French Spaniel vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison

French Spaniel vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed ComparisonFrench Spaniel is originated from France but American Staffordshire Terrier is originated from United Kingdom. French Spaniel may grow 15 cm / 6 inches higher than American Staffordshire Terrier. Both French Spaniel and American Staffordshire Terrier are having almost same weight. French Spaniel may live 4 years less than American Staffordshire Terrier. Both French Spaniel and American Staffordshire Terrier has same litter size. French Spaniel requires Moderate maintenance. But American Staffordshire Terrier requires Low maintenance

History

french spaniel - historyDeveloped 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.

american staffordshire terrier - historyThe American Staffordshire Terrier is a part of all the confusion surrounding the group of “pit bulls”. The American Staffordshire Terrier is directly related to the English Bull Terrier and English Terrier. The breed of the English Staffordshire Terrier was bred in the early 19th century in the West Midlands. It was not until later that the breed came from Staffordshire. These English Staffordshire Terriers are also the source of contention by breeders who insist it was the Fox Terrier, White English Terrier, Tan and Black Terrier that are the ancestors of the English Staffordshire Terrier.

These terriers (AKA pit bull terrier) came to the United States in the mid 1800’s. By the late 1890’s they were accepted by the United Kennel Club (UKC)as the American Pit Bull Terrier – a new and distinct breed. There were also some that were accepted into the AKC as the Staffordshire Terrier. In England they were still known as the American Staffordshire Terrier. When the AKC accepted the breed in 1936 they were given a new standard, new purpose and new group – the terrier. In 1969 the American Kennel Club recognized these dogs as American Staffordshire Terriers and refused to recognize the American Pit Bull Terrier. The name was changed to move the breed away from its characterization as a bull fighter and to distinguish it from the smaller English Staffordshire Terrier. All American Staffordshire Terriers are directly related to the American Pit Bull Terriers.

Description

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.

american staffordshire terrier puppy - descriptionThe American Staffordshire Terrier is a strong, powerful dog – stocky, muscular and graceful. At one point in time the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier were considered to be the same breed. Even today there are those that make that argument, but they have been recognized outside the AKC as separate breeds. The AKC only recognizes the American Staffordshire Terrier and not the APBT. However – even though there have been decades of separation in breeding the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier are the very same dogs genetically.

The American Staffordshire Terrier has a broad skull, high set ears and pronounced cheek bones. Their ears should not be cropped by AKC standards and their eyes are far apart, round and dark. With a medium sized muzzle and a heavy muscular back, they are as powerful as they look, if not more so. Most have black noses. The AmStaff has a broad, deep chest with wide set forelegs and compact feet. The tail is short and tapered and it should not be docked.

Characteristics

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.

american staffordshire terrier dog - characteristicsThe American Staffordshire Terrier is a loving, gentle dog that wants nothing more than to be with and please his people. Contrary to his reputation as a “killer”, this dog is actually a lover. They are great with children and want to be a part of the family. They even think they are lap dogs, regardless of their size. They are never going to be aggressive toward people and even though they are not one-person dogs, they are loyal, and they are devoted to the family and the “leader of the pack”.

This breed can tell who is their friend and who is not. They are not aggressive, but they will protect their own. They are courageous, confident, attentive, bold and strong-willed. The AmStaff gets along with other dogs most of the time, but they will never back down from a challenge and should never be left unsupervised with another dog. They should not be loose in a neighborhood or at a dog park. No matter how much you trust your American Staffordshire Terrier they can be killers in any fight with another dog.

In addition to this you must socialize and train your AmStaff. You need to be the pack leader and be in control. The AmStaff wants to please you so for a strong leader they will respond positively to positive training. They are intelligent and pick up quickly on what you want them to do. However, they are incredibly strong physically so training them to heel and walk with you obediently is a must. A well trained and exercised American Staffordshire Terrier is a happy dog and a loyal family dog.

Health Problems

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.

american staffordshire terrier puppies - health problemsFor the most part the American Staffordshire Terrier, like most of the “pit bulls” is a hearty, healthy dog. They have a few tendencies that breeders should test for including hip dysplasia, allergies, and heart issues. They can test for Cerebellar ataxia, which has affected the AmStaff with a progressive decline in their ability to control their muscles and coordination.

Caring The Pet

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.

american staffordshire terrier dogs - caringfeed You can feed your American Staffordshire Terrier either commercially purchased food or food you make yourself if the quality is high, nutrition is good, and the amount eaten is determined by the owner. Do not free feed. The AmStaff has the tendency to become obese. Its ok to use treats for training and rewards, as long as its use is controlled.

Health issues

As previously mentioned the American AmStaff Terrier has a tendency toward a few health issues. Hip Dysplasia – this condition causes a lot of pain and disability. It leads to different types of arthritis and degenerative joint disease. Cardiac Issues – Congenital heart disease consists of vessel malformation and lesions.

Allergies

Thyroid Issues

The AmStaff can be susceptible to Autoimmune Thyroiditis. This is a form of hypothyroidism developed by dogs. It is usually seen between 2 and 5 years of age. Continual retesting is recommended.

Cerebellar Ataxia

This is the most dangerous disease possibility that the American Staffordshire Terrier faces. There is a test for this condition which causes the AmStaff to display an inability to control their muscles and a loss of balance, to the point of falling. This is a progressive disease that often leads to euthanasia. The Staffordshire Terrier Club of America suggests that AmStaffs carrying the NCL genes should never be bred.

Exercise and games

The American Staffordshire Terrier is an energetic, and athletic dog that loves to play and needs plenty of exercise. This breed is oriented to people and should never be left alone in the yard all day as a way for her to exercise. She needs you to play with her. If you cannot do this, then you should not own this breed of dog. This breed also loves to play canine sports. They thrive on games like dock diving, agility and obedience competitions. They excel at search and rescue. These are competitive dogs that want nothing more then to please their people.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Terrier dog
Origin:
France
United Kingdom
Height Male:
56 - 63 cm
22 - 25 inches
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Height Female:
54 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
40 - 47 cm
15 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
10 - 22 kg
22 - 49 pounds
18 - 27 kg
39 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
8 - 20 kg
17 - 45 pounds
15 - 23 kg
33 - 51 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 10
5 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Epagneul Français French Setter Canadian Setter
Staffy • Staffie • Stafford • Staff • Am Staff • Amstaff • American Staffy
Colors Available:
White with brown markings
BlackBlueBrindleBrownWhiteYellow
Coat:
Straight, or slightly wavy and of medium length.
smooth, Single
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Courageous, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Social
Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Labradoodle vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Cane Corso vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  4. Alaskan Malamute vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  5. Mixed vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Bullmastiff vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Dogue De Bordeaux vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. German Shorthaired Pointer vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Bloodhound vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. Great Pyrenees vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  12. American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  13. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  14. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  15. American Staffordshire Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  17. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  18. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  19. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  20. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  21. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  22. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  23. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  24. American Staffordshire Terrier vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  25. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Alano Espanol - Breed Comparison
  26. French Spaniel vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  27. French Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  28. French Spaniel vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. French Spaniel vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  30. French Spaniel vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  31. French Spaniel vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  32. French Spaniel vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  33. French Spaniel vs Field Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  34. French Spaniel vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  35. French Spaniel vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  36. French Spaniel vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  37. French Spaniel vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  38. French Spaniel vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  39. French Spaniel vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  40. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  41. Lagotto Romagnolo vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  42. Shikoku vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  43. Slovakian Hound vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  44. Small Munsterlander vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  45. Sussex Spaniel vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  46. Kooikerhondje vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  47. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  48. West Siberian Laika vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  49. Wetterhoun vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  50. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds