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.
A joyful, tireless sporting dog with soulful eyes and a wagging tail. English Springer Spaniels are eager to please, love the outdoors, and make wonderful active family companions.
Quick Answer
Choose Brittany if you want less shedding and better health. Choose English Springer Spaniel if you want better with kids and more apartment-friendly.
Brittany
Attribute
English Springer Spaniel
Size
Weight
Height
Lifespan
Trainability
Energy
Good with Kids
Shedding
Grooming
Apartment
Health
Price
English Springer Spaniel sheds more; Brittany is easier to maintain.
Brittany
English Springer Spaniel
Shedding
Grooming Needs
The English Springer Spaniel 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.
Brittany tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Brittany
English Springer Spaniel
Lifespan (years)
Health Robustness
Both breeds have comparable lifespans — 12–14 years for the Brittany and 12–14 years for the English Springer Spaniel. You can expect a similar length of companionship from either breed, all else being equal.
Brittany is less expensive to own annually.
Brittany
English Springer Spaniel
Both breeds cost a similar amount upfront — $700–$1,500 for a Brittany versus $800–$2,000 for a English Springer Spaniel. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
English Springer Spaniel is the larger breed; Brittany is more compact.
Brittany
English Springer Spaniel
Weight (kg)
Height (cm)
There's a noticeable but not extreme size difference. The English Springer Spaniel (18–25 kg (40–55 lbs)) is somewhat heftier than the Brittany (14–18 kg (31–40 lbs)).
Both breeds have similar temperaments.
Brittany
English Springer Spaniel
Playfulness
Barking Level
Energy
If you've spent time around both breeds, the personality gap is unmistakable. A Brittany greets the world with a bright attitude, whereas a English Springer Spaniel leans more toward a friendly approach.
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
Brittany
English Springer Spaniel
Energy Level
Exercise Needs
Apartment Friendly
Exercise won't be the deciding factor here — both the Brittany and English Springer Spaniel need very high daily activity (5/5). Both are athletic breeds that thrive with active owners.
English Springer Spaniel is better suited for families with children.
Brittany
English Springer Spaniel
Good with Kids
Good with Dogs
Strangers
The English Springer Spaniel has a slight edge with children (5/5 vs 4/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the English Springer Spaniel's friendly temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.
Both breeds are equally trainable.
Brittany
English Springer Spaniel
Trainability
Intelligence
Both breeds score 5/5 for trainability — you'll have a similar experience training either one. Both are cooperative, eager learners.
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the Brittany if you value less shedding (2/5) and better health profile (4/5).
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Brittany and English Springer Spaniel are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Brittany by roughly $200/year.
Choose Brittany if...
Choose English Springer Spaniel if...
Neither may be right if...
Both the Brittany and English Springer Spaniel have high energy needs (5/5 and 5/5 respectively). If you live in a small apartment without park access or can't commit to 60+ minutes of daily exercise, consider a lower-energy breed like a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Shih Tzu instead.
Looking for more options?
The English Springer Spaniel is generally better with children, scoring 5/5 compared to the Brittany's 4/5. The English Springer Spaniel is one of our top-recommended breeds for families.
The Brittany is equally easy to train with a score of 5/5, matching the English Springer Spaniel. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well.
A Brittany puppy costs $700–$1,500 while a English Springer Spaniel costs $800–$2,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,090 for the Brittany and $1,300 for the English Springer Spaniel. The English Springer Spaniel costs more to maintain annually.
The Brittany lives 12–14 years on average, while the English Springer Spaniel lives 12–14 years. Both breeds have similar lifespans. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
The English Springer Spaniel adapts better to apartment living (2/5) than the Brittany (1/5). However, neither breed is an ideal apartment dog — daily outdoor exercise is essential.