breed-comparison 8 min read

Brittany vs English Springer Spaniel: Which Is Right for You?

Breed: Brittany vs English Springer Spaniel | Published: July 7, 2026 | Source: allpets.ai

Two energetic hunting breeds with friendly temperaments. This guide compares Brittany and English Springer Spaniel on hunting ability, exercise, grooming, health, cost and family fit.

Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Brittany	English Springer Spaniel
Size (male/female)	30–40 lb (14–18 kg); 17.5–20.5 in	40–50 lb (18–23 kg); 19–20 in
Lifespan	12–14 years	12–14 years
Exercise needs	60–90+ minutes/day (structured + free play)	60–120+ minutes/day (structured + varied activity)
Grooming	Weekly brushing; bath as needed; occasional trimming	Brushing 3–4×/week; trimming every 6–8 weeks; frequent ear care
Typical hunting role	Pointing/retrieving, upland bird hunting (fast and agile)	Flushing and walking/water work; versatile gun dog
Family suitability	Active families, hunters, runners	Active families, hunters, multi-sport owners
Common health concerns	Hip dysplasia, ear infections, PRA, allergies	Hip dysplasia, ear infections, eye disease, sometimes autoimmune issues
Average puppy price (pet-quality)	$1,000–$2,500	$1,200–$2,500

Sources: American Kennel Club (AKC) breed profiles and club health pages.

Why compare these two breeds?

Brittanys (often called Brittany — formerly Brittany Spaniel) and English Springer Spaniels are both classic European gun-dog lines prized for their energy, trainability, and close working relationship with handlers. Prospective owners often choose between them because both fit active lifestyles and can be excellent family companions — but they differ in size, coat type, exercise profile and hunting style. This guide helps you match each breed to your daily life and priorities.

Side-by-side analysis: key factors

Temperament

Brittany

- Typically bright, eager-to-please and highly driven. They are friendly and affectionate with family, often forming strong bonds with one or two primary handlers. - Tend to be a bit more independent in the field than some flushers, with an energetic, athletic personality. - Good with children when socialized early; can be a bit mouthy or bouncy as puppies.

English Springer Spaniel

- Affectionate, people-oriented and generally more demonstrative — often called a “velcro” dog because they like to be with you. - Very trainable and usually eager to work for praise and food; responsive to consistent, positive training. - Known for being patient with kids, but high activity can overwhelm small children without supervision.

Both breeds are social and do not do well when left alone for long stretches; separation anxiety can develop without mental and physical outlets.

Hunting ability and style

Brittany

- Primarily an upland pointing/flush-and-retrieve dog. They quarter ground quickly and often “point” by freezing and indicating bird location, then flushing for the shot and retrieving when trained. - Favored for agility and speed over thick cover; works well off-leash in open uplands.

English Springer Spaniel

- Traditionally a flushing and retrieving gun dog used to work closer to the handler. They excel in both upland and water work, making them versatile for multiple game types. - Springers are often chosen for rougher terrain and dense cover because of their endurance and nose.

Which is better for hunting depends on terrain and style: pick a Brittany for fast, open upland work; pick a Springer for close quarter flushing, water work and steady quartering.

Exercise and mental stimulation (practical numbers)

Brittany

- Daily physical exercise: at least 60–90 minutes of active exercise (swims, off-leash runs, long hikes, training, hunting). Many Bri retrievers will happily do 90–120 minutes if you’re an active handler. - Mental stimulation: 20–40 minutes/day of training, nose work, or puzzle play to avoid boredom.

English Springer Spaniel

- Daily physical exercise: at least 60–120 minutes of activity (fetch, structured training, long walks, swimming). Springers often require more varied activities to stay satisfied. - Mental stimulation: 30–60 minutes/day of obedience, scent work, or agility keeps them balanced.

Bottom line: Both are working breeds that need substantial daily activity. An hour won’t be enough for most adults of either breed unless supplemented with high-value mental work.

Grooming and maintenance

Brittany

- Coat: medium-length, dense with a flat or slightly wavy texture. - Brushing: weekly (5–10 minutes) to remove dead hair and prevent mats; more during seasonal shed. - Bathing: as needed (every 6–8 weeks typical for active outdoor dogs) and routine ear checks to prevent moisture-related infections. - Trims: occasional trimming around feet and sanitary areas; not as high-maintenance as longer-coated spaniels.

English Springer Spaniel

- Coat: medium to long with feathering on ears, chest, belly and legs. - Brushing: 3–4×/week (10–20 minutes) to prevent mats and remove burrs; daily brushing is common for heavily active dogs. - Bathing and trims: baths every 4–8 weeks if working; professional trimming every 6–8 weeks helps keep coat healthy and manageable. Ear cleaning weekly is important because floppy ears trap moisture.

If low grooming time is a priority, a Brittany is generally easier; if you don’t mind regular brushing and trims, a Springer’s coat is manageable.

Health overview and screening

Both breeds are generally healthy but have breed-specific risks. Responsible breeders screen breeding stock; ask for OFA (hips/elbows), cardiac, and eye clearances.

Common concerns for both:

Hip dysplasia — screen with OFA or PennHIP.
Ear infections — due to activity and floppy/feathered ears (especially Springers).
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and other eye issues — ophthalmologist exams recommended.
Epilepsy and certain hereditary conditions occur in both lines at varying frequencies.

Recommended health checks before purchase/adoption:

OFA/CERF (or equivalent) hip and elbow clearance
Ophthalmologist exam (ACVO)
Cardiac auscultation (by a vet or cardiologist)
Review of parent health testing and clearances

Sources and further reading: AKC breed health pages and national breed clubs often publish recommended screening protocols for their breeds.

Cost (purchase, first year, and ongoing)

Puppy price (reputable breeder): Brittany $1,000–$2,500; English Springer $1,200–$2,500. Prices vary by region, lines (field vs. show), and breeder reputation.
First-year costs (food, vaccinations, spay/neuter, basic gear, training classes): roughly $1,500–$3,000 depending on services and emergency care.
Annual costs (food, routine vet care, grooming, insurance): $800–$2,000+/year. Grooming costs higher for Springers if you use professional trimming.

Adoption is typically cheaper for the initial purchase, but always factor in potential health histories and training needs.

Which Breed Is Right For You? (Lifestyle scenarios)

You’re an active upland hunter who wants a fast, agile partner for quick cover and wide-ranging work

- Likely best fit: Brittany. Their speed, pointing style and lighter frame make them ideal for open-country bird work.

You want a multi-purpose gun dog that can flush, work water, and handle close cover with steady retrieving

- Likely best fit: English Springer Spaniel. Springers are versatile in both land and water and work closely to the handler.

You run 4–6 miles most days and want a running buddy

- Both can be good partners, but Brittanys generally have a slightly lighter frame better suited to faster paced running; Springers handle longer, varied workouts better.

You live in a townhouse or apartment with moderate access to a dog park

- Neither breed is ideal for long periods of confinement, but a very active owner who commits to multiple daily outings and vigorous exercise could make either work. Brittanys are slightly better where less intense grooming is desired.

You’re a first-time dog owner who wants a family dog with kids

- Both can be great with children if socialized and trained early. Springers often display more overt affection and tolerance, but both need consistent training and boundaries with young children.

You prefer lower grooming maintenance

- Brittany is usually the lower-maintenance choice.

Pros and Cons

Brittany — Pros

Lighter, athletic frame: excellent for fast upland work
Generally lower grooming needs than many spaniels
Highly trainable and eager for jobs
Strong scenting ability and agile movement

Brittany — Cons

High energy; needs daily rigorous exercise and mental work
Can be independent in the field — may require steady off-leash recall training
Prone to common working-dog health issues (hips, ears, eyes)

English Springer Spaniel — Pros

Very people-oriented and affectionate — classic family gun dog
Versatile in water and thick cover; excellent nose and stamina
Eager to please and highly trainable for multiple dog sports

English Springer Spaniel — Cons

Requires more grooming (frequent brushing and regular trims)
High-energy and prone to separation anxiety if left alone
Floppy ears and feathering increase ear-care and matting needs

Choosing responsibly: breeder and rescue advice

Look for responsible breeders who provide health clearances (OFA/PennHIP for hips, cardiac, eye exams). Meet the parents if possible and ask about temperaments and working backgrounds.
Rescue and breed-specific rescues are excellent options; many retired hunting dogs and young dogs need rehoming.
Plan training early: both breeds excel with positive reinforcement, consistent rules and plenty of early socialization.

Key Takeaways

Both Brittanys and English Springer Spaniels make excellent companions for active households and hunters; the right choice depends on terrain, workload and grooming tolerance.
Brittanys tend to be lighter, faster and lower-maintenance coat-wise — an excellent fit for fast upland work and owners who want a slightly lower grooming burden.
Springers are a touch larger, very people-focused and versatile in flushing and water work, but need more frequent grooming and careful ear care.
Expect 60–120+ minutes of structured exercise and mental stimulation per day for either breed, routine health screenings, and lifelong commitment to training and socialization.

For breed-specific health screening recommendations and breed club resources, start with the American Kennel Club (AKC), national breed clubs and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).

References & Further Reading

American Kennel Club: Brittany breed profile — https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/brittany/
American Kennel Club: English Springer Spaniel breed profile — https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/english-springer-spaniel/
The Kennel Club (UK) breed pages and health guides
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) — breed health testing and statistics

(When considering a breeder or rescue, request health clearances and consult your veterinarian about recommended preventative care and breed-specific screening.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Which breed is better for hunting upland birds?

For fast, open upland hunting, many hunters prefer the Brittany for its speed and pointing style. For thicker cover and versatile flushing or water work, the English Springer Spaniel is often preferred.

Can either breed live in an apartment?

They can, but only with a very active owner who provides substantial daily exercise (60–120+ minutes) and mental stimulation. Neither breed is ideal for long periods of confinement.

How much grooming do they need?

Brittanys need weekly brushing and occasional trims; English Springer Spaniels require brushing 3–4 times per week, professional trims every 6–8 weeks, and routine ear cleaning.

Are these breeds good with children?

Yes. Both breeds are generally good with kids when socialized early and supervised. They’re energetic, so teach children and dogs boundaries to prevent accidental knocks or rough play.

What health tests should I ask a breeder for?

Ask for hip and elbow clearances (OFA/PennHIP), ophthalmologist eye exams, cardiac checks, and any breed-specific DNA test recommendations from national breed clubs.

References & Citations

Parts of this article reference data from American Kennel Club (AKC).

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