Brittany
A versatile, energetic bird dog with a sweet disposition. Brittanys are quick, agile, and eager to please, making them excellent hunting companions and active family dogs.
VS
Bulldog
The gentle, courageous Bulldog is a beloved symbol of determination. Despite their muscular build, they are calm and friendly companions who prefer lounging on the couch to long hikes.
Quick Answer
Choose Brittany if you want easier to train and less shedding. Choose Bulldog if you want more apartment-friendly.
Quick Comparison
Brittany
Attribute
Bulldog
medium
Size
medium
14–18 kg (31–40 lbs)
Weight
18–25 kg (40–55 lbs)
44–52 cm (17–20 in)
Height
31–40 cm (12–16 in)
Better12–14 yrs
Lifespan
8–10 yrs
Better5/5
Trainability
2/5
5/5
Energy
2/5
4/5
Good with Kids
4/5
Better2/5
Shedding
3/5
2/5
Grooming
2/5
1/5
Apartment
5/5Better
Better4/5
Health
1/5
Better$700–$1,500
Price
$1,500–$4,000
Attribute Comparison
Exercise & Activity
Brittany needs more exercise; Bulldog is lower-maintenance.
Brittany
Bulldog
Energy Level
5/5
vs2/5
Exercise Needs
5/5
vs2/5
Apartment Friendly
1/5
vs5/5Better
These breeds sit on opposite ends of the activity spectrum. The Brittany (energy: 5/5, exercise: 5/5) was bred to work all day and still has that drive.
Health & Lifespan
Brittany tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Brittany
Bulldog
Lifespan (years)
Better12–14
vs8–10
Health Robustness
Better4/5
vs1/5
Life expectancy favors the Brittany: 12–14 years versus the Bulldog's 8–10 years. For many families, those extra years together are a compelling reason to lean toward the Brittany.
Training & Intelligence
Brittany is generally easier to train.
Brittany
Bulldog
Trainability
Better5/5
vs2/5
Intelligence
Better5/5
vs2/5
If you're a first-time dog owner, this is critical. The Brittany's trainability score of 5/5 means it responds well to basic positive reinforcement and learns household rules fast.
Cost of Ownership
Brittany is less expensive to own annually.
Brittany
Avg. Purchase$1,100
Annual Food$540
Annual Vet$400
Annual Grooming$150
Annual Total$1,090 ✓
Bulldog
Avg. Purchase$2,750
Annual Food$600
Annual Vet$900
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,600
The upfront cost gap is substantial. A Bulldog puppy runs $1,500–$4,000, while a Brittany is $700–$1,500.
Temperament & Personality
Bulldog is calmer; Brittany is more energetic.
Brittany
Bulldog
Playfulness
Better5/5
vs3/5
Barking Level
2/5
vs2/5
Energy
5/5
vs2/5
Brittanys from the Sporting group carry a bright, eager and fun-loving personality, shaped by their heritage as sporting dogs. Bulldogs, belonging to the Non-Sporting group, are docile, willful and friendly — reflecting their own distinct breeding history.
Size & Appearance
Bulldog is the larger breed; Brittany is more compact.
Brittany
Bulldog
Weight (kg)
14–18
vs18–25
Height (cm)
44–52
vs31–40
The Brittany stands 44–52 cm (17–20 in) and weighs 14–18 kg (31–40 lbs), while the Bulldog measures 31–40 cm (12–16 in) and 18–25 kg (40–55 lbs). The Bulldog is the larger of the two, though not by a dramatic margin.
Grooming & Shedding
Bulldog sheds more; Brittany is easier to maintain.
Brittany
Bulldog
Shedding
Better2/5
vs3/5
Grooming Needs
2/5
vs2/5
The Bulldog sheds a bit more (3/5) than the Brittany (2/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the Brittany has a slight edge.
Family & Social Life
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Brittany
Bulldog
Good with Kids
4/5
vs4/5
Good with Dogs
Better4/5
vs3/5
Strangers
4/5
vs4/5
Both breeds score 4/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the Brittany if you value easier to train (5/5 vs 2/5) and less shedding (2/5).
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Brittany and Bulldog are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Brittany needs significantly more daily exercise than Bulldog, Brittany is notably easier to train. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Brittany by roughly $500/year.
Choose Brittany if...
- ✓You're an active person who runs, hikes, or exercises daily — Brittanys will keep up and thrive on that activity.
- ✓This is your first dog — Brittanys are easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
- ✓Budget matters to you — Brittanys cost roughly $500 less per year in food, vet, and grooming.
Choose Bulldog if...
- ✓You live in an apartment or don't have a yard — Bulldogs adapt much better to smaller spaces (5/5 vs 1/5 apartment rating).
- ✓You lead a quieter lifestyle — Bulldogs are happy with shorter walks and less vigorous exercise.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Brittany or Bulldog?
The Brittany scores 4/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Bulldog at 4/5. Both breeds can be great family dogs with proper training and socialization.
Is a Brittany or Bulldog easier to train?
The Brittany is easier to train with a score of 5/5, compared to the Bulldog's 2/5. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well.
Which costs more, a Brittany or Bulldog?
A Brittany puppy costs $700–$1,500 while a Bulldog costs $1,500–$4,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,090 for the Brittany and $1,600 for the Bulldog. The Bulldog costs more to maintain annually.
Do Brittanys or Bulldogs live longer?
The Brittany lives 12–14 years on average, while the Bulldog lives 8–10 years. The Brittany generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Brittany or Bulldog live in an apartment?
The Bulldog adapts better to apartment living (5/5) than the Brittany (1/5). The Bulldog ranks among our best apartment breeds.