Brittany Spaniel vs Golden Retriever
Discover the differences between Brittany Spaniel and Golden Retriever 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.
Golden Retriever
A loving, intelligent breed with an easygoing nature and playful spirit. Known for loyalty and adaptability, making them exceptional companions for families of all kinds.
Quick comparison
Medium
14–18 kg
Dense, flat or wavy
12–14 years
13–17 kg
High energy
Large
29–34 kg
Double coat, water-repellent
10–12 years
25–29 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
Golden Retriever
Very sociable, enjoys people and other dogs
Quick to learn commands and routines
Needs regular activity and mental stimulation
Loves games and interactive activities
Adjusts well to various living environments
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Brittany Spaniel
Hip dysplasia, epilepsy
Golden Retriever
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
Golden Retriever
Great choice
Friendly, trainable nature makes them easy for new owners to manage
Needs space
Large size and high energy can be challenging in small apartments
Highly suitable
Enjoys regular exercise and outdoor activities with active people
Perfect fit
Gentle temperament and patience make them excellent with young children
Very friendly
Generally sociable and gets along well with other pets
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone for extended periods and may develop separation 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
Golden Retriever
- Friendly with children and other pets
- Highly trainable and eager to please
- Consistent, gentle temperament in most settings
- Reliable as therapy and assistance dogs
- Strong retrieving and swimming abilities
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
Golden Retriever
- Prone to obesity without portion control
- High shedding year-round requires regular grooming
- Needs ample daily exercise to prevent boredom
- Can develop separation anxiety when left alone
- Susceptible to certain genetic health conditions
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