English Setter vs Brittany
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
English Setter
Sporting Group
Brittany
Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
English Setter Overview
English Setters showcase an elegant and athletic build with distinctive speckled coat patterns known as 'belton.' Their graceful movement and medium-sized, well-proportioned frame exemplify sporting dog refinement. Distinguished by their gentle expression, long neck, and deep chest, these dogs combine beauty with functionality. Their silky, flat coat features unique feathering on legs, chest, and tail.
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: English Setters are less energetic than Brittanys, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: English Setters require less grooming attention compared to Brittanys.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, English Setters 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: Brittanys adapt better to apartment living, while English Setters typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the English Setter and Brittany, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | English Setter | Brittany |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-12 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | English Setter | Brittany |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-27 inches 58-69 cm | 18-21 inches 44-52 cm |
| Weight | 45-80 lbs 20-36 kg | 30-40 lbs 14-18 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Regularly | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | English Setter | Brittany |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Mellow, Merry | Bright, Fun-Loving, Upbeat |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | English Setter | Brittany |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
English Setter Temperament
The English Setter is known for being friendly, mellow, merry, 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. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
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 English Setter 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
English Setter
Rating: 4/5
Brittany
Rating: 4/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
English Setter
Rating: 4/5
Brittany
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
English Setter
Rating: 4/5
Brittany
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
English Setter
Rating: 1/5
Brittany
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
English Setter
Rating: 4/5
Brittany
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
English Setter Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
English Setters 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, English Setters 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
English Setter Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Deafness
- Hypothyroidism
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
Brittany Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
- Heart Issues
Pros & Cons
English Setter
Pros
- Gentle and friendly temperament
- Excellent with children
- Athletic and versatile
- Good hunting companion
Cons
- Regular grooming required
- High exercise needs
- Can be stubborn
- Moderate shedding
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 English Setter and Brittany, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.