Brittany Spaniel vs Springer Spaniel: 6 Ways They Are Different

Many of the hunting dog breeds found in western Europe bear similarities to each other. For example, the Brittany spaniel and the springer spaniel are two medium-sized hunting dogs with compact bodies and good hunting instincts. However, these two dogs have some differences in their bodies as well as their behaviors. Let’s take a closer look at the Brittany spaniel vs springer spaniel and see the qualities that make these two similar dogs unique.

Comparing a Brittany Spaniel and a Springer Spaniel

The 6 Key Differences Between a Brittany Spaniel vs Springer Spaniel

The biggest differences between a Brittany spaniel and a springer spaniel are their size, country of origin for the breed, and morphology. The Brittany spaniel is a French medium-sized dog weighing up to 40 pounds on average and standing between 17 and 21 inches tall. The springer spaniel is an English dog that weighs up to 50 pounds and stands 20 inches tall at its utmost. Also, while the Brittany spaniel is known for having short fur, a compact build, and floppy ears, the springer spaniel has a medium-long fur coat of coarse fair with significant feathering on the legs and underside along with long ears.

These are major differences between the two breeds, but they are not the only ones. Keep reading to learn more about the six differences between these two dogs.  

Brittany Spaniel vs Springer Spaniel: Size

The springer spaniel is larger than the Brittany spaniel. The springer weighs between 40 and 50 pounds while standing between 18 and 20 inches tall. The Brittany spaniel, specifically the American Brittany, can stand about 17 to 21 inches tall while weighing between 25 and 40 pounds.

All in all, the springer spaniel is the larger of the two.

Brittany Spaniel vs Springer Spaniel: Morphology

The springer spaniel and Brittany spaniel are both compact breeds with long ears, but they differ in several ways. For example, the Brittany spaniel has short fur, but the springer spaniel has medium-long fur. The Brittany spaniel has a docked tail in countries where that is still practiced, and they also have floppy ears with short fur on them.

The springer spaniel has longer fur and “feathering” on its legs, underside, and ears. Its ear fur is much longer than that of the Brittany spaniel, too. Also, it may have docked tail if it is a working dog. All in all, these dogs are roughly similar in size and body type, but their fur and ears give them away.  

Brittany Spaniel vs Springer Spaniel: Colors

The Brittany spaniel is known for having black, white, orange, and liver colors integrated into its coat. It can rarely present as a completely dark coat. However, it mostly has various patterns of color in its fur with the aforementioned colors.

The springer spaniel is also a patterned dog, and they have liver, black, white, and tan as their primary colors. Their coats are patterned and have various types of combinations. They can have two or three colors in their fur coat. All in all, these dogs have somewhat similar colors, but they have unique colors in tan and orange, respectively.

Brittany Spaniel vs Springer Spaniel: Uses in Hunting

The Brittany spaniel and the springer spaniel are both used as hunting dogs. The Brittany spaniel is a pointer dog that will find potential prey for its hunting partner. The French Brittany has a good retrieving instinct, and it’s known for sticking close to its hunter.

The springer spaniel is a sniffer dog that helps its hunter locate prey. It has a very powerful sense of smell. These dogs are also used to flush prey into the open for their hunter.

Brittany Spaniel vs Springer Spaniel: True Spaniel

As its behavior suggests, the Brittany spaniel is not a true spaniel. In fact, the American Kennel Club no longer recognizes the breed as a spaniel since it has more in common with setters. The change happened in 1984, but the old name has stuck around.

The springer spaniel is a true spaniel that flushes dogs rather than pointing to them during a hunt.  

Brittany Spaniel vs Springer Spaniel: Country of Origin

The Brittany spaniel is a dog that hails from northwest France. However, there is an American Brittany that exists as well. Meanwhile, the springer spaniel is from England.

Overall, the springer spaniel and the Brittany spaniel are two similar dogs. However, only the springer spaniel is a true spaniel, and the Brittany is referred to by the singular name by the AKC and other groups unless they are discussing the French or American breed specifically.

Telling these animals apart is not too difficult, though. Between their size, fur, colors, and behavior in the field of hunting, it’s clear these animals are unique.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Tatjana Vujnović