Dog breed comparison
Brittany vs English Springer Spaniel
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The English Springer Spaniel is the bigger breed, about 7 kg heavier on average.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Brittany | English Springer Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Sporting Dogs | Sporting Dogs |
| Size | Medium | Large |
| Height | 17 inches to 20 inches | 18 inches to 22 inches |
| Weight | 30 to 40 pounds | 45 to 55 pounds |
| Life span | 10 to 13 years | 9 to 15 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Background
Where they come from.
The Brittany
A French gundog from Brittany, bred to point and retrieve game birds. It is one of the most versatile and popular hunting breeds in field trials.
Many are born with a naturally short or absent tail.
Health to watch
- Hip dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Hypothyroidism
The English Springer Spaniel
A British gundog bred to spring (flush) game birds for hunters, then retrieve them. It is widely used as a sniffer dog by police and customs services.
Field-bred Springers have much more drive than show-bred ones.
Health to watch
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Phosphofructokinase deficiency
- Ear infections
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Drooling
The Brittany drools more than the English Springer Spaniel.
Easy to train
The English Springer Spaniel is easier to train than the Brittany.
Easy to groom
The Brittany is easier to groom than the English Springer Spaniel.
General health
The Brittany tends to have fewer health problems than the English Springer Spaniel.
Which to choose
Brittany or English Springer Spaniel?
Choose the Brittany if…
- You want a dog that is easier to groom
- You want a dog that tends to have fewer health problems
Choose the English Springer Spaniel if…
- You want a dog that drools less
- You want a dog that is easier to train
Questions.
Is the Brittany or the English Springer Spaniel bigger, and which lives longer?
The English Springer Spaniel is the bigger breed, about 7 kg heavier on average. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Brittany or the English Springer Spaniel?
The English Springer Spaniel is generally easier to train than the Brittany. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Brittany or the English Springer Spaniel?
Both are usually good with children when well socialised. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
They shed about the same amount. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Brittany and English Springer Spaniel have?
The Brittany is prone to hip dysplasia, epilepsy, hypothyroidism. The English Springer Spaniel is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, phosphofructokinase deficiency. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
