Why you Should Get the Pomeranian Instead of the French Spaniel.

Last Updated: Apr 12, 2022

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Pomeranian Versus French Spaniel: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian and the French Spaniel.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian or the French Spaniel.

Pomeranian versus French Spaniel

Pomeranian versus French Spaniel: Overview

A very important difference between the Pomeranian and the French Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Pomeranian is a tiny-sized dog while the French Spaniel is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Pomeranian 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.

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.

Pomeranian versus French Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian and the French Spaniel

FactorPomeranianFrench Spaniel
Tolerates Being Alone1/53/5
Does NOT Drool5/54/5
Tendency NOT to Wander5/54/5
Life Span12 to 16 years10 to 12 years.
Tolerates Hot Weather2/52/5
Kid-Friendly2/54/5
Dog Friendly2/54/5
Easy To Groom2/53/5
Does NOT chew on things4/54/5
Low Prey Drive4/53/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor4/53/5
Minimal Exercise Needs4/52/5
Friendly Toward Strangers3/54/5
General Health3/54/5
NOT Rambunctious3/51/5
Potential For Playfulness3/54/5
Weight3 to 7 pounds45 to 60 pounds.
Adapts Well To Apartment Living4/52/5
Good For Novice Owners4/54/5
Easygoing2/52/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/54/5
Does NOT Shed2/53/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight2/54/5
Easy To Train4/54/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl1/54/5
Height7 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder21 to 24 inches.
Average Lifespan14.0 years11.0 years
Average Price$2150$2820
Price Range$1500 – $2500$1200 – $3500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian is 79 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 Pomeranian is a better pet than the French Spaniel.

    This is because Pomeranians are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Pomeranian will come out on top.

    Also, we are biased in favor of the Pomeranian :-). We are for the Pomeranian. So get a Pomeranian!

    Pomeranian versus French Spaniel

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Pomeranian and the French Spaniel

    Below is a list of where the Pomeranian and the French Spaniel are most different:

  • Pomeranians are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, French Spaniels are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • The Similarities Between the Pomeranian and the French Spaniel

    The Pomeranian and the French Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Pomeranian and the French Spaniel are most similar:

  • Both the Pomeranian and the French Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the French Spaniel do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the French Spaniel cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the French Spaniel require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the French Spaniel are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the French Spaniel have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the French Spaniel do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the French Spaniel are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the French Spaniel are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the French Spaniel can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the French Spaniel shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the French Spaniel are very easy to train.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the French Spaniel are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the French Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size Comparison of the Pomeranian versus French Spaniel

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Pomeranian and the French Spaniel.

    The Pomeranian weighs 3 to 7 pounds when fully grown. The Pomeranian is 7 to 12 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.

    Size of Pomeranian versus Size of French Spaniel

    Lifespan of Pomeranian versus French Spaniel

    The lifespan of the Pomeranian is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of the Pomeranian is 14.0 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 Pomeranian live longer than the French Spaniel.

    Pomeranian versus French Spaniel

    Price of Pomeranian versus Price of French Spaniel

    The average price of the Pomeranian puppy is $2150. The price of the Pomeranian typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of a Pomeranian can be as low as $150 and as high as $10000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1412 Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian.

    Pomeranian French Spaniel
    Average Price $2150 $2820
    Price Range $1500 to $2500 $1200 to $3500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Pomeranian and French Spaniel. For different price points, the charts show how many Pomeranian puppies or how many French Spaniel puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Pomeranians. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Pomeranians. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of French Spaniels

    A breakdown of the prices of French Spaniels

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Pomeranian 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.

    Pomeranian versus French Spaniel

    Health Problems of Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian is prone to more genetic health problems than the French Spaniel.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Pomeranian than for the French Spaniel.

    6 health tests are recommended for Pomeranian while 3 tests are recommended for the French Spaniel.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Pomeranians and in French Spaniels.

    Pomeranian Health Problems

    Pomeranians are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Pomeranian 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 Pomeranians for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation

  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pomeranians 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:

  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia

  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for French Spaniels here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Pomeranians 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 Pomeranian Breed is Patella problems.

    This is because the Pomeranian ranks 1 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1542 Pomeranians, 456 of them had Patella problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Pomeranians, and how common these diseases are in Pomeranians relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Patella problems: Rank 1 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 49 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 75 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 89 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 171 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • 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:

  • Hips problems: Rank 125 out of 198 Dog Breeds

  • The table below lists the common health problems in Pomeranian and in French Spaniel and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Pomeranian and the French Spaniel:

    Disease Pomeranian Rank French Spaniel Rank
    Patella problems 1 out of 145 dog breeds Not Common
    Congenital Cardiac problems 49 out of 159 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 75 out of 198 dog breeds 125 out of 198 dog breeds
    Thyroid problems 89 out of 115 dog breeds Not Common
    Eyes problems 171 out of 182 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: Pomeranian versus French Spaniel

    Pomeranians do not like to be left alone.

    French Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Pomeranians shed more than French Spaniels?

    Pomeranians shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    French Spaniels shed moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Pomeranian or the French Spaniel?

    Pomeranians 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 Pomeranian or the French Spaniel?

    Pomeranians do not get along well with other dogs.

    French Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Pomeranians good family dogs? What about French Spaniels?

    Pomeranians are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    French Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Pomeranian Easier to Train than the French Spaniel?

    Pomeranians are very easy to train.

    French Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Pomeranian or the French Spaniel

    Pomeranians do have a very low tendency to drool.

    French Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Pomeranians and French Spaniels?

    Pomeranians do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    French Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Pomeranian Have a Higher Prey Drive than the French Spaniel?

    Pomeranians 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.

    French Spaniels have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Pomeranians Bark and Howl? What about French Spaniels?

    Pomeranians 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 Pomeranians Tolerate Cold Weather? And can French Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Pomeranians can very well tolerate cold weather.

    French Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Pomeranian vs. French Spaniel

    Pomeranians 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 Pomeranians Tolerate Hot Weather? Can French Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Pomeranians cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    French Spaniels cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Is the Pomeranian Better for Apartment Owners than the French Spaniel?

    Pomeranians adapt very well to apartment living.

    French Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Pomeranian or the French Spaniel?

    Pomeranians are very good for new dog owners.

    French Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Pomeranian Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the Pomeranian compares to other breeds aside from the French Spaniel. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Pomeranian to other breeds:

    Pomeranian versus Scottish Terrier     Pomeranian versus Dutch Shepherd     Pomeranian versus Japanese Chin     Pomeranian versus Cockapoo     Pomeranian versus Boxer     Pomeranian versus Australian Cattle Dog     Pomeranian versus Golden Retriever     Pomeranian versus Portuguese Pointer     Pomeranian versus Schnoodle     Pomeranian versus Brittany     Pomeranian versus Bracco Italiano     Pomeranian versus German Longhaired Pointer     Pomeranian versus Puli     Pomeranian versus Beaglier     Pomeranian versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Pomeranian versus Australian Shepherd     Pomeranian versus Rottweiler     Pomeranian versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Pomeranian versus German Shorthaired Pointer     

    Conclusion: Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian and the French Spaniel better suits you and your family.