Brittany Spaniel vs German Shepherd
Discover the differences between Brittany Spaniel and German Shepherd to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Brittany Spaniel
Energetic, affectionate, and eager to please, this breed thrives on companionship and adventure. Compact and athletic, Brittany Spaniel excels as both an upland bird dog and playful family friend.
German Shepherd
Confident, loyal, and highly intelligent, this breed thrives as both a devoted family companion and a reliable working partner. Always alert and eager to learn, it adapts to many roles with ease.
Quick comparison
Medium
14–18 kg
Dense, flat or wavy
12–14 years
13–17 kg
High energy
Large
30–40 kg
Double coat, dense undercoat
9–13 years
22–32 kg
High energy
Personality & behavior
Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.
Brittany Spaniel
Outgoing and affectionate with people and pets
Quick learner, responds well to training
Always active, needs regular exercise
Loves games, enjoys interactive activities
Adjusts well to new environments and routines
German Shepherd
Warm with family, reserved with strangers
Quick learner, highly trainable and alert
Needs regular activity and vigorous exercise
Enjoys games, interactive and engaging
Adjusts well to new situations and environments
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Brittany Spaniel
Hip dysplasia, epilepsy
German Shepherd
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Brittany Spaniel
Good option
Eager to please and responsive, but needs consistent exercise and training
Needs space
High energy and frequent barking can be challenging in small apartments
Perfect fit
Thrives with active owners and enjoys outdoor activities and exercise
Very friendly
Gentle, playful, and adaptable with children when supervised
Generally suitable
Usually sociable with other pets if properly socialized from an early age
Not ideal
Dislikes being alone and may develop separation anxiety or destructive behaviors
German Shepherd
Challenging for beginners
Needs experienced, consistent training and socialization
Not ideal
Needs space and frequent exercise to prevent boredom
Perfect fit
Thrives with active owners who can provide daily physical and mental challenges
Highly suitable
Loyal and protective, can be gentle and patient with proper socialization
Usually compatible
Can get along with other pets if raised together and well socialized
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone for long periods and may develop behavioral issues
Breed strengths
What each breed excels at and their best qualities
Brittany Spaniel
- Energetic and enthusiastic during outdoor activities
- Highly trainable and eager to please
- Excellent nose and instinct for hunting
- Generally friendly with people and children
- Medium size makes them adaptable to homes
German Shepherd
- Highly intelligent and quick to learn tasks
- Strong loyalty to family members
- Excellent working and service dog abilities
- Protective instincts make them good guardians
- Adaptable to various training activities
Challenges & considerations
Potential challenges and considerations for each breed
Brittany Spaniel
- Needs substantial daily physical exercise
- Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
- Can become destructive when understimulated
- High prey drive may chase small animals
- Regular grooming required for shedding and mats
German Shepherd
- Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia
- High exercise needs require daily activity
- Can develop separation anxiety if left alone
- May be wary of strangers without socialization
- Heavy seasonal shedding requires frequent grooming
Ready to choose your perfect breed?
Learn more about each breed or compare other breeds to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.
Discover more helpful tools
Make use of our other free tools to get the most out of your pet experience