Brittany vs Working Kelpie
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
Working Kelpie
Foundation Stock Service
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.
Working Kelpie Overview
Working Kelpies are agile, medium-sized herding dogs with a distinctive athletic build and alert expression. Their muscular frame supports tireless work ethic, while their weather-resistant double coat comes in various colors. Sharp intelligence and intense focus characterize their demeanor, complemented by pricked ears and keen eyes that showcase their constant readiness for action.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Brittanys are more energetic than Working Kelpies, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Brittanys require more grooming attention compared to Working Kelpies.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Brittanys tend to be more reserved with strangers than Working Kelpies.
- Trainability: Working Kelpies may be slightly easier to train due to their Working Kelpie's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Working Kelpies 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 Working Kelpie, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Brittany | Working Kelpie |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Brittany | Working Kelpie |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 18-21 inches 44-52 cm | 19-25 inches 48-64 cm |
| Weight | 30-40 lbs 14-18 kg | 28-60 lbs 13-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Brittany | Working Kelpie |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Bright, Fun-Loving, Upbeat | Alert, Eager, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Brittany | Working Kelpie |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Working Kelpie Temperament
The Working Kelpie is characterized by being alert, eager, intelligent, which makes them great companions for families. 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 Working Kelpie, 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
Working Kelpie
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Brittany
Rating: 4/5
Working Kelpie
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Brittany
Rating: 5/5
Working Kelpie
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Brittany
Rating: 1/5
Working Kelpie
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Brittany
Rating: 4/5
Working Kelpie
Rating: 2/5
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.
Working Kelpie Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Working Kelpies 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, Working Kelpies require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Brittany Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
- Heart Issues
Working Kelpie Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Cerebellar Abiotrophy
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Cryptorchidism
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
Working Kelpie
Pros
- Exceptional working ability
- High intelligence
- Strong endurance
- Loyal companion
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Extremely high exercise needs
- Can be too intense for casual owners
- Strong herding instincts
- May be too energetic for small spaces
- Requires constant mental stimulation
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Brittany and Working Kelpie, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.