German Spitz vs Brittany
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
German Spitz
Foundation Stock Service
Brittany
Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
German Spitz Overview
German Spitz dogs showcase a distinctive fox-like face with alert, pointed ears and a luxurious double coat that forms a striking ruff around the neck. Their compact yet sturdy build combines elegance with strength, featuring a well-proportioned body and characteristic plumed tail carried high over the back. These spirited companions display remarkable agility and grace in movement, embodying their lively and attentive nature.
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: German Spitzs are less energetic than Brittanys, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: German Spitzs require less grooming attention compared to Brittanys.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, German Spitzs 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: German Spitzs 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 German Spitz and Brittany, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | German Spitz | Brittany |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 13-15 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | German Spitz | Brittany |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 12-15 inches 30-38 cm | 18-21 inches 44-52 cm |
| Weight | 24-26 lbs 11-12 kg | 30-40 lbs 14-18 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | German Spitz | Brittany |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Devoted, Lively, Attentive | Bright, Fun-Loving, Upbeat |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | German Spitz | Brittany |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
German Spitz Temperament
The German Spitz is known for being devoted, lively, attentive, making them better suited for homes without young children. 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 German Spitz 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
German Spitz
Rating: 3/5
Brittany
Rating: 4/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
German Spitz
Rating: 4/5
Brittany
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
German Spitz
Rating: 3/5
Brittany
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
German Spitz
Rating: 1/5
Brittany
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
German Spitz
Rating: 4/5
Brittany
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
German Spitz Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
German Spitzs 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, German Spitzs 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
German Spitz Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Eye Problems
- Dental Issues
- Hip Dysplasia
- Heart Murmurs
Brittany Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
- Heart Issues
Pros & Cons
German Spitz
Pros
- Highly adaptable
- Excellent watchdog
- Affectionate with family
- Low maintenance cost
Cons
- Can be vocal
- Suspicious of strangers
- Regular grooming needed
- Strong prey drive
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 German Spitz and Brittany, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.