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
Poodle
One of the most intelligent dog breeds, the Poodle combines elegance with athleticism. Their hypoallergenic curly coat and keen mind make them ideal for allergy sufferers who want a trainable companion.
Quick Answer
Choose Brittany if you want a great companion. Choose Poodle if you want more apartment-friendly and less shedding.
Quick Comparison
Brittany
Attribute
Poodle
medium
Size
medium
14–18 kg (31–40 lbs)
Weight
18–32 kg (40–71 lbs)
44–52 cm (17–20 in)
Height
38–61 cm (15–24 in)
12–14 yrs
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
5/5
Trainability
5/5
5/5
Energy
4/5
4/5
Good with Kids
4/5
2/5
Shedding
1/5Better
Better2/5
Grooming
5/5
1/5
Apartment
3/5Better
4/5
Health
4/5
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 ✓
Poodle
Avg. Purchase$2,000
Annual Food$600
Annual Vet$450
Annual Grooming$600
Annual Total$1,650
Purchase prices are in the same ballpark: $700–$1,500 for a Brittany and $1,000–$3,000 for a Poodle. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.
Exercise & Activity
Brittany needs more exercise; Poodle is lower-maintenance.
Brittany
Poodle
Energy Level
5/5
vs4/5
Exercise Needs
5/5
vs4/5
Apartment Friendly
1/5
vs3/5Better
The Brittany needs slightly more exercise (5/5) than the Poodle (4/5), but neither breed is at an extreme. Both have very high to high energy levels, so the difference in your daily routine will be modest — perhaps an extra 15-20 minutes of activity for the Brittany.
Grooming & Shedding
Brittany sheds more; Poodle is easier to maintain.
Brittany
Poodle
Shedding
2/5
vs1/5Better
Grooming Needs
Better2/5
vs5/5
The Brittany sheds a bit more (2/5) than the Poodle (1/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the Poodle has a slight edge.
Temperament & Personality
Poodle is calmer; Brittany is more energetic.
Brittany
Poodle
Playfulness
5/5
vs5/5
Barking Level
Better2/5
vs3/5
Energy
5/5
vs4/5
Brittanys from the Sporting group carry a bright, eager and fun-loving personality, shaped by their heritage as sporting dogs. Poodles, belonging to the Non-Sporting group, are intelligent, elegant and athletic — reflecting their own distinct breeding history.
Size & Appearance
Poodle is the larger breed; Brittany is more compact.
Brittany
Poodle
Weight (kg)
14–18
vs18–32
Height (cm)
44–52
vs38–61
The Brittany stands 44–52 cm (17–20 in) and weighs 14–18 kg (31–40 lbs), while the Poodle measures 38–61 cm (15–24 in) and 18–32 kg (40–71 lbs). The Poodle is the larger of the two, though not by a dramatic margin.
Health & Lifespan
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Brittany
Poodle
Lifespan (years)
12–14
vs12–15
Health Robustness
4/5
vs4/5
Lifespan is a near-tie: the Brittany lives roughly 12–14 years while the Poodle averages 12–15 years. Neither breed has a clear longevity advantage, so other factors should drive your choice.
Training & Intelligence
Both breeds are equally trainable.
Brittany
Poodle
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.
Family & Social Life
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Brittany
Poodle
Good with Kids
4/5
vs4/5
Good with Dogs
4/5
vs4/5
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?
On balance, the Poodle has the edge — it's more apartment-friendly (3/5), lower exercise needs (4/5), less shedding (1/5). For most families, the Poodle is the more practical choice, particularly if you value low-maintenance ownership.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Brittany and Poodle are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Poodle is considerably better suited to apartment living. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Brittany by roughly $600/year.
Choose Brittany if...
- ✓Budget matters to you — Brittanys cost roughly $600 less per year in food, vet, and grooming.
Choose Poodle if...
- ✓You have other dogs at home — Poodles tend to get along well with other dogs (4/5).
- ✓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 Poodle have high energy needs (5/5 and 4/5 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 Poodle?
The Brittany scores 4/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Poodle at 4/5. Both breeds can be great family dogs with proper training and socialization.
Is a Brittany or Poodle easier to train?
The Brittany is equally easy to train with a score of 5/5, matching the Poodle. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well.
Which costs more, a Brittany or Poodle?
A Brittany puppy costs $700–$1,500 while a Poodle costs $1,000–$3,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,090 for the Brittany and $1,650 for the Poodle. The Poodle costs more to maintain annually.
Do Brittanys or Poodles live longer?
The Brittany lives 12–14 years on average, while the Poodle lives 12–15 years. The Poodle tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Brittany or Poodle live in an apartment?
The Poodle adapts better to apartment living (3/5) than the Brittany (1/5). The Poodle ranks among our best apartment breeds.