Brittany vs English Springer Spaniel: Which Breed Is Right for You in 2026?

*Affiliate Disclosure: GetPetPros.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you when you purchase through our links. All recommendations are independently selected.*

Choosing between the Brittany and English Springer Spaniel is a decision that comes down to lifestyle, experience level, and what you want in a dog. The Brittany is very high-energy while the English Springer Spaniel is high-energy. This guide gives you a complete side-by-side breakdown so you can make the right call.

Quick Verdict

Choose the Brittany if: You want a dog that is bright, upbeat, active and are prepared for 2 hours daily of exercise daily. Best for hunters or active families with large yards.

Choose the English Springer Spaniel if: You want a dog that is friendly, playful, obedient and are prepared for 1.5–2 hours daily of exercise daily. Best for active families or hunters wanting a reliable working companion.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Trait	Brittany	English Springer Spaniel
Breed Group	Sporting	Sporting
Size	Medium (30–40 lbs)	Medium (40–50 lbs)
Lifespan	12–14 years	12–14 years
Energy Level	Very High	High
Shedding	Moderate	Moderate
Grooming Needs	Moderate	Moderate
Trainability	Excellent	Excellent
Good with Kids	Yes	Yes
Good with Dogs	Yes	Yes
Apartment Friendly	No	No

Temperament and Personality

The Brittany is known for being bright, upbeat, active. Originally from France, this breed was developed for versatile bird dog and enthusiastic personality. Today, the Brittany excels as hunters or active families with large yards.

The English Springer Spaniel brings a different energy — friendly, playful, obedient by nature. Hailing from England, the English Springer Spaniel is recognized for flushing and retrieving game birds with tireless enthusiasm. This breed thrives with active families or hunters wanting a reliable working companion.

If you want a dog that integrates seamlessly into family life, English Springer Spaniel tends to score higher in family suitability. That said, every dog is an individual — socialization and training matter as much as breed tendencies.

Exercise and Activity Needs

The Brittany requires 2 hours daily of physical activity. Without sufficient exercise, this breed can become destructive, anxious, or develop behavioral issues.

The English Springer Spaniel needs 1.5–2 hours daily. This difference in energy demand is one of the most important factors in your decision — underestimating a high-energy breed’s needs is one of the top reasons dogs are surrendered to shelters.

Rule of thumb: If you run 20+ miles per week, either breed can match your pace. If you prefer 30-minute walks, the lower-energy option is the better match.

Grooming and Shedding

Grooming is where these breeds diverge significantly:

Brittany: Moderate shedding, grooming rated as moderate.
English Springer Spaniel: Moderate shedding, grooming rated as moderate.

The English Springer Spaniel is the lower-maintenance choice for grooming. Budget approximately $50–$100 per professional grooming session for breeds requiring regular salon visits.

Trainability and Intelligence

Brittany trainability: Excellent. This breed responds readily to positive reinforcement and can master commands quickly.

English Springer Spaniel trainability: Excellent. An excellent student who thrives with regular mental challenges.

For first-time dog owners, Brittany is generally the more forgiving choice. For experienced handlers, both breeds respond well to structured training programs.

Health and Lifespan

Brittany health considerations: hip dysplasia, epilepsy, hypothyroidism. Expected lifespan: 12–14 years.

English Springer Spaniel health considerations: hip dysplasia, ear infections, eye conditions, rage syndrome (rare). Expected lifespan: 12–14 years.

Before purchasing or adopting either breed, request health clearances from the breeder — specifically OFA (hip/elbow) and breed-specific genetic panels. Annual vet visits and pet insurance are strongly recommended for both breeds.

Cost of Ownership

Brittany purchase price: $700–$1,500. Annual costs (food, vet, grooming): approximately $1,000–$3,000+ depending on health issues.
English Springer Spaniel purchase price: $600–$1,500. Annual costs: approximately $1,000–$3,000+ depending on health issues.

Both breeds are long-term financial commitments. Reputable breeders charge more upfront but genetic health testing reduces expensive surprises later. Consider adoption from breed-specific rescues as a lower-cost alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Brittany or English Springer Spaniel better for first-time owners?

A: The English Springer Spaniel is generally considered more forgiving for first-time owners if its trainability score is higher. The Brittany may require more experience, particularly if it has high energy or independent tendencies. Start with obedience classes for either breed.

Q: Which breed is better for apartment living?

A: Neither breed is ideally suited for apartment living — both do best with outdoor access.

Q: Do Brittanys or English Springer Spaniels shed more?

A: The Brittany sheds moderate, while the English Springer Spaniel sheds moderate. Both breeds shed at a manageable level with regular brushing.

Q: Which breed lives longer?

A: The Brittany has a lifespan of 12–14 years, while the English Springer Spaniel lives 12–14 years. Lifespan varies by genetics, diet, and veterinary care — these ranges are averages, not guarantees.

Q: Can the Brittany and English Springer Spaniel live together?

A: Yes in most cases, with proper introductions. Both breeds’ compatibility with other dogs is rated Yes (Brittany) and Yes (English Springer Spaniel). Introduce on neutral ground and supervise initial interactions regardless of breed reputation.

Rescue vs. Breeder: A Key Decision

Both breeds can be found through reputable rescue organizations, which offer adult dogs with known temperaments. This is especially valuable for breeds with high-energy demands — a 3-year-old dog in rescue has an established personality that a puppy does not.

For breeders: Look for members of the American Kennel Club Breeder of Merit program or national breed club breeders. Red flags include multiple breeds available simultaneously, no health testing documentation, and puppies available immediately without a waitlist.

For rescue: Search through breed-specific rescue organizations by googling “[Breed Name] rescue [your state]”. Petfinder.com and Adopt-a-Pet.com also maintain current availability nationwide.

Training Resources for Both Breeds

Both breeds benefit from structured training, especially in the first year. We recommend:

AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program — a structured 6-week course for puppies under 1 year
Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification — a benchmark for basic obedience that looks great on dog-friendly housing applications
Rally obedience — a sport suitable for both breeds that builds communication and bond

Positive reinforcement training (reward-based, not punishment-based) produces faster results and better long-term behavior in all breeds.

Socialization Checklist

Proper early socialization reduces the risk of fear-based aggression and anxiety in both breeds. In the first 16 weeks, expose your puppy to:

[ ] 50+ different people (ages, genders, appearances, uniforms)
[ ] Multiple surfaces (grass, gravel, hardwood, carpet, metal grates)
[ ] Common sounds (traffic, doorbells, children, thunder)
[ ] Other animals (cats, other dogs, livestock if relevant)
[ ] Vehicle rides and crates

Related Comparisons

Explore more breed comparisons on GetPetPros.com:

[Best Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners](https://www.getpetpros.com/best-dog-breeds-for-first-time-owners/)
[Best Family Dog Breeds 2026](https://www.getpetpros.com/best-family-dog-breeds-2026/)
[Low-Shedding Dog Breeds Compared](https://www.getpetpros.com/low-shedding-dog-breeds/)

*All prices listed are approximate and may vary. GetPetPros.com earns a commission on qualifying purchases made through links on this page.*