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Brittany vs English Springer Spaniel

Both are medium sporting dogs for active homes; the Brittany is lighter, more energetic and easier to groom, the Springer sturdier with a higher-care coat.

Brittany profileEnglish Springer Spaniel profile

Verdict

The Brittany and the English Springer Spaniel are friendly, trainable sporting dogs that need 60 to 90 minutes of exercise a day and are poor apartment choices. Both do well with children, suit hunters, hikers and anyone who enjoys time outdoors, and both are unhappy when left alone all day.

The Brittany is the lighter and more energetic dog, a pointing breed with a sensitive streak and a short, easy coat. The Springer is the sturdier and larger at 40 to 50 pounds, a flushing dog with a coat that calls for much more grooming and ear attention. The Springer is eager to please and a touch more vocal, while the Brittany tops the scale for energy.

Choose the Brittany if

  • You run or hike and want a tireless medium-sized partner
  • You prefer a shorter coat that takes little grooming
  • You like a pointing breed with a happy, sensitive nature
  • You want a quieter dog

Choose the English Springer Spaniel if

  • You want a sturdier, larger spaniel
  • You hunt, hike or do dog sports
  • You will manage regular grooming and ear care
  • You like an eager-to-please, affectionate temperament

Side by side

Brittany English Springer Spaniel
AKC group Sporting Group Sporting Group
Size class Medium Medium
Typical weight 30 to 40 lb 40 to 50 lb
Height 17.5 to 20.5 in at the shoulder 19 to 20 in at the shoulder
Typical lifespan 12 to 14 years 12 to 14 years
AKC popularity, 2025 31 of 202 27 of 202
Shedding Moderate Moderate
Grooming needs Low High
Energy Very high High
Trainability Easy Easy
Barking Seldom barks Barks sometimes
With children Very good Very good
Apartment living Poor Fair
First-time owners Manageable Manageable
Heat tolerance Average Average
Cold tolerance Average Average
Temperament
  • energetic
  • alert
  • happy
  • sensitive
  • friendly
  • eager to please
  • energetic
  • affectionate
Health concerns to know about
  • hip dysplasia
  • epilepsy
  • hypothyroidism
  • eye conditions
  • canine spinal muscular atrophy
  • hip dysplasia
  • ear infections
  • eye conditions
  • phosphofructokinase deficiency
  • rage syndrome in some lines
Suits
  • hunters
  • runners and hikers
  • active owners who want a medium-sized dog
  • active families
  • hunters
  • people who enjoy daily outdoor time

Facts and ratings come from each breed's profile. They describe a breed as a whole, and individual dogs vary, so meet the dog before you choose.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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