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.
America's most beloved family dog, known for a friendly temperament and eager-to-please attitude. Labs excel at everything from hunting to therapy work and are incredibly versatile.
Quick Answer
Choose Brittany if you want less shedding and better health. Choose Labrador Retriever if you want better with kids and more apartment-friendly.
Brittany
Attribute
Labrador Retriever
Size
Weight
Height
Lifespan
Trainability
Energy
Good with Kids
Shedding
Grooming
Apartment
Health
Price
Brittany tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Brittany
Labrador Retriever
Lifespan (years)
Health Robustness
Both breeds have comparable lifespans — 12–14 years for the Brittany and 10–13 years for the Labrador Retriever. You can expect a similar length of companionship from either breed, all else being equal.
Labrador Retriever is better suited for families with children.
Brittany
Labrador Retriever
Good with Kids
Good with Dogs
Strangers
The Labrador Retriever has a slight edge with children (5/5 vs 4/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the Labrador Retriever's friendly temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.
Labrador Retriever is the larger breed; Brittany is more compact.
Brittany
Labrador Retriever
Weight (kg)
Height (cm)
These two breeds look nothing alike. The Labrador Retriever is a large breed at 25–36 kg (55–79 lbs) and 55–62 cm (22–24 in), while the Brittany is a medium breed at just 14–18 kg (31–40 lbs) and 44–52 cm (17–20 in).
Labrador Retriever sheds more; Brittany is easier to maintain.
Brittany
Labrador Retriever
Shedding
Grooming Needs
Shedding is a major differentiator. The Labrador Retriever is a prolific shedder (4/5) — expect fur on your clothes, furniture, and car seats year-round.
Brittany is less expensive to own annually.
Brittany
Labrador Retriever
Both breeds cost a similar amount upfront — $700–$1,500 for a Brittany versus $800–$2,000 for a Labrador Retriever. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
Both breeds have similar temperaments.
Brittany
Labrador Retriever
Playfulness
Barking Level
Energy
The Brittany and Labrador Retriever bring very different personalities to the table. Brittanys are bright, eager and fun-loving, while Labrador Retrievers tend to be friendly, outgoing and active.
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
Brittany
Labrador Retriever
Energy Level
Exercise Needs
Apartment Friendly
Exercise won't be the deciding factor here — both the Brittany and Labrador Retriever need very high daily activity (5/5). Both are athletic breeds that thrive with active owners.
Both breeds are equally trainable.
Brittany
Labrador Retriever
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 Labrador Retriever are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Labrador Retriever sheds considerably more. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Brittany by roughly $300/year.
Choose Brittany if...
Choose Labrador Retriever if...
Neither may be right if...
Both the Brittany and Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever is generally better with children, scoring 5/5 compared to the Brittany's 4/5. The Labrador Retriever is one of our top-recommended breeds for families.
The Brittany is equally easy to train with a score of 5/5, matching the Labrador Retriever. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well.
A Brittany puppy costs $700–$1,500 while a Labrador Retriever costs $800–$2,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,090 for the Brittany and $1,370 for the Labrador Retriever. The Labrador Retriever costs more to maintain annually.
The Brittany lives 12–14 years on average, while the Labrador Retriever lives 10–13 years. The Brittany generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
The Labrador Retriever 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.