Brittany VS English Springer Spaniel
A detailed side-by-side comparison to help you choose between these two popular breeds.
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Brittany | English Springer Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 12–14 yrs | 12–14 yrs |
| Weight | 30–40 lbs | 40–50 lbs |
| Height | 17–20" | 19–20" |
| Price | $800–$1500 | $800–$1500 |
| AKC Rank | #27 | #28 |
| Group | Sporting | Sporting |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
Rating Comparison
Detailed Comparison
Choosing between a Brittany and a English Springer Spaniel is a common dilemma for prospective dog owners in 2026. Many Brittanys are born naturally tailless or with very short tails, a trait that is unique among the sporting breeds.. Meanwhile, Their long, fringed ears and soulful, trusting expression are hallmarks of the breed, along with a characteristic merry tail action while working..
Size and Appearance
The Brittany is a medium-sized dog weighing 30–40 pounds and standing 17–20 inches tall. The English Springer Spaniel is medium-sized at 40–50 pounds and 19–20 inches. Their similar size means comparable space and feeding requirements.
Temperament
Sensitive, eager, and quick-witted. Brittanys are more responsive to their owner's mood than most sporting breeds and wilt under harsh treatment.. Cheerful, affectionate, and sociable. Field-bred Springers tend to be higher energy and more intense, while show-bred lines are calmer and stockier.. Trainability stands at 5/5 for the Brittany versus 4/5 for the English Springer Spaniel. Kid-friendliness: 5/5 and 5/5 respectively.
Health and Lifespan
The Brittany typically lives 12–14 years, while the English Springer Spaniel has a lifespan of 12–14 years. Key health concerns include Hip Dysplasia for the Brittany and Hip Dysplasia for the English Springer Spaniel. Both breeds benefit from breeders who perform comprehensive health testing.
Cost
Brittanys typically range from $800 to $1500, while English Springer Spaniels cost $800 to $1500. Monthly costs are approximately $130 for the Brittany and $160 for the English Springer Spaniel, reflecting differences in size, grooming, and healthcare needs.
Grooming and Maintenance
Grooming needs: Brittany 2/5, English Springer Spaniel 4/5. Shedding: 3/5 vs. 3/5.
Living Situation
Apartment friendliness: Brittany 2/5, English Springer Spaniel 2/5. Exercise requirements: 5/5 vs. 4/5. Both breeds thrive with owners who commit to daily physical activity and mental stimulation.
The Verdict
There's no universally "better" breed between the Brittany and English Springer Spaniel—the right choice depends entirely on your situation.
The Brittany suits you if: You're looking for a medium dog with energy level 5/5, trainability 5/5, and a medium coat. Often described as a pointer in a spaniel's body, the Brittany combines tireless energy with a soft, sensitive soul that craves human approval..
The English Springer Spaniel suits you if: You want a medium companion with energy level 4/5, trainability 4/5, and a medium coat. The classic English companion who is equally happy splashing through a marsh or curled up at your feet by the fireplace, always with a wagging tail..
Size and Physical Differences
When comparing the Brittany and English Springer Spaniel side by side, the physical differences become immediately apparent and play a significant role in determining which breed suits your home environment. The Brittany weighs 30–40 lbs, while the English Springer Spaniel comes in at 40–50 lbs. In terms of height, the Brittany stands 17–20" tall compared to the English Springer Spaniel at 19–20". These measurements directly impact how much space the dog needs to move comfortably, the size of crate and bed required, and even the cost of food and medication dosing since larger dogs require proportionally more of both.
Lifespan is another critical physical factor - the Brittany typically lives 12–14 yrs, whereas the English Springer Spaniel has an expected lifespan of 12–14 yrs. Larger breeds generally have shorter lifespans due to faster cellular aging and greater strain on joints and organs. This difference means a potentially longer commitment with one breed versus the other, affecting everything from total lifetime costs to the emotional timeline of companionship. Consider which lifespan range aligns with your family situation and long-term plans before making a decision between these two breeds.
Temperament and Lifestyle Fit
Beyond physical traits, the temperament profiles of the Brittany and English Springer Spaniel reveal which breed integrates more naturally into your daily life. The Brittany is the higher-energy breed at 5/5 compared to the English Springer Spaniel's 4/5, meaning it demands more daily exercise and mental stimulation to remain well-behaved. For trainability, the Brittany scores 5/5 versus 4/5 for the English Springer Spaniel, making it generally easier to train for first-time owners.
Both breeds are equally vocal at 3/5 for barking tendency. Consider which temperament profile aligns with your household dynamics, daily schedule, and activity preferences before choosing between these two breeds.
Cost of Ownership
The initial purchase price differs between these breeds: the Brittany typically costs $800–$1500, while the English Springer Spaniel runs $800–$1500. However, the purchase price represents only a fraction of the total cost of dog ownership. First-year expenses including supplies, initial veterinary visits, vaccinations, spay or neuter surgery, and early training classes typically add $1,000–$2,500 on top of the acquisition cost regardless of breed. Larger breeds generally incur higher ongoing costs because they consume more food, require larger doses of medications, and need bigger crates, beds, and accessories.
Monthly costs for either breed include food ($30–$100 depending on size and dietary needs), pet insurance ($30–$60), routine grooming ($0–$100 depending on coat type), and miscellaneous supplies. Annual veterinary care adds $300–$800 for healthy dogs, with senior dogs and those with chronic conditions requiring significantly more. Over a full lifespan, total ownership costs for medium to large breeds commonly reach $15,000–$30,000, not including emergency veterinary care. Before deciding between the Brittany and English Springer Spaniel, create a realistic budget that accounts for these ongoing expenses to ensure you can provide excellent care throughout the dog's entire life without financial strain.
Hidden costs that prospective owners frequently overlook include professional training classes ($150–$500 for basic obedience), boarding or pet sitting during vacations ($30–$75 per night), dog-proofing your home ($100–$300), and replacement of items damaged during puppyhood. Renters should factor in pet deposits ($200–$500) and monthly pet rent ($25–$75) that many landlords charge. Pet insurance at $30–$60 per month is strongly recommended regardless of which breed you choose, as a single emergency can easily cost $3,000–$8,000. Establishing an emergency veterinary fund alongside insurance provides a financial safety net that prevents care decisions from being driven by budget constraints during your dog's most vulnerable moments.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Choose the Brittany if: You are looking for a breed that matches the Brittany's specific combination of traits and temperament characteristics outlined above. Consider this breed if your living situation, activity level, and experience with dogs align well with what the Brittany demands. Prospective owners should visit our full Brittany profile for detailed information on health issues, grooming requirements, training tips, and real ownership costs broken down by category.
Choose the English Springer Spaniel if: Your lifestyle and preferences align more closely with the English Springer Spaniel's temperament and physical characteristics. Review the complete English Springer Spaniel breed profile for in-depth coverage of health, temperament, cost breakdowns, and practical ownership advice. Spending time with both breeds before making a final decision is strongly recommended - attend breed-specific events, connect with local breed clubs, or visit reputable breeders and rescue organizations to interact with dogs of each breed in person.
Still undecided? Use our Dog Age Calculator and Puppy Weight Calculator to understand the growth and aging trajectory for each breed. Browse our expert guides for advice on training, nutrition, health care, and choosing the right breed for your specific situation. The right dog is not simply the most popular or the most attractive breed - it is the one whose daily needs, temperament, and care requirements align with what you can realistically provide over the next decade or more. Take the time to meet dogs of both breeds in person before committing - the investment in research and firsthand experience prevents the heartbreak of rehoming a dog that does not fit your lifestyle.