel
The Great Dane and the French Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Great Dane and the French Spaniel are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Great Dane versus French Spaniel
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Great Dane and the French Spaniel.
The Great Dane weighs 100 to 200 pounds when fully grown. The Great Dane is 26 to 34 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, the French Spaniel weighs 45 to 60 pounds. when fully grown. The French Spaniel is 21 to 24 inches. when fully grown.
Lifespan of Great Dane versus French Spaniel
The lifespan of the Great Dane is between 7 to 10 years. The average lifespan of the Great Dane is 8.5 years.
The lifespan of the French Spaniel is between 10 to 12 years.. The average lifespan of the French Spaniel is 11.0 years.
The French Spaniel live longer than the Great Dane.
Price of Great Dane versus Price of French Spaniel
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 reviewing the prices of 1324 Great Dane puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the French Spaniel puppy is $2820. The price of the French Spaniel typically ranges from $1200 – $3500. However, the price of the French Spaniel can be as low as $600 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 9 French Spaniel puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The French Spaniel is more expensive than the Great Dane.
| Great Dane | French Spaniel | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1560 | $2820 |
| Price Range | $1000 to $2000 | $1200 to $3500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Great Dane and French Spaniel. For different price points, the charts show how many Great Dane puppies or how many French Spaniel puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Great Danes. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of French Spaniels
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Great Dane puppy or the French Spaniel 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 Great Dane versus Health Problems of French Spaniel
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 Great Dane and the French Spaniel 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.
4 health tests are recommended for Great Dane while 3 tests are recommended for the French Spaniel.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Great Danes and in French Spaniels.
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.
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.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Great Danes and French Spaniels
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:
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:
The table below lists the common health problems in Great Dane and in French Spaniel and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Great Dane and the French Spaniel:
| Disease | Great Dane Rank | French Spaniel Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Shoulder problems | 4 out of 22 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 33 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Dentition Database problems | 35 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 40 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 42 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 59 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 75 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 92 out of 198 dog breeds | 125 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | 130 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
*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: Great Dane versus French Spaniel
Great Danes do not like to be left alone.
French Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Great Danes shed more than French Spaniels?
Great Danes shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
French Spaniels shed moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Great Dane or the French Spaniel?
Great Danes are very easy to groom.
French Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Great Dane or the French Spaniel?
Great Danes get along very well with other dogs.
French Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Are Great Danes good family dogs? What about French Spaniels?
Great Danes are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
French Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Great Dane Easier to Train than the French Spaniel?
Great Danes are very easy to train.
French Spaniels are very easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Great Dane or the French Spaniel
Great Danes have a very high tendency to drool.
French Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Great Danes and French Spaniels?
Great Danes get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
French Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Great Dane Have a Higher Prey Drive than the French Spaniel?
Great Danes have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
French Spaniels have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Great Danes Bark and Howl? What about French Spaniels?
Great Danes are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
French Spaniels are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Great Danes Tolerate Cold Weather? And can French Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
Great Danes cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
French Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Great Dane vs. French Spaniel
Great Danes have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
French Spaniels do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Can Great Danes Tolerate Hot Weather? Can French Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
Great Danes can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
French Spaniels cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Is the Great Dane Better for Apartment Owners than the French Spaniel?
Great Danes do not adapt well to apartment living.
French Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Great Dane or the French Spaniel?
Great Danes are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
French Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.
Great Dane Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the Great Dane compares to other breeds aside from the French Spaniel. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Great Dane to other breeds:
Great Dane versus Boston Terrier Great Dane versus Bearded Collie Great Dane versus Sussex Spaniel Great Dane versus Boxerdoodle Great Dane versus Lhasapoo Great Dane versus Dogue de Bordeaux Great Dane versus Korean Jindo Dog Great Dane versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Great Dane versus Irish Water Spaniel Great Dane versus Bracco Italiano Great Dane versus Plott Great Dane versus Affenhuahua Great Dane versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Great Dane versus Hovawart Great Dane versus Cane Corso Great Dane versus Borzoi Great Dane versus Shih Tzu Great Dane versus Pointer Great Dane versus Portuguese Pointer
Conclusion: Great Dane versus French Spaniel. 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 Great Dane and the French Spaniel better suits you and your family.