Brittany vs Vizsla: full comparison
| Trait | Brittany | Vizsla |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Very Low |
| Shedding | Medium | Low |
| Barking | Low | Low |
| Protectiveness | Low | Low |
| Adaptability | High | High |
| Typical lifespan | 14 years | 14 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
Key differences at a glance
- The Brittany has noticeably higher grooming than the Vizsla.
Size and living space
The Brittany is a medium-sized dog that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. By comparison, the Vizsla is a medium-sized dog that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. 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 Vizsla 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 consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. The Vizsla is about as low-effort to groom as dogs get and sheds very little. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.
Temperament, training and family life
The Brittany is exceptionally bright and absorbs new commands at speed, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and is famously gentle and patient with children. The Vizsla is exceptionally bright and absorbs new commands at speed, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and is famously gentle and patient with children. On guarding instinct, Brittany shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers, whereas Vizsla shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers.
Which is better for…
- For apartment or apartment living, Brittany and Vizsla are an even match — either can work well.
- For families with young children, Brittany and Vizsla are an even match — either can work well.
- For first-time dog owners, Brittany and Vizsla 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, Vizsla has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Brittany if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Vizsla on temperament, size and care.
Choose the Vizsla if you prefer lower grooming upkeep or you want less shedding around the home.
Not sure which breed is right for you?
Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.
Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Brittany or the Vizsla better for families with children?
- Both the Brittany and the Vizsla are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
- Which sheds more, the Brittany or the Vizsla?
- The Brittany sheds more than the Vizsla. If shedding is a concern, the Vizsla is the lower-maintenance choice.
- Which is easier to train, the Brittany or the Vizsla?
- Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
- Is Brittany or Vizsla bigger?
- Brittany and Vizsla are a similar size (Medium).
- Which barks more, Brittany or Vizsla?
- Both bark a similar amount (low).
- Which is better for apartment living, Brittany or Vizsla?
- For apartment or apartment living, Brittany and Vizsla are an even match — either can work well.