French Spaniel vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison

French Spaniel vs German Spaniel - Breed ComparisonGerman Spaniel is originated from Germany but French Spaniel is originated from France. German Spaniel may grow 9 cm / 3 inches shorter than French Spaniel. Both German Spaniel and French Spaniel are having almost same weight. German Spaniel may live 3 years more than French Spaniel. German Spaniel may have less litter size than French Spaniel. Both German Spaniel and French Spaniel requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Sporting dog
undefined
Germany
France
Height Male:
45 - 54 cm
17 - 22 inches
56 - 63 cm
22 - 25 inches
Height Female:
45 - 54 cm
17 - 22 inches
54 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 25 kg
39 - 56 pounds
10 - 22 kg
22 - 49 pounds
Weight Female:
18 - 25 kg
39 - 56 pounds
8 - 20 kg
17 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
4 - 10
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Deutscher Wachtelhund, German Quail Dog
Epagneul Français French Setter Canadian Setter
Colors Available:
copper, Brown, reddish brown with white
White with brown markings
Coat:
Medium to long - wavy or curly
Straight, or slightly wavy and of medium length.
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Courageous, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Social
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

german spanielLooking like a smaller version of the Red Setter, the German Spaniel, known also as the Deutscher Wachtelhund or German Quail Dog, hails from Germany.

It isn't a new dog breed and in fact it was developed around 1890 already. Used as a hunting dog, the German Spaniel isn’t well known outside of Germany, but it was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1996.

There are a number of breeds which feature in the development of the German Spaniel, and one of the more prominent dog breeds used for the modern day German Spaniel is the extinct Stoeberer. The Stoeberer was crossed with water dogs and sporting spaniels to bring about the modern German Spaniel as we know it today.

It was in 1903 that the dog was recognized as a breed, and in the 1960s and 1970s the dogs were imported into the United States.

french spanielDeveloped in France and then in Canada, the French Spaniel is a descendent of 14th century hunting dogs. Originally the breed was very popular with the French royalty and nobility at the Court of Versailles, in the Middle Ages. A French Spaniel named Babe was owned by Catherine I of Russia.

Spaniels were mentioned in Gaston III of Foix-Beams’ The Master of the Game, or Livre de Chasse, in 14th Century France. Most believed that Spaniels had been developed during the 11th century Crusades. By 1650 the French Spaniel was differentiated from the King Charles Spaniel and determined to be its own type of spaniel.

In 1805, they were featured in the Sporting Magazine, hunting mallards. The French Spaniel was crossed with English Setters in the !850’s to develop the French Brittany (Spaniel). But by the end of the 19th century, hunting dogs from other countries were outpacing the French Spaniel so much that it was driven to the brink of extinction. Fortunately, a priest named Father Fournier saved the breed by taking all remaining Spaniels to his kennels at St. Hillarie and developing the lines we see in the breed today. This was followed by the founding of the French Spaniel Club in 1921. The various lines of the Spaniels included the French Spaniel of today, the Brittany of today, the Blue Picardy and the Picardy.

The French Spaniel however has been rare outside of its native country and Canada, where it was imported in the 1970’s to French speaking Quebec. Quebec Canadians fell in love with the breed for hunting grouse and woodcock. In order to ensure that the breed would be continued in line with its French standards, the Club de l’Epagneul Francais du Canada began in 1978. By 1985 the Canadian Kennel Club recognized the French Spaniel. Soon after they were recognized by the United Kennel Club, the Federation Cynoloqique Internationale, the UK Kennel Club and the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association, but not the AKC (American Kennel Club). They are also registered with organizations such as the American Canine Association, the Dog Registry of America and the America’s Pet Registry. They have been included in the AKC Foundation Stock Service as the first step toward AKC recognition.

Description

german spaniel puppy - descriptionAs a medium-sized, muscular dog which stands at roughly 45cm to 54cm in height and weighs 18 – 25kg, the German Spaniel is a sporty gun dog who has a long back in relation to his height.

The ears are long and floppy with wavy or curly hair that will need to be attended to so as to avoid matting.

He has a long, wavy or curly weather-resistant coat, being short on the head but with feathering around the legs and stomach. Color of the coat includes brown, reddish brown and white. The white markings can be found on the chest of the dog, the legs, tails and muzzle. `

Temperament:

The German Spaniel loves to work and be busy and if he can be included in his human family’s activities, then so much the better. He is a social dog and gets on well with other dogs as well as children in the home. The German Spaniel is an intelligent dog and easily trained. In fact training and socialization are important for him, making him obedient and a pleasure to have around.

french spaniel puppy - descriptionThe French Spaniel is a very tall dog and as such is one of the spaniel breeds two tallest. They are taller than the English Springer Spaniel, have a deep chest and a muscular build. Their legs are very strong, and they have a thick tail that is never docked. It is long, slightly curved and hangs low. He is an elegant dog with dark amber eyes, long feathery ears, and a nose the color of the coat. If the coat is brown the nose is brown. If the coat is black and white the nose is black. Most French Spaniels are white with brown or dark liver or white with black.

Characteristics

german spaniel dog - characteristicsThe German Spaniel makes a wonderful family pet. He is friendly and sociable, getting along well with just about all dogs and people. He loves his human family, wanting to be involved in all their activities.

He is an active dog, used to hunting and being outdoors and he will therefore require a good deal of exercise from his owners, otherwise he becomes bored and frustrated and even destructive.

He is an adaptable dog, living in the city or the countryside, but wherever he is, exercise is important. Docile and non-aggressive, he has got all the characteristics that make him a splendid family pet.

Children friendliness

french spaniel dog - characteristicsYes, they are very good with children.

Special talents

They are great in filed trials as they can flush, point and retrieve.

Adaptability

The breed is very adaptable and can live in the city or in the country.

Learning ability

The breed is very intelligent and trainable.

Health Problems

german spaniel puppies - health problemsHealth problems are fairly unknown with the robust German Spaniel, and if well cared for, he can reach 12 to 15 years of age.

There are always one or two hereditary health concerns, and the health issues that affect the breed the most are hip dysplasia, skin allergies and splayed feet.

The American Kennel Club tells us that this type of foot is flat, with spreading toes. It is a fault in your pet because it doesn’t support his weight well, causing health problems later on for your pet. This is why it is so important to have your pet’s nails clipped from time to time, because long nails can turn a good paw into a splayed one, actually injuring the tendons.

french spaniel puppies - health problemsThe French Spaniel is a healthy breed that adapts well to all types of conditions, especially wet ones. There are some potentially serious health issues that the breed may be susceptible to:

Acral Mutilation and Analgesia

This is a very serious inherited disorder. It is one of many Hereditary Sensory Autonomic Neuropathies (HSN) disorders. This is an agonizing infliction that causes the dogs to have no pain in certain extremities and therefore the ability to self-mutilate their feet, pads, claws and digits. They lick and bite their feet often amputating footpads, claws, and digits without feeling any pain. This leads to infection and most dogs end up being euthanized. The disorder shows up by 3-4 months of age.

Ear Infections

Make sure the dog’s ears are cleaned regularly to remove wax and prevent infections.

Epilepsy

This disease causes seizures but can be treated with medication.

Hip dysplasia

Can cause lameness and arthritis.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

german spaniel dogs - caringShedding quite heavily and seasonally, the German Spaniel’s thick coat will require being brushed twice a week to keep it shiny and healthy. He loves the attention you give him at the same time.

There are some German Spaniel owners who like to take their dogs in for professional grooming, requesting that the coat be cut short all round.

The long ears of your German Spaniel, especially if your pet spends a lot of time swimming, can be permanently damp, picking up dirt easily. Check inside the ears and make sure they are dry and clean to prevent ear infections.

Make sure to brush his teeth 2 or 3x a week as well because plaque build up leads to dental disease but it also negatively affects other body organs too, shortening your pet’s life.

Diet:

Every dog, just like any human being, requires good nutrition, fresh water and warm, dry sleeping facilities to remain happy and to give him a good chance at longevity.

Apart from the very best commercially manufactured dog foods, ensure he occasionally gets some raw meat in as well as some cooked brown rice, vegetables and chicken. These can be added into his kibble.

Feed the puppy

french spaniel dogs - caringA high quality dry food made for puppies and if possible for Spaniels. Feed two to three times a day about one fourth of a cup each time

Feed the adult

A high quality adult dry food made for Spaniels if possible. Feed twice a day about one half to three fourths of a cup at each meal.

Points for Good Health

Excellent vision, stamina and speed.

Games and Exercises

These dog love to run and play. They are smart and learn easily. They like to chase balls, swim, play hide and seek, Find It, and go hiking. They can excel at learning tricks, agility, rally and obedience trials.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. French Spaniel vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. French Spaniel vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. French Spaniel vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. French Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. French Spaniel vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. French Spaniel vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. French Spaniel vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. French Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. French Spaniel vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. French Spaniel vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. French Spaniel vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. French Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. French Spaniel vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. French Spaniel vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. French Spaniel vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. French Spaniel vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. French Spaniel vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. French Spaniel vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. French Spaniel vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. French Spaniel vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. French Spaniel vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. French Spaniel vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. French Spaniel vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. French Spaniel vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. French Spaniel vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. German Spaniel vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. German Spaniel vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. German Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. German Spaniel vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. German Spaniel vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. German Spaniel vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. German Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. German Spaniel vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. German Spaniel vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. German Spaniel vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. German Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. German Spaniel vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. German Spaniel vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. German Spaniel vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. German Spaniel vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. German Spaniel vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. German Spaniel vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. German Spaniel vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. German Spaniel vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. German Spaniel vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. German Spaniel vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. German Spaniel vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. German Spaniel vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. German Spaniel vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison