Breed comparison

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

English Cocker Spaniel and Brittany Spaniel 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.

English Cocker Spaniel

English Cocker Spaniel

Medium12–14 kg€700 – €1,000
+9
Brittany Spaniel

Brittany Spaniel

Medium13–18 kg€1,000 – €1,500
+6

Key takeaways

  • Brittany Spaniel is larger: 13–18 kg compared with 12–14 kg for English Cocker Spaniel.
  • English Cocker Spaniel costs less to buy: €700 – €1,000 compared with €1,000 – €1,500 for Brittany Spaniel.
  • The monthly budget is similar for both breeds: about €119 per month.
  • English Cocker Spaniel 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 Cocker Spaniel.
  • English Cocker Spaniel scores higher for “Apartment living”: 3/5 compared with 1/5 for Brittany Spaniel.
  • For “First-time owners,” both breeds are tied (3/5).
  • Both breeds have a similar life expectancy: 13–15 years.

Our verdict

Choose English Cocker Spaniel if you’re looking for…

  • Active families: He fits in well with a present, playful household that is ready to take him out often.
  • Sporty owners: He willingly accompanies dynamic walks, outings in the forest and certain dog sports.
  • Households with children: His affectionate and playful temperament makes him a good companion for family life.
  • Urban life with availability: He can live in the city if his exercise needs are truly met.

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.

Detailed comparison

General information
Origin EnglandFrance
FCI group 87
Build MediumMedium
Height at the withers 38–41 cm46–51 cm
Weight 12–14 kg13–18 kg
Coat Medium-long, silkyShort, fine, slightly wavy
Life expectancy 13–15 years12–14 years
Average price €700 – €1,000€1,000 – €1,500
Monthly budget ≈ €119≈ €119
Compatibility
Families and children
Very good
Excellent
Daily exercise needs
High
Very high
Apartment living
Good
Limited
First-time owners
Good
Good
Other pets
Very good
Very good
Tolerance of being alone
Fair
Limited
Guarding instinct
Fair
Fair
Strengths and weaknesses
  • Obedient
  • Low risk of running away
  • Not very destructive
  • Rarely barks
  • Robust health
  • Sheds very little
  • Rarely drools
  • High exercise needs
  • Not very adaptable
  • High-maintenance coat
  • 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