Brittany vs Border Collie
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Brittany
Sporting Group
Border Collie
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Brittany Overview
Brittanys are elegant sporting dogs with distinctive orange and white or liver and white coats. Their athletic build features a medium-sized, compact body with a deep chest and strong legs. Known for their alert expression and intelligent eyes, these dogs carry themselves with grace and agility. Their gentle expression and medium-length coat complement their enthusiastic and friendly demeanor.
Border Collie Overview
Border Collies showcase a medium-sized, athletic build with distinctive black and white coat patterns, though other colors exist. Their almond-shaped eyes possess an intense, intelligent gaze that reflects their keen herding instinct. A graceful, agile frame supports their remarkable working ability, complemented by a deep chest and strong legs built for endurance.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Brittanys are less energetic than Border Collies, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Brittanys require less grooming attention compared to Border Collies.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Brittanys tend to be more reserved with strangers than Border Collies.
- Trainability: Border Collies may be slightly easier to train due to their Border Collie's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Border Collies adapt better to apartment living, while Brittanys typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Brittany and Border Collie, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Brittany | Border Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Brittany | Border Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 18-21 inches 44-52 cm | 18-22 inches 46-56 cm |
| Weight | 30-40 lbs 14-18 kg | 30-55 lbs 14-25 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Brittany | Border Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Bright, Fun-Loving, Upbeat | Affectionate, Smart, Energetic |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Brittany | Border Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Brittany Temperament
The Brittany is known for being bright, fun-loving, upbeat, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Border Collie Temperament
The Border Collie is characterized by being affectionate, smart, energetic, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Brittany and Border Collie, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Brittany
Rating: 4/5
Border Collie
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Brittany
Rating: 4/5
Border Collie
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Brittany
Rating: 5/5
Border Collie
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Brittany
Rating: 1/5
Border Collie
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Brittany
Rating: 4/5
Border Collie
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Brittany Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Brittanys require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Brittanys require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Border Collie Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Border Collies need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Border Collies require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Brittany Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
- Heart Issues
Border Collie Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- CEA
- MDR1
- TNS
- CL
Pros & Cons
Brittany
Pros
- Highly trainable
- Excellent hunting companion
- Affectionate family dog
- Athletic and agile
- Good with children
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Can be strong-willed
- Requires regular activity
- May be too energetic for some
- Needs consistent training
Border Collie
Pros
- Extremely intelligent
- Highly trainable
- Athletic and agile
- Loyal and devoted
- Excellent working dog
Cons
- Requires extensive exercise
- May be too intense for novice owners
- Strong herding instinct
- Needs constant mental stimulation
- Can be overly sensitive
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Brittany and Border Collie, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.