A joyful, tireless sporting dog with soulful eyes and a wagging tail. English Springer Spaniels are eager to please, love the outdoors, and make wonderful active family companions.
A playful, adaptable companion with bat-like ears and a charming personality. French Bulldogs thrive in city apartments and make excellent companions for singles and families alike.
Quick Answer
Choose English Springer Spaniel if you want easier to train and better with kids. Choose French Bulldog if you want more apartment-friendly and less shedding.
English Springer Spaniel
Attribute
French Bulldog
Size
Weight
Height
Lifespan
Trainability
Energy
Good with Kids
Shedding
Grooming
Apartment
Health
Price
English Springer Spaniel needs more exercise; French Bulldog is lower-maintenance.
English Springer Spaniel
French Bulldog
Energy Level
Exercise Needs
Apartment Friendly
If your daily schedule is packed, pay close attention here. The English Springer Spaniel demands serious physical activity — we're talking 60-90+ minutes of vigorous exercise daily (5/5).
Both breeds cost about the same to own.
English Springer Spaniel
French Bulldog
The upfront cost gap is substantial. A French Bulldog puppy runs $1,500–$5,000, while a English Springer Spaniel is $800–$2,000.
French Bulldog is calmer; English Springer Spaniel is more energetic.
English Springer Spaniel
French Bulldog
Playfulness
Barking Level
Energy
One of the most important factors in choosing between these two breeds is temperament. The English Springer Spaniel is typically friendly, playful and obedient, making them well suited for families, active lifestyles and houses with yards.
English Springer Spaniel tends to be the healthier breed overall.
English Springer Spaniel
French Bulldog
Lifespan (years)
Health Robustness
Life expectancy favors the English Springer Spaniel: 12–14 years versus the French Bulldog's 10–12 years. For many families, those extra years together are a compelling reason to lean toward the English Springer Spaniel.
English Springer Spaniel is generally easier to train.
English Springer Spaniel
French Bulldog
Trainability
Intelligence
If you're a first-time dog owner, this is critical. The English Springer Spaniel's trainability score of 5/5 means it responds well to basic positive reinforcement and learns household rules fast.
English Springer Spaniel sheds more; French Bulldog is easier to maintain.
English Springer Spaniel
French Bulldog
Shedding
Grooming Needs
The English Springer Spaniel sheds a bit more (3/5) than the French Bulldog (2/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the French Bulldog has a slight edge.
English Springer Spaniel is the larger breed; French Bulldog is more compact.
English Springer Spaniel
French Bulldog
Weight (kg)
Height (cm)
Size is one of the most obvious contrasts between these breeds. The English Springer Spaniel tips the scales at 18–25 kg (40–55 lbs), dwarfing the French Bulldog's 8–13 kg (18–29 lbs).
English Springer Spaniel is better suited for families with children.
English Springer Spaniel
French Bulldog
Good with Kids
Good with Dogs
Strangers
The English Springer Spaniel has a slight edge with children (5/5 vs 4/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the English Springer Spaniel's friendly temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the English Springer Spaniel if you value easier to train (5/5 vs 3/5) and better with children (5/5).
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The English Springer Spaniel and French Bulldog are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: English Springer Spaniel needs significantly more daily exercise than French Bulldog, English Springer Spaniel is notably easier to train. Annual ownership costs are broadly similar for both breeds.
Choose English Springer Spaniel if...
Choose French Bulldog if...
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The English Springer Spaniel scores 5/5 for being good with kids, making it the better family choice compared to the French Bulldog's 4/5. The English Springer Spaniel is specifically recommended for families.
The English Springer Spaniel is easier to train with a score of 5/5, compared to the French Bulldog's 3/5. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well.
A English Springer Spaniel puppy costs $800–$2,000 while a French Bulldog costs $1,500–$5,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,300 for the English Springer Spaniel and $1,380 for the French Bulldog. The French Bulldog costs more to maintain annually.
The English Springer Spaniel lives 12–14 years on average, while the French Bulldog lives 10–12 years. The English Springer Spaniel generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
The French Bulldog adapts better to apartment living (5/5) than the English Springer Spaniel (2/5). The French Bulldog ranks among our best apartment breeds.