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Brittany vs French Spaniel

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Photo of the Brittany dog breed
BrittanyPhoto: Olatz / souligne — CC BY-SA 4.0 (source)
Photo of the French Spaniel dog breed
French SpanielPhoto: Alephalpha — CC BY-SA 3.0 (source)

Side by side

Comparison of Brittany and French Spaniel
TraitBrittanyFrench Spaniel
GroupPointing dogsPointing dogs
SizeMediumLarge
Weight14–18 kg20–27 kg
Height at withers43–52 cm53–61 cm
Life expectancy12–14 years12–14 years
Energy
With children
With other dogs
Trainability
Grooming needs
Shedding
Heat tolerance
ApartmentNot recommendedNot recommended

Key differences

  • Heavier: French Spaniel (about 23.5 kg vs 16 kg on average)
  • Taller: French Spaniel (about 57 cm vs 47.5 cm on average)

Gaps counted as key differences: more than 20% in average weight, more than 10% in average height, at least 2 years in average life expectancy, or at least 2 points on a rating.

Which one is right for you?

A quick guide based on the ratings above. Every dog is an individual: spend time with the breed and talk to breeders, rescue organisations or a veterinarian before deciding.

Apartment living
Both are similarBased on apartment suitability and energy.
Family with children
French Spaniel is the better fitBased on behaviour with children.
First-time owner
Both are similarBased on trainability, energy and grooming needs.
Hot climate
Both are similarBased on heat tolerance.
Active owner
Brittany is the better fitBased on energy level.

Meet the two breeds

Brittany

The smallest French pointing dog is also one of the most popular: the Brittany is lively, affectionate and passionate about hunting.

Read the full Brittany profile

French Spaniel

A large white-and-brown pointing spaniel, the French Spaniel is gentle, balanced and very close to its family, in the field and at home.

Read the full French Spaniel profile