Is the Clumber Spaniel or the Dogue de Bordeaux better for families with children?

Both the Clumber Spaniel and the Dogue de Bordeaux are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Clumber Spaniel or the Dogue de Bordeaux?

The Clumber Spaniel sheds more than the Dogue de Bordeaux. If shedding is a concern, the Dogue de Bordeaux is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Clumber Spaniel or the Dogue de Bordeaux?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Clumber Spaniel or Dogue de Bordeaux bigger?

Clumber Spaniel and Dogue de Bordeaux are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, Clumber Spaniel or Dogue de Bordeaux?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, Clumber Spaniel or Dogue de Bordeaux?

For apartment or apartment living, Clumber Spaniel and Dogue de Bordeaux are an even match — either can work well.

Clumber Spaniel vs Dogue de Bordeaux: Easier to Groom?

Clumber Spaniel vs Dogue de Bordeaux: full comparison

Trait	Clumber Spaniel	Dogue de Bordeaux
Size	Large	Large
Energy level	Low	Low
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Medium	Very Low
Shedding	High	Medium
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	Low	High
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	11 years	8 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The Clumber Spaniel has noticeably higher grooming than the Dogue de Bordeaux.
The Dogue de Bordeaux has noticeably higher protectiveness than the Clumber Spaniel.

Size and living space

The Clumber Spaniel is a large and powerful breed that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. By comparison, the Dogue de Bordeaux is a large and powerful breed that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Clumber Spaniel needs a modest daily walk and some light play to stay happy. The Dogue de Bordeaux needs a modest daily walk and some light play to stay happy. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Clumber Spaniel needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and sheds enough that regular cleaning becomes routine. The Dogue de Bordeaux is very easy to groom — an occasional brush is all it takes and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Clumber Spaniel is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, speaks up only now and then and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. The Dogue de Bordeaux is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, speaks up only now and then and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. On guarding instinct, Clumber Spaniel is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors, whereas Dogue de Bordeaux is naturally watchful and protective of its family and home.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Clumber Spaniel and Dogue de Bordeaux are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Clumber Spaniel and Dogue de Bordeaux are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Clumber Spaniel has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Clumber Spaniel and Dogue de Bordeaux are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Dogue de Bordeaux has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Clumber Spaniel if you want a longer-lived breed.

Choose the Dogue de Bordeaux if you want a more protective, watchful guardian, you prefer lower grooming upkeep, or you want less shedding around the home.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Clumber Spaniel or the Dogue de Bordeaux better for families with children?: Both the Clumber Spaniel and the Dogue de Bordeaux are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Clumber Spaniel or the Dogue de Bordeaux?: The Clumber Spaniel sheds more than the Dogue de Bordeaux. If shedding is a concern, the Dogue de Bordeaux is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Clumber Spaniel or the Dogue de Bordeaux?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Clumber Spaniel or Dogue de Bordeaux bigger?: Clumber Spaniel and Dogue de Bordeaux are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, Clumber Spaniel or Dogue de Bordeaux?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, Clumber Spaniel or Dogue de Bordeaux?: For apartment or apartment living, Clumber Spaniel and Dogue de Bordeaux are an even match — either can work well.

Clumber Spaniel vs Dogue de Bordeaux