Brittany vs Small Munsterlander

Choosing between Brittany and Small Munsterlander? These two are closely matched on size and energy, so your decision comes down to the finer points — grooming, shedding, trainability and how each fits your household. Below we break down exactly how the two breeds compare on the things that shape daily life with a dog, so you can see which one is the better fit for your home, family and routine.

Brittany vs Small Munsterlander: full comparison

TraitBrittanySmall Munsterlander
SizeMediumMedium
Energy levelVery HighVery High
TrainabilityVery HighVery High
FriendlinessVery HighVery High
Good with childrenVery HighVery High
Grooming needsMediumMedium
SheddingMediumMedium
BarkingLowMedium
ProtectivenessLowLow
AdaptabilityHighHigh
Typical lifespan14 years13 years
HypoallergenicNoNo

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 Small Munsterlander 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 canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. The Small Munsterlander is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Brittany needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Small Munsterlander needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Brittany is exceptionally bright and absorbs new commands at speed, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. The Small Munsterlander is exceptionally bright and absorbs new commands at speed, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. On guarding instinct, Brittany shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers, whereas Small Munsterlander shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers.

Which is better for…

Which should you choose?

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

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

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