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
German Shepherd
Courageous, confident, and incredibly intelligent, the German Shepherd is the world's premier working dog. They are fiercely loyal to their families and excel in police, military, and service roles.
Quick Answer
Choose Brittany if you want less shedding and better health. Choose German Shepherd if you want more apartment-friendly.
Quick Comparison
Brittany
Attribute
German Shepherd
medium
Size
large
14–18 kg (31–40 lbs)
Weight
22–40 kg (49–88 lbs)
44–52 cm (17–20 in)
Height
55–65 cm (22–26 in)
Better12–14 yrs
Lifespan
9–13 yrs
5/5
Trainability
5/5
5/5
Energy
5/5
4/5
Good with Kids
4/5
Better2/5
Shedding
5/5
Better2/5
Grooming
3/5
1/5
Apartment
2/5Better
Better4/5
Health
3/5
Better$700–$1,500
Price
$1,000–$3,000
Attribute Comparison
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 ✓
German Shepherd
Avg. Purchase$2,000
Annual Food$780
Annual Vet$600
Annual Grooming$200
Annual Total$1,580
Both breeds cost a similar amount upfront — $700–$1,500 for a Brittany versus $1,000–$3,000 for a German Shepherd. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
Grooming & Shedding
German Shepherd sheds more; Brittany is easier to maintain.
Brittany
German Shepherd
Shedding
Better2/5
vs5/5
Grooming Needs
Better2/5
vs3/5
Shedding is a major differentiator. The German Shepherd is a prolific shedder (5/5) — expect fur on your clothes, furniture, and car seats year-round.
Health & Lifespan
Brittany tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Brittany
German Shepherd
Lifespan (years)
Better12–14
vs9–13
Health Robustness
Better4/5
vs3/5
The lifespan difference is significant. Brittanys live 12–14 years on average, while German Shepherds live 9–13 years.
Temperament & Personality
Both breeds have similar temperaments.
Brittany
German Shepherd
Playfulness
Better5/5
vs4/5
Barking Level
Better2/5
vs4/5
Energy
5/5
vs5/5
If you've spent time around both breeds, the personality gap is unmistakable. A Brittany greets the world with a bright attitude, whereas a German Shepherd leans more toward a courageous approach.
Size & Appearance
German Shepherd is the larger breed; Brittany is more compact.
Brittany
German Shepherd
Weight (kg)
14–18
vs22–40
Height (cm)
44–52
vs55–65
You'll notice the size difference immediately. The German Shepherd stands 55–65 cm (22–26 in) tall and weighs 22–40 kg (49–88 lbs), making it considerably larger than the Brittany at 44–52 cm (17–20 in) and 14–18 kg (31–40 lbs).
Family & Social Life
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Brittany
German Shepherd
Good with Kids
4/5
vs4/5
Good with Dogs
Better4/5
vs3/5
Strangers
Better4/5
vs2/5
Both breeds score 4/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Exercise & Activity
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
Brittany
German Shepherd
Energy Level
5/5
vs5/5
Exercise Needs
5/5
vs5/5
Apartment Friendly
1/5
vs2/5Better
Exercise won't be the deciding factor here — both the Brittany and German Shepherd need very high daily activity (5/5). Both are athletic breeds that thrive with active owners.
Training & Intelligence
Both breeds are equally trainable.
Brittany
German Shepherd
Trainability
5/5
vs5/5
Intelligence
5/5
vs5/5
Both breeds score 5/5 for trainability — you'll have a similar experience training either one. Both are cooperative, eager learners.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
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).
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Brittany and German Shepherd are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: German Shepherd sheds considerably more. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Brittany by roughly $500/year.
Choose Brittany if...
- ✓You hate vacuuming or have allergies — Brittanys shed dramatically less (2/5 vs 5/5 shedding score).
- ✓Budget matters to you — Brittanys cost roughly $500 less per year in food, vet, and grooming.
Choose German Shepherd if...
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Neither may be right if...
Both the Brittany and German Shepherd 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?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Brittany or German Shepherd?
The Brittany scores 4/5 for being good with kids, tying with the German Shepherd at 4/5. Both breeds can be great family dogs with proper training and socialization.
Is a Brittany or German Shepherd easier to train?
The Brittany is equally easy to train with a score of 5/5, matching the German Shepherd. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well.
Which costs more, a Brittany or German Shepherd?
A Brittany puppy costs $700–$1,500 while a German Shepherd costs $1,000–$3,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,090 for the Brittany and $1,580 for the German Shepherd. The German Shepherd costs more to maintain annually.
Do Brittanys or German Shepherds live longer?
The Brittany lives 12–14 years on average, while the German Shepherd lives 9–13 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 German Shepherd live in an apartment?
The German Shepherd 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.