Is the Brittany or the English Springer Spaniel better for families with children?

Both the Brittany and the English Springer Spaniel are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Brittany or the English Springer Spaniel?

The Brittany and English Springer Spaniel shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Brittany or the English Springer Spaniel?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Brittany or English Springer Spaniel bigger?

Brittany and English Springer Spaniel are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Brittany or English Springer Spaniel?

English Springer Spaniel tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Brittany is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Brittany or English Springer Spaniel?

For apartment or apartment living, Brittany has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Brittany vs English Springer Spaniel: Which Is Quieter?

Brittany vs English Springer Spaniel: full comparison

Trait	Brittany	English Springer Spaniel
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	Very High	Very High
Trainability	Very High	Very High
Friendliness	Very High	Very High
Good with children	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	Medium	Medium
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Low	Medium
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	14 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Brittany is a medium-sized dog that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. By comparison, the English Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized dog that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Brittany is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. The English Springer Spaniel is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Brittany needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The English Springer Spaniel needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Brittany is highly intelligent and learns new commands remarkably fast, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and is famously gentle and patient with children. The English Springer Spaniel is highly intelligent and learns new commands remarkably fast, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is famously gentle and patient with children. On guarding instinct, Brittany is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors, whereas English Springer Spaniel is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Brittany has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Brittany and English Springer Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Brittany and English Springer Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Brittany has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Brittany and English Springer Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Brittany if you prefer a quieter dog or you want a longer-lived breed.

Choose the English Springer Spaniel if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Brittany on temperament, size and care.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Brittany or the English Springer Spaniel better for families with children?: Both the Brittany and the English Springer Spaniel are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Brittany or the English Springer Spaniel?: The Brittany and English Springer Spaniel shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Brittany or the English Springer Spaniel?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Brittany or English Springer Spaniel bigger?: Brittany and English Springer Spaniel are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Brittany or English Springer Spaniel?: English Springer Spaniel tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Brittany is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Brittany or English Springer Spaniel?: For apartment or apartment living, Brittany has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Brittany vs English Springer Spaniel