Last Updated: May 01, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Collie Versus French Spaniel: Introduction
- Collie versus French Spaniel: Overview
- Collie versus French Spaniel: Comparison Table
- The Similarities Between the Collie and the French Spaniel
- Size Comparison of the Collie versus French Spaniel
- Lifespan of Collie versus French Spaniel
- Price of Collie versus Price of French Spaniel
- Health Problems of Collie versus Health Problems of French Spaniel
- Tolerates Being Alone: Collie versus French Spaniel
- Do Collies shed more than French Spaniels?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Collie or the French Spaniel?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Collie or the French Spaniel?
- Are Collies good family dogs? What about French Spaniels?
- Is the Collie Easier to Train than the French Spaniel?
- Which one drools more, the Collie or the French Spaniel
- How Kid-friendly are Collies and French Spaniels?
- Does the Collie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the French Spaniel?
- Do Collies Bark and Howl? What about French Spaniels?
- Can Collies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can French Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Collie vs. French Spaniel
- Can Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can French Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Collie Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Collie versus French Spaniel. Which One is a Better Pet?
Collie Versus French Spaniel: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Collie 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 Collie 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 Collie and the French Spaniel.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Collie 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 Collie 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 Collie 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 Collie or the French Spaniel.
Note that the Collie breed comes in two varieties based on coat texture. There is the smooth collie and the rough collie. Read our article on rough collie versus smooth collie.
Furthermore, the border collie dog breed is very different from the collie dog breed. Learn about the differences between these two dog breeds in our border collie versus collie article.
See this article that compares the Border Collie to the French Spaniel.
Finally, just like the collie, the border collie also comes in two varieties. There is the rough border collie and the smooth border collie. To learn about the differences and similarities between them, check out our article on rough-coat border collie versus smooth-coat border collie.
Collie versus French Spaniel: Overview
Both the Collie and the French Spaniel are similar in size. The Collie and the French Spaniel are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Collie belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
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.
Collie versus French Spaniel: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Collie 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 Collie and the French Spaniel
| Factor | Collie | French Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 14 years | 10 to 12 years. |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Height | 22 to 26 inches all at the shoulder | 21 to 24 inches. |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 50 to 70 pounds | 45 to 60 pounds. |
| Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $1480 | $2820 |
| Price Range | $1000 – $1800 | $1200 – $3500 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Collie 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 Collie is 83 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 Collie is a better pet than the French Spaniel.
This is because Collies are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Collie will come out on top.
Also, we are biased in favor of the Collie :-). We are for the Collie. So get a Collie!
The Similarities Between the Collie and the French Spaniel
The Collie and the French Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Collie and the French Spaniel are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Collie versus French Spaniel
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Collie and the French Spaniel.
The Collie weighs 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. The Collie is 22 to 26 inches all 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 Collie versus French Spaniel
The lifespan of the Collie is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Collie is 12.0 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 Collie live longer than the French Spaniel.
Price of Collie versus Price of French Spaniel
The average price of the Collie puppy is $1480. The price of the Collie typically ranges from $1000 – $1800. However, the price of a Collie can be as low as $300 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 356 Collie 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 Collie.
| Collie | French Spaniel | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1480 | $2820 |
| Price Range | $1000 to $1800 | $1200 to $3500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Collie and French Spaniel. For different price points, the charts show how many Collie puppies or how many French Spaniel puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Collies. 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 Collie 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.
Check out our list of best Collie breeders here
Health Problems of Collie 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 Collie 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 Collie is prone to more genetic health problems than the French Spaniel.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Collie than for the French Spaniel.
4 health tests are recommended for Collie while 3 tests are recommended for the French Spaniel.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Collies and in French Spaniels.
Collie Health Problems
Collies are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Collie 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 Collie puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Collie 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 Collies for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Collies 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 Collies 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 Collie Breed is Collie Eye Anomaly problems.
This is because the Collie ranks 1 out of 7 dog breeds for Collie Eye Anomaly problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 114 Collies, 16 of them had Collie Eye Anomaly problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Collies, and how common these diseases are in Collies 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 Collie and in French Spaniel and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Collie and the French Spaniel:
| Disease | Collie Rank | French Spaniel Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Collie Eye Anomaly problems | 1 out of 7 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 1 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Multiple Drug Resistance (Mdr1) problems | 1 out of 7 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Dentition Database problems | 13 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 16 out of 70 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 65 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 107 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 182 out of 198 dog breeds | 125 out of 198 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: Collie versus French Spaniel
Collies do not like to be left alone.
French Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Collies shed more than French Spaniels?
Collies shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
French Spaniels shed moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Collie or the French Spaniel?
Collies require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
French Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Collie or the French Spaniel?
Collies get along very well with other dogs.
French Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Are Collies good family dogs? What about French Spaniels?
Collies are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
French Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Collie Easier to Train than the French Spaniel?
Collies are very easy to train.
French Spaniels are very easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Collie or the French Spaniel
Collies do have a very low tendency to drool.
French Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Collies and French Spaniels?
Collies get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
French Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Collie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the French Spaniel?
Collies 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.
French Spaniels have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Collies Bark and Howl? What about French Spaniels?
Collies 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 Collies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can French Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
Collies can very well tolerate cold weather.
French Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Collie vs. French Spaniel
Collies do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
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 Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can French Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
Collies 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 Collie Better for Apartment Owners than the French Spaniel?
Collies adapt moderately well to apartment living.
French Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Collie or the French Spaniel?
Collies are very good for new dog owners.
French Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.
Collie Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the Collie compares to other breeds aside from the French Spaniel. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Collie to other breeds:
Collie versus Saluki Collie versus Bulldog Collie versus Leonberger Collie versus Lagotto Romagnolo Collie versus Jack Russell Terrier Collie versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Collie versus Flat-Coated Retriever Collie versus German Wirehaired Pointer Collie versus Coton de Tulear Collie versus Basset Hound Collie versus Yorkipoo Collie versus Canaan DogConclusion: Collie 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 Collie and the French Spaniel better suits you and your family.