Brittany Spaniel vs Springer Spaniel: A Comprehensive Comparison

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Posted Nov 1, 2024

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Charming fluffy Brittany Spaniel sitting on bright faded leaves on path between growing trees while looking up in woods in fall on foggy day
Credit: pexels.com, Charming fluffy Brittany Spaniel sitting on bright faded leaves on path between growing trees while looking up in woods in fall on foggy day

If you're considering bringing a new furry friend into your family, you might be torn between two popular breeds: the Brittany Spaniel and the Springer Spaniel. Both are friendly, outgoing, and love to please their owners, but they have some key differences.

The Brittany Spaniel is a smaller breed, typically weighing between 30-40 pounds and standing between 17-20 inches tall. In contrast, the Springer Spaniel is slightly larger, weighing between 35-50 pounds and standing between 19-22 inches tall.

One of the main reasons people choose a Brittany Spaniel is their high energy level, which makes them a great match for active families. They require at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, whether it's a long walk or a game of fetch.

Size and Lifespan

The Brittany and English Springer Spaniel may look similar, but they have some key differences in size. English Springer Spaniels are larger, with a typical height of 18 to 22 inches and weight of 45 to 55 pounds.

For comparison, the average height of an American man is 69 inches, making the English Springer Spaniel about half their height.

Brittany Spaniels, on the other hand, are slightly smaller, with a typical height of 17 to 20 inches and weight of 30 to 40 pounds.

Take a look at this: Brown Brittany Spaniel

Size

Flag of Brittany
Credit: pexels.com, Flag of Brittany

When it comes to size, there's a noticeable difference between the two breeds. English Springer Spaniels are larger, with a typical height of 18 to 22 inches and weight of 45 to 55 pounds.

For perspective, the average height of an American man is 69 inches, which is significantly taller than both breeds.

Brittany dogs typically stand at 17 to 20 inches tall, weighing 30 to 40 pounds, making them a more compact option.

The average height of an American woman is 63.5 inches, which is closer to the height of the Brittany but still taller.

Lifespan

When considering the lifespan of a Brittany or an English Springer Spaniel, it's essential to understand that both breeds have varying life expectancies.

Brittanys typically live between 10 to 13 years, while English Springer Spaniels usually live longer, with a lifespan ranging from 9 to 15 years.

If you're looking for a more detailed comparison, here's a table highlighting the lifespan of both breeds:

While both breeds have a relatively long lifespan, it's crucial to remember that individual factors, such as diet and exercise, can impact their overall health and longevity.

Regular veterinary visits can also play a significant role in ensuring your dog lives a long and healthy life.

Characteristics

Credit: youtube.com, Springer Spaniel vs Brittany Spaniel Comparing the Remarkable Qualities

Brittany Spaniels are smart, friendly, and full of energy, making them a great fit for families with kids who are just as energetic. They excel at many doggie activities and can be quite athletic.

Both Brittany Spaniels and Springer Spaniels are great with families, children, and other dogs, and are very affectionate. They are also highly trainable, which is a bonus for first-time dog owners.

Brittany Spaniels have a moderate watchdog nature and only a moderate barking level, while Springer Spaniels are also moderately watch dogs by nature and have a similar barking level.

For more insights, see: Doberman Pinscher vs Great Dane

Appearance

Brittanies typically range from 17.5 to 20.5 inches tall at the shoulder, weighing between 30 and 40 pounds.

Their thick coat can be either wavy or flat, with feathering on the legs.

Brittanies often have liver and white or orange and white coat colors, with tricolor dogs being permitted but not encouraged in the breed standard.

Tricolor Brittanies have a liver and white coat with orange markings on the muzzle, cheeks, above the eyes, and under the tail.

Credit: youtube.com, Adjectives to Describe Appearance | Describing People | How to Describe Appearance

Ticking, or flecks of color within the white part of the coat, is common in Brittanies.

English Springer Spaniels typically stand between 19 and 20 inches tall at the shoulder, weighing between 40 and 50 pounds.

Males are larger than females in this breed.

The outer coat of an English Springer Spaniel is wavy or flat, while the undercoat is much softer and more dense.

Springer Spaniels often have moderate feathering on the ears, legs, chest, and abdomen.

Their tail is docked, as per American Kennel Club standards.

Characteristics

The Brittany and Springer Spaniels are both high-energy breeds that thrive on physical and mental stimulation. They love to run around and play, and if they don't get enough exercise, they might get destructive.

Brittanys are super smart and easily trainable, which makes them great with families and children. They're also very affectionate and adaptable.

Springer Spaniels are extremely affectionate with their family, to the point where they can be a bit lovey-dovey. They're also very good with children and other dogs.

Credit: youtube.com, Characteristic Meaning

Both breeds are great hunters, and they're known for being bird dogs. They have a moderate barking level and watchdog nature.

Brittanys can weigh between 30-40 pounds, stand between 17.5-20.5 inches tall, and live to be about 12-14 years old. Springer Spaniels weigh around 40-50 pounds, stand 19-20 inches tall, and also live to be about 12-14 years old.

These breeds have a moderate shedding level and a moderate drooling level, which is something to consider if you're a neat freak.

Health and Needs

Both Brittany and English Springer Spaniels require regular health checks to prevent potential issues.

The Brittany is generally a healthy breed, but it can be prone to Hip Dysplasia, Hypothyroidism, and Epilepsy.

English Springer Spaniels are commonly healthy dogs, but they can be susceptible to Hip Dysplasia, Allergies, Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), Ear Infections, Ectropion, Retinal Dysplasia, and Phosphofructokinase deficiency (Tarui disease, PFK).

To keep your dog healthy, it's essential to provide regular exercise and a balanced diet. Both breeds require at least 30 to 60 minutes of hard aerobic exercise most days of the week, preferably daily.

Here's a comparison of the lifespan of both breeds:

The Brittany can adapt well to cold weather conditions, while the English Springer Spaniel can tolerate both warm and cold weather.

Health Needs

From above of charming Brittany Spaniel with fluffy fur looking away with tilted head in daytime
Credit: pexels.com, From above of charming Brittany Spaniel with fluffy fur looking away with tilted head in daytime

When researching a new breed, it's essential to consider their health needs. Both Brittany and English Springer Spaniel have a relatively healthy breed profile, but they can still be prone to certain health issues.

Regular veterinary visits are crucial to monitor their health. The Brittany should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year, while the English Springer Spaniel should have one every 12-18 months.

Hip dysplasia is a common issue in both breeds, as well as hypothyroidism and epilepsy in the Brittany, and hip dysplasia, allergies, and progressive retinal atrophy in the English Springer Spaniel.

To prevent obesity, which can lead to other health problems, it's essential to monitor their food intake. The Brittany requires 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food per day, divided into two or three meals, while the English Springer Spaniel needs 3 to 4.5 cups per day, divided into two meals.

From above of adorable orange Brittany Spaniel with white muzzle standing on green grassy lawn and looking away
Credit: pexels.com, From above of adorable orange Brittany Spaniel with white muzzle standing on green grassy lawn and looking away

Both breeds require a significant amount of physical activity to stay healthy and happy. They need at least 30 to 60 minutes of hard aerobic exercise most days of the week, preferably daily.

Here's a summary of the health issues and needs for both breeds:

Allergies and Grooming

When choosing a breed, consider the grooming needs of the dog. The Brittany is relatively easy to groom, requiring minimal effort to keep them looking their best.

Brittany dogs have a feathered coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. Regular brushing is necessary for these breeds to prevent shedding.

The English Springer Spaniel, on the other hand, requires a lot of grooming. They have a feathered coat that needs to be brushed regularly to prevent matting and tangling.

Here's a comparison of the grooming needs of the Brittany and English Springer Spaniel:

Both breeds are medium shedders, so regular brushing is necessary to prevent shedding. Preventing shedding is impossible, but regular brushing can help minimize the amount of loose hair.

The Brittany is a low-shedding dog breed, while the English Springer Spaniel sheds moderately. Regular brushing can help reduce the amount of shedding from both breeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is a Brittany no longer a spaniel?

The American Kennel Club (AKC) dropped 'spaniel' from the breed name due to the Brittany's strong pointer characteristics. This change reflects the breed's distinct hunting style and abilities.

Shreyashi Gill

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Shreyashi Gill is a talented writer with a passion for crafting compelling stories and characters. With a keen eye for detail, she weaves intricate narratives that transport readers to new worlds and perspectives. Throughout her career, Shreyashi has honed her craft through various writing mediums, from short stories to full-length novels.