Breed comparison

Brittany Spaniel or English Setter: Which breed should you choose?

Brittany Spaniel and English Setter are two dog breeds often compared by prospective owners. Here’s a point-by-point comparison to help you decide: size, temperament, purchase price, monthly budget, and compatibility with your lifestyle.

Brittany Spaniel

Brittany Spaniel

Medium13–18 kg€1,000 – €1,500
+6
English Setter

English Setter

Large25–30 kg€1,000 – €1,500
+6

Key takeaways

  • English Setter is larger: 25–30 kg compared with 13–18 kg for Brittany Spaniel.
  • Both breeds fall within the same purchase price range: €1,000 – €1,500.
  • Brittany Spaniel costs less day to day: about €119 per month compared with €170 for English Setter.
  • English Setter needs less daily activity (4/5 compared with 5/5 for Brittany Spaniel).
  • Brittany Spaniel scores higher for “Families and children”: 5/5 compared with 4/5 for English Setter.
  • For “Apartment living,” both breeds are tied (1/5).
  • For “First-time owners,” both breeds are tied (3/5).
  • Both breeds have a similar life expectancy: 12–14 years.

Our verdict

Choose Brittany Spaniel if you’re looking for…

  • Active families: He thrives with present households who enjoy going out and sharing activities.
  • Nature lovers: Long walks, hikes and scent activities suit his temperament well.
  • Hunters or sporting handlers: His pointing dog profile and his endurance remain major assets.

Choose English Setter if you’re looking for…

  • Active families: He integrates well into a present and dynamic household that enjoys regular outings.
  • Nature lovers: Wide open spaces and varied walks perfectly match his temperament.
  • Hunters or canine sports enthusiasts: His natural qualities of endurance and nose are valuable in field activities.

Detailed comparison

General information
Origin FranceUnited Kingdom
FCI group 77
Build MediumLarge
Height at the withers 46–51 cm61–68 cm
Weight 13–18 kg25–30 kg
Coat Short, fine, slightly wavyLong, slightly wavy
Life expectancy 12–14 years10–14 years
Average price €1,000 – €1,500€1,000 – €1,500
Monthly budget ≈ €119≈ €170
Compatibility
Families and children
Excellent
Very good
Daily exercise needs
Very high
High
Apartment living
Limited
Limited
First-time owners
Good
Good
Other pets
Very good
Very good
Tolerance of being alone
Limited
Fair
Guarding instinct
Fair
Limited
Strengths and weaknesses
  • Obedient
  • Low risk of running away
  • Not very destructive
  • Good health
  • Easy to care for
  • Rarely drools
  • High exercise needs
  • Not very adaptable
  • Barks a lot
  • Sheds a lot
  • Obedient
  • Low risk of running away
  • Not very destructive
  • Good health
  • Rarely drools
  • High exercise needs
  • Not very adaptable
  • Barks a lot
  • High-maintenance coat
  • Sheds a lot