Cocker Spaniel vs Brittany
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Cocker Spaniel
Sporting Group
Brittany
Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Cocker Spaniel Overview
Cocker Spaniels captivate with their silky, flowing coats and expressive, soulful eyes. Distinguished by their gracefully domed skulls and long, low-set ears, these compact sporting dogs possess a balanced, sturdy frame. Their merry temperament combines with remarkable intelligence and gentle disposition, making them equally adept at both field work and family companionship.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Cocker Spaniels are less energetic than Brittanys, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Cocker Spaniels require more grooming attention compared to Brittanys.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Cocker Spaniels tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Brittanys.
- Trainability: Brittanys may be slightly easier to train due to their Brittany's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Cocker Spaniels 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 Cocker Spaniel and Brittany, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Cocker Spaniel | Brittany |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 10-14 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Cocker Spaniel | Brittany |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 14-15 inches 34-39 cm | 18-21 inches 44-52 cm |
| Weight | 20-30 lbs 9-14 kg | 30-40 lbs 14-18 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Cocker Spaniel | Brittany |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Gentle, Smart, Happy | Bright, Fun-Loving, Upbeat |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Cocker Spaniel | Brittany |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Cocker Spaniel Temperament
The Cocker Spaniel is known for being gentle, smart, happy, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Brittany Temperament
The Brittany is characterized by being bright, fun-loving, upbeat, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Cocker Spaniel and Brittany, 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
Cocker Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
Brittany
Rating: 4/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Cocker Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
Brittany
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Cocker Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Brittany
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Cocker Spaniel
Rating: 1/5
Brittany
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Cocker Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
Brittany
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Cocker Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Cocker Spaniels require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Cocker Spaniels require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Brittany Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Brittanys 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, Brittanys 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
Cocker Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Hip Dysplasia
- Ear Infections
- Heart Disease
- Patellar Luxation
Brittany Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
- Heart Issues
Pros & Cons
Cocker Spaniel
Pros
- Affectionate family companion
- Good with children
- Highly trainable
- Moderate size
- Sporting ability
Cons
- Regular grooming required
- Prone to ear infections
- Can be vocal
- Separation anxiety prone
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Cocker Spaniel and Brittany, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.