BrittanyVSEnglish Cocker Spaniel

The Brittany is known for being bright, eager, fun-loving, while the English Cocker Spaniel is typically described as merry, affectionate, busy. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

Both breeds share a similar playfulness level at 5/5, so you can expect comparable levels of fun and games from either one.

Noise-wise, the English Cocker Spaniel is more vocal with a barking level of 3/5, while the Brittany is quieter at 2/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the Brittany may be the better choice.

The Brittany is a medium breed standing 44–52 cm (17–20 in) tall and weighing 14–18 kg (31–40 lbs). In comparison, the English Cocker Spaniel is a medium breed at 38–43 cm (15–17 in) and 12–16 kg (26–35 lbs).

These two breeds are quite similar in size, so space and food requirements will be comparable for either choice.

The Brittany has a medium coat available in orange and white, liver and white, roan, while the English Cocker Spaniel sports a medium coat in black, liver, red, golden, parti-color. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The Brittany has very high energy (5/5) with very high exercise needs (5/5). The English Cocker Spaniel has high energy (4/5) and high exercise needs (4/5).

The Brittany requires more daily activity to stay happy and healthy. Without enough exercise, they may develop destructive behaviors. The English Cocker Spaniel is more adaptable and can get by with shorter walks and play sessions.

For apartment dwellers, the English Cocker Spaniel is the stronger choice with an apartment-friendliness score of 3/5, compared to the Brittany's 1/5. The Brittany generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.

The English Cocker Spaniel sheds more than the Brittany — 3/5 versus 2/5. You'll want to invest in a good lint roller and vacuum if you go with the English Cocker Spaniel.

Grooming-wise, the English Cocker Spaniel needs more upkeep (4/5) than the Brittany (2/5). The English Cocker Spaniel's medium coat demands regular professional grooming to stay in top shape.

Annual grooming costs average around $150 for the Brittany and $400 for the English Cocker Spaniel. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Brittany has a lifespan of 12–14 years, while the English Cocker Spaniel lives 12–14 years. Both breeds have comparable lifespans.

In terms of overall health robustness, the Brittany scores 4/5 compared to the English Cocker Spaniel's 3/5. The Brittany is generally a hardier breed with fewer genetic health concerns.

Common health issues for the Brittany include hip dysplasia, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, canine discoid lupus. The English Cocker Spaniel is prone to progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia, ear infections, renal failure. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $400 for the Brittany and $450 for the English Cocker Spaniel. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

The Brittany is easier to train with a trainability score of 5/5, making it more suitable for first-time dog owners. The English Cocker Spaniel scores 4/5 and may require more patience and experience during training sessions.

The Brittany ranks higher in intelligence (5/5 vs 4/5), which can be both a blessing and a challenge. Smarter dogs learn commands faster but also get bored more easily and may develop behavioral issues without mental stimulation.

Regardless of which breed you choose, early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are key to raising a well-behaved dog. Puppy classes are a great investment for either breed.

In terms of raw intelligence, the Brittany outranks the English Cocker Spaniel with a score of 5/5 compared to 4/5. The Brittany tends to learn new commands in fewer repetitions and shows stronger problem-solving ability in novel situations. However, higher intelligence doesn't always mean an easier dog to own — smarter breeds often demand more mental stimulation to avoid boredom-driven destructive behavior.

Both breeds share a similar intelligence profile rooted in adaptive intelligence. Both are skilled at reading human emotions, adapting to new environments, and solving everyday problems on their own.

The Brittany's higher intelligence translates directly into better trainability (5/5 vs 4/5), making them both the quicker learner and the easier breed to train. This combination is ideal for owners who want a responsive, obedient companion.

For either breed, mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle feeders, training sessions, scent work, and interactive toys keep intelligent dogs engaged and prevent the boredom that leads to chewing, digging, or excessive barking.

The English Cocker Spaniel edges ahead as a family dog, scoring 5/5 with children versus the Brittany's 4/5. The English Cocker Spaniel's merry temperament makes it especially patient around kids.

The initial purchase price for a Brittany ranges from $700–$1,500, while a English Cocker Spaniel typically costs $800–$2,000. The English Cocker Spaniel is the more expensive breed to purchase.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,090 for the Brittany and $1,390 for the English Cocker Spaniel. The English Cocker Spaniel costs more annually, largely because of grooming expenses.

Monthly food costs run about $45 for the Brittany and $45 for the English Cocker Spaniel. Over a typical lifespan, the total cost of ownership can differ by thousands of dollars, so it's worth factoring in the long-term financial commitment.