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French Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever

Discover the differences between French Spaniel and Labrador Retriever to make the best choice for your situation.

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French Spaniel
France

French Spaniel

Sporting Group
Medium

Loyal, affectionate, and eager to please, this breed thrives on companionship and outdoor adventures. French Spaniels are gentle with families and excel as versatile hunting partners.

Labrador Retriever
Canada

Labrador Retriever

Sporting Group
Large

Eager, friendly, and intelligent, this breed loves being part of an active family. Their gentle nature and loyalty make them outstanding companions for all ages.

Quick comparison

Size:

Medium

Male:

20–27 kg

Coat:

Medium length, silky

Lifespan:

10–12 years

Female:

18–24 kg

Energy:

Moderately active

Size:

Large

Male:

29–36 kg

Coat:

Short double coat, water-resistant

Lifespan:

10–12 years

Female:

25–32 kg

Energy:

High energy

Personality & behavior

Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.

French Spaniel

Friendliness
5/5

Affectionate and sociable with people and pets

Intelligence
4/5

Quick to learn commands and routines

Energy Level
4/5

Needs regular activity and outdoor exercise

Playfulness
4/5

Enjoys games and interactive activities

Adaptability
4/5

Adjusts well to new environments and changes

Labrador Retriever

Friendliness
5/5

Warm and sociable with people and animals

Intelligence
5/5

Quick learner, responds well to training

Energy Level
5/5

High stamina, enjoys active pursuits daily

Playfulness
5/5

Loves games and interactive activities

Adaptability
5/5

Adjusts easily to new situations and environments

Care needs

Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements

French Spaniel

Grooming:
Average grooming needed (2–3 times weekly)
Exercise:
60–90 minutes daily
Shedding:
Seasonal shedding
Trainability:
Quick learner
Climate tolerance:
Comfortable in temperate climates
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, ear infections

Labrador Retriever

Grooming:
Average grooming needed (2–3 times weekly)
Exercise:
60–90 minutes daily
Shedding:
Seasonal shedding
Trainability:
Highly trainable
Climate tolerance:
Comfortable in temperate climates, tolerates cold well
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia

Suitability

How well each breed fits different living situations and families

French Spaniel

First-time Owner
4/5

Good choice

Gentle nature and moderate trainability suit patient first-time owners

Apartment Living
2/5

Needs space

Moderate energy and exercise needs may not suit small apartments

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Highly suitable

Enjoys regular activity and thrives with active owners

Kids
5/5

Very friendly

Patient and tolerant with children when supervised

Multiple Pets
4/5

Gets along well

Generally sociable and adaptable with other pets

Being Left Alone
2/5

Not ideal

Dislikes being left alone for extended periods and may develop anxiety

Labrador Retriever

First-time Owner
5/5

Great choice

Patient and eager to please, Labradors are manageable for most first-time owners.

Apartment Living
2/5

Not ideal

Labradors need space and exercise, so apartments can limit their activity needs.

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Perfect fit

High energy and stamina make them excellent for active individuals or families.

Kids
5/5

Highly suitable

Gentle temperament and playful nature make them safe and loving with young children.

Multiple Pets
5/5

Very friendly

Generally sociable and get along well with other dogs and pets.

Being Left Alone
2/5

Prone to anxiety

Extended alone time can lead to boredom and destructive behaviors in this breed.

Breed strengths

What each breed excels at and their best qualities

French Spaniel

  • Gentle and friendly with children
  • Eager to please and trainable
  • Good stamina for long outdoor activities
  • Strong natural hunting instincts
  • Gets along well with other dogs

Labrador Retriever

  • Friendly and sociable with people and dogs
  • Highly trainable and eager to please
  • Excellent with children and families
  • Strong retrieving and swimming abilities
  • Generally adaptable to various living situations

Challenges & considerations

Potential challenges and considerations for each breed

French Spaniel

  • Needs regular exercise to prevent boredom
  • Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
  • High grooming needs due to feathered coat
  • Can be sensitive to harsh training methods
  • Tends to chase small animals outdoors

Labrador Retriever

  • Prone to obesity without portion control
  • Can become destructive if under-exercised
  • Heavy seasonal shedding requires regular grooming
  • May develop hip or elbow dysplasia
  • Needs significant daily physical activity

Ready to choose your perfect breed?

Learn more about each breed or compare other breeds to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.

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