Is the French Pointer (Braque Français) or the Welsh Springer Spaniel better for families with children?

Both the French Pointer (Braque Français) and the Welsh Springer Spaniel are considered good with children when properly socialised and supervised.

Which sheds more, the French Pointer (Braque Français) or the Welsh Springer Spaniel?

The French Pointer (Braque Français) and Welsh Springer Spaniel shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the French Pointer (Braque Français) or the Welsh Springer Spaniel?

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

Is French Pointer (Braque Français) or Welsh Springer Spaniel bigger?

French Pointer (Braque Français) is the larger breed; Welsh Springer Spaniel is smaller and more compact.

Which barks more, French Pointer (Braque Français) or Welsh Springer Spaniel?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, French Pointer (Braque Français) or Welsh Springer Spaniel?

For apartment or flat living, Welsh Springer Spaniel has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

French Pointer (Braque Français) vs Welsh Springer Spaniel

French Pointer (Braque Français) vs Welsh Springer Spaniel: full comparison

Trait	French Pointer (Braque Français)	Welsh Springer Spaniel
Size	Large	Medium
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	High	High
Friendliness	Medium	Medium
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Low	Medium
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	Medium	Medium
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	12 years	14 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The French Pointer (Braque Français) is a larger dog than the Welsh Springer Spaniel, which affects space, food and exercise needs.

Size and living space

The French Pointer (Braque Français) is a big, substantial dog that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with access to a garden. By comparison, the Welsh Springer Spaniel is a mid-sized breed that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a garden are welcome. If space, transport or budget are tight, the smaller of the two is the more practical choice.

Exercise and energy needs

The French Pointer (Braque Français) needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. The Welsh Springer Spaniel needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The French Pointer (Braque Français) needs minimal coat care, just a weekly once-over and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Welsh Springer Spaniel needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The French Pointer (Braque Français) is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, speaks up only now and then and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. The Welsh Springer Spaniel is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, speaks up only now and then and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. On guarding instinct, French Pointer (Braque Français) will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive, whereas Welsh Springer Spaniel will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive.

Which is better for…

For apartment or flat living, Welsh Springer Spaniel has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, French Pointer (Braque Français) and Welsh Springer Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, French Pointer (Braque Français) and Welsh Springer Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, French Pointer (Braque Français) and Welsh Springer Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, French Pointer (Braque Français) and Welsh Springer Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the French Pointer (Braque Français) if you prefer lower grooming upkeep or you want a bigger, more substantial dog.

Choose the Welsh Springer Spaniel if you want a longer-lived breed or you want a smaller, more apartment-friendly dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the French Pointer (Braque Français) or the Welsh Springer Spaniel better for families with children?: Both the French Pointer (Braque Français) and the Welsh Springer Spaniel are considered good with children when properly socialised and supervised.
Which sheds more, the French Pointer (Braque Français) or the Welsh Springer Spaniel?: The French Pointer (Braque Français) and Welsh Springer Spaniel shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the French Pointer (Braque Français) or the Welsh Springer Spaniel?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is French Pointer (Braque Français) or Welsh Springer Spaniel bigger?: French Pointer (Braque Français) is the larger breed; Welsh Springer Spaniel is smaller and more compact.
Which barks more, French Pointer (Braque Français) or Welsh Springer Spaniel?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, French Pointer (Braque Français) or Welsh Springer Spaniel?: For apartment or flat living, Welsh Springer Spaniel has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.