Brittany vs German Shepherd

Sporting · Medium vs Herding · Large

Quick take
  • German Shepherd is the larger breed at 65–90 lbs (males) vs 30–40 lbs for the Brittany.
  • The Brittany typically lives longer (12–14 years).
  • The Brittany sheds less.
  • The German Shepherd is generally more trainable.

Side-by-side traits

TraitBrittanyGerman Shepherd
Group
SportingHerding
Size
MediumLarge
Origin
FranceGermany
Height (male)
17.5–20.5"24–26"
Height (female)
17.5–20.5"22–24"
Weight (male)
30–40 lbs65–90 lbs
Weight (female)
30–40 lbs50–70 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
12–14 years9–13 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
Very High (5/5)Very High (5/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
High (4/5)Very High (5/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
Very High (5/5)Very High (5/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
Very High (5/5)Very High (5/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Moderate (3/5)Very High (5/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Low (2/5)Moderate (3/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Very Low (1/5)Low (2/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with kids
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Good with other dogs
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with strangers
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Moderate (3/5)Very High (5/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Coat length
mediummedium
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoNo
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About the Brittany

The Brittany is a bright, fun-loving, upbeat pointer-spaniel hybrid — energetic, athletic gundog and lively companion. Originally from France, this medium sporting breed typically weighs 30–40 lbs and lives 12–14 years. Breeders describe them as bright, fun-loving, upbeat.

About the German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is a confident, courageous, and smart working dog — the world's leading police, military, and service breed. Originally from Germany, this large herding breed typically weighs 65–90 lbs and lives 9–13 years. Breeders describe them as confident, courageous, smart.

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Brittany health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Epilepsy
  • Hypothyroidism

German Shepherd health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Bloat
  • Degenerative myelopathy