Pumi vs Brittany
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Pumi
Herding Group
Brittany
Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Pumi Overview
Pumi dogs showcase a distinctive curly coat and expressive face with semi-erect ears, creating their signature whimsical appearance. Medium-sized with a square build, they move with agile grace and purpose. Their alert, intelligent expression reflects their keen herding heritage, while their muscular build enables swift, efficient movement. The breed's spiral-curled coat forms corkscrews over their athletic frame.
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: Pumis are less energetic than Brittanys, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Pumis require less grooming attention compared to Brittanys.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Pumis tend to be more reserved with strangers than Brittanys.
- Trainability: Brittanys may be slightly easier to train due to their Brittany's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Pumis 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 Pumi and Brittany, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Pumi | Brittany |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-13 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Pumi | Brittany |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 15-19 inches 38-47 cm | 18-21 inches 44-52 cm |
| Weight | 22-29 lbs 10-13 kg | 30-40 lbs 14-18 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Pumi | Brittany |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Energetic, Lively, Ready to Work | Bright, Fun-Loving, Upbeat |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Pumi | Brittany |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Pumi Temperament
The Pumi is known for being energetic, lively, ready to work, making them better suited for homes without young children. 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.
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 Pumi 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
Pumi
Rating: 3/5
Brittany
Rating: 4/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Pumi
Rating: 3/5
Brittany
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Pumi
Rating: 4/5
Brittany
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Pumi
Rating: 1/5
Brittany
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Pumi
Rating: 2/5
Brittany
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Pumi Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Pumis 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, Pumis require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
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
Pumi Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Eye problems
- Degenerative myelopathy
Brittany Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
- Heart Issues
Pros & Cons
Pumi
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent herding instincts
- Adaptable
- Low-shedding coat
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Can be vocal
- Requires mental stimulation
- Strong herding 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 Pumi and Brittany, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.