What is the difference between Brittany and German Shepherd?

When comparing Brittany and German Shepherd, there are several differences in size, temperament, grooming needs, and other characteristics. See the detailed comparison table above for specifics.

Which is better: Brittany or German Shepherd?

The "better" breed depends on your lifestyle and needs. Both breeds have their unique advantages and characteristics. Consider your living situation, activity level, and family circumstances when making your decision.

Brittany vs German Shepherd Comparison

Quick Verdict

Who wins in each category?

Overall Winner

Brittany

5/6

Common Names & Aliases

Compare different names used for Brittany and German Shepherd. What other names are these breeds known by?

American BrittanyBrittany SpanielEpagneul Breton

Alsatian wolf dogBerger AllemandDeutscher SchäferhundSchäferhundAlsatian

Breed Classification

Compare breed classifications between a Brittany and a German Shepherd. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.

Purebred

Brittany

German Shepherd

Size Classification

Which is bigger: a Brittany or a German Shepherd? Compare size differences between these breeds.

Medium

Large

Weight Statistics

Compare weight ranges between a Brittany and a German Shepherd. Which breed is heavier?

Male: 16-18 kg14-18 kg

Male: 30-40 kgFemale: 22-32 kg

Average Weight

Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?

Male: 17 kg15.9 kg

Male: 34.9 kgFemale: 27.2 kg

Height

Which is taller, Brittany or German Shepherd? Is a Brittany taller than a German Shepherd?

Male: 43-53 cmFemale: 46-51 cm

Male: 60-65 cmFemale: 55-60 cm

Average Height

Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?

Male: 48 cmFemale: 48.5 cm

Male: 62.5 cmFemale: 57.5 cm

Brittany

German Shepherd

Intelligence Rating

Which breed scores better for intelligence rating: Brittany or German Shepherd?

4.5/5

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: German Shepherd performs best for intelligence rating, with a perfect score of 5/5, while Brittany, scoring lower at 4.5/5.

Watchdog Rating

Which breed scores better for watchdog rating: Brittany or German Shepherd?

3/5

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: German Shepherd performs best for watchdog rating, with a perfect score of 5/5, while Brittany, scoring lower at 3/5.

Training Difficulty

Which breed scores better for training difficulty: Brittany or German Shepherd?

4/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: Brittany and German Shepherd are tied with the highest rating for training difficulty (4/5).

Territorial Protection

Which breed scores better for territorial protection: Brittany or German Shepherd?

3/5

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: German Shepherd performs best for territorial protection, with a perfect score of 5/5, while Brittany, scoring lower at 3/5.

Brittany

German Shepherd

Price Range

Compare puppy prices between a Brittany and a German Shepherd. Which breed costs more?

💵$700-$800

💰$800-$2000

Availability

Which breed is easier to get: Brittany or German Shepherd?

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: Brittany and German Shepherd are tied with the highest availability rating of 5/5.

Brittany

German Shepherd

Personality Traits

Compare personalities of a Brittany and a German Shepherd. How do their temperaments differ?

AlertIntelligentSocialIndependentResponsive

AlertCourageousIntelligentObedientConfidentCuriousLoyalWatchful

Sensitivity Level

Which breed scores better for sensitivity level: Brittany or German Shepherd?

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: Brittany and German Shepherd are tied with the highest rating for sensitivity level (5/5).

Impulse to Wander or Roam

Which breed scores better for impulse to wander or roam: Brittany or German Shepherd?

4/5Top Pick

1/5

Verdict: Brittany performs best for impulse to wander or roam, with a rating of 4/5, while German Shepherd, scoring lower at 1/5.

Prey Drive

Which breed scores better for prey drive: Brittany or German Shepherd?

5/5Top Pick

4/5

Verdict: Brittany performs best for prey drive, with a perfect score of 5/5, while German Shepherd, scoring slightly lower at 4/5.

Affection Level

Which breed scores better for affection level: Brittany or German Shepherd?

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: Brittany and German Shepherd are tied with the highest rating for affection level (5/5).

Social Needs

Which breed scores better for social needs: Brittany or German Shepherd?

5/5Top Pick

3/5

Verdict: Brittany performs best for social needs, with a perfect score of 5/5, while German Shepherd, scoring lower at 3/5.

Brittany

German Shepherd

Barking Frequency

Which breed scores better for barking frequency: Brittany or German Shepherd?

3/5Top Pick

2/5

Verdict: Brittany performs best for barking frequency, with a rating of 3/5, while German Shepherd, scoring slightly lower at 2/5.

Playful Nature

Which breed scores better for playful nature: Brittany or German Shepherd?

5/5Top Pick

3/5

Verdict: Brittany performs best for playful nature, with a perfect score of 5/5, while German Shepherd, scoring lower at 3/5.

Apartment Adaptability

Which breed scores better for apartment adaptability: Brittany or German Shepherd?

3/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: Brittany and German Shepherd are tied with the highest rating for apartment adaptability (3/5).

Brittany

German Shepherd

Lifestyle Adaptability

Which breed scores better for lifestyle adaptability: Brittany or German Shepherd?

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: Brittany and German Shepherd are tied with the highest rating for lifestyle adaptability (5/5).

Alone Time Tolerance

Which handles being alone better: a Brittany or a German Shepherd? Compare separation anxiety tendencies.

❌Very Low

⏰Moderate

Brittany

German Shepherd

Bite Risk Assessment

Which has lower bite risk: a Brittany or a German Shepherd? Compare biting tendencies.

🟢Low

🟠High

Mouthing Tendency

Which breed scores better for mouthing tendency: Brittany or German Shepherd?

3/5

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: German Shepherd performs best for mouthing tendency, with a perfect score of 5/5, while Brittany, scoring lower at 3/5.

Bite Strength Rating

Which has a stronger bite: a Brittany or a German Shepherd? Compare bite force PSI.

🐕Between 200 and 400 PSI

Brittany

German Shepherd

Average Lifespan

Which lives longer: a Brittany or a German Shepherd? Compare average lifespans.

💚11-15 years

💙9-13 years

Climate Tolerance

Which handles weather better: a Brittany or a German Shepherd? Compare climate tolerances.

❄️Prefers average to cold weather conditions

☀️Tolerates warm and cold weather

Health Concerns

Which breed scores better for health concerns: Brittany or German Shepherd?

3/5

4/5Top Pick

Verdict: German Shepherd performs best for health concerns, with a rating of 4/5, while Brittany, scoring slightly lower at 3/5.

Health Problems

Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Brittany vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Brittany vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:

EpilepsyHip DysplasiaHypothyroidism

AllergiesBlindnessBloatCancerCataractsCherry EyeChronic DiarrheaCruciate Ligament RuptureCushing's SyndromeDegenerative MyelopathyDemodectic MangeDiabetesDigestive ProblemsElbow DysplasiaEpilepsyExocrine Pancreatic InsufficiencyHeart DiseaseHemophilia AHemophilia BHip DysplasiaHypertrophic OsteodystrophyLens LuxationLupusMegaesophagusMyasthenia GravisNail Bed DiseaseOsteochondrosisPannusPanosteitisParalysisPerianal FistulaProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Retinal DysplasiaSeborrheaVitiligoVon Willebrand's DiseaseWobbler's Syndrome

Vet Care Frequency

Which needs more vet care: a Brittany or a German Shepherd? Compare veterinary requirements.

🏥Average

💚Rare

Brittany

German Shepherd

Energy Rating

Which breed scores better for energy rating: Brittany or German Shepherd?

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: Brittany and German Shepherd are tied with the highest rating for energy rating (5/5).

Sleeping Need

Which breed scores better for sleeping need: Brittany or German Shepherd?

1/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: Brittany and German Shepherd are tied with the highest rating for sleeping need (1/5).

Activity Requirement / Exercise Need

Which breed scores better for activity requirement / exercise need: Brittany or German Shepherd?

5/5Top Pick

4/5

Verdict: Brittany performs best for activity requirement / exercise need, with a perfect score of 5/5, while German Shepherd, scoring slightly lower at 4/5.

Brittany

German Shepherd

Obesity Tendency

Which breed scores better for obesity tendency: Brittany or German Shepherd?

3/5Top Pick

2/5

Verdict: Brittany performs best for obesity tendency, with a rating of 3/5, while German Shepherd, scoring slightly lower at 2/5.

Food Consumption

Which eats more: a Brittany or a German Shepherd? Compare daily food needs.

🍽️🍽️🍽️🍽️🍽️1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals.

🍽️🍽️🍽️🍽️🍽️3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Brittany

German Shepherd

Allergy Friendliness

Which is more hypoallergenic: a Brittany or a German Shepherd? Compare allergy friendliness.

❌No

Coat Colors

What color variations exist for Brittany and German Shepherd? Compare breed colors.

LiverWhiteOrangeRoan

SilverTanRedBlack

Grooming Requirements

Which breed scores better for grooming requirements: Brittany or German Shepherd?

2/5

3/5Top Pick

Verdict: German Shepherd performs best for grooming requirements, with a rating of 3/5, while Brittany, scoring slightly lower at 2/5.

Shedding Level

Which breed scores better for shedding level: Brittany or German Shepherd?

2/5

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: German Shepherd performs best for shedding level, with a perfect score of 5/5, while Brittany, scoring lower at 2/5.

Drooling Tendency

Which breed scores better for drooling tendency: Brittany or German Shepherd?

2/5Top Pick

1/5

Verdict: Brittany performs best for drooling tendency, with a rating of 2/5, while German Shepherd, scoring slightly lower at 1/5.

Stinkiness Rating

Which has less odor: a Brittany or a German Shepherd? Compare natural smell levels.

👃👃👃👃👃Medium

Coat Characteristics

How do coats differ between a Brittany and a German Shepherd? Compare fur types.

Feathered

Fuzzy

Bathing Needs

Which needs more baths: a Brittany or a German Shepherd? Compare bathing frequencies.

🛁6-8 weeks

🛁8-12 weeks

Brittany

German Shepherd

Cat Friendly

Which breed scores better for cat friendly: Brittany or German Shepherd?

3/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: Brittany and German Shepherd are tied with the highest rating for cat friendly (3/5).

Child Compatibility

Which breed scores better for child compatibility: Brittany or German Shepherd?

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: Brittany and German Shepherd are tied with the highest rating for child compatibility (5/5).

Dog Friendly

Which breed scores better for dog friendly: Brittany or German Shepherd?

5/5Top Pick

2/5

Verdict: Brittany performs best for dog friendly, with a perfect score of 5/5, while German Shepherd, scoring lower at 2/5.

Stranger Friendly

Which breed scores better for stranger friendly: Brittany or German Shepherd?

3/5

4/5Top Pick

Verdict: German Shepherd performs best for stranger friendly, with a rating of 4/5, while Brittany, scoring slightly lower at 3/5.

Office Friendly

Are Brittany dogs good office canines? Do Brittany dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?

❌No

Senior Citizens Friendly

Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the German Shepherd temperament with senior people? Are dogs good for elderly owners?

💚Highly Recommended

Pet Compatibility

Which is better with other pets: a Brittany or a German Shepherd? Compare compatibility.

🐶Average

Good For First Time Owners

Is Brittany breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Brittany breed suitable for first-time owners?

✅Yes

Brittany

German Shepherd

Service Dog Capability

Which makes a better service dog: a Brittany or a German Shepherd? Compare service capabilities.

⭐●●●●●Not really

⭐●●●●●Yes

Therapy Work Suitability

Which is better for therapy work: a Brittany or a German Shepherd? Compare therapy capabilities.

⭐●●●●●Not really

⭐●●●●●Yes

Scent Detection Ability

Which is better at detection work: a Brittany or a German Shepherd? Compare scenting abilities.

⭐●●●●●Not really

⭐●●●●●Yes

Search & Rescue Potential

Which is better for search and rescue: a Brittany or a German Shepherd? Compare SAR abilities.

Not really

✅Yes

Maritime Work Ability

Which is better on boats: a Brittany or a German Shepherd? Compare maritime abilities.

⭐●●●●●Not really

Draft Work Capability

Which is better at pulling: a Brittany or a German Shepherd? Compare draft work capabilities.

⭐●●●●●Not really

Military Service Background

Compare military history between Brittany and German Shepherd. Which has stronger military background?

Not really

Yes

Brittany

German Shepherd

Puppy Litter Size

Compare litter sizes between Brittany and German Shepherd. Which has larger litters?

🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶1-11 puppies, average 6

🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶6-10 puppies

Pregnancy Duration

Compare pregnancy duration between Brittany and German Shepherd breeds.

🤰60-64 days

Breeding Frequency

Compare breeding frequencies between Brittany and German Shepherd. Which needs longer recovery?

💚Once a year.

Brittany

German Shepherd

AKC Classification

Compare AKC classifications of Brittany and German Shepherd. Which groups do they belong to?

🏅Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1934 as a Sporting breed.

🏅Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.

FCI Classification

Compare FCI classifications of Brittany and German Shepherd. Which groups are they in?

🏅Recognized by FCI in the Pointing Dogs group, in the Continental Pointing Dogs section.

🏅Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.

Kennel Club Recognition

Compare kennel club recognition between Brittany and German Shepherd. Which is more widely recognized?

🏅American Canine Registry🏅American Kennel Club🏅America's Pet Registry🏅Australian National Kennel Council🏅Canadian Kennel Club🏅Continental Kennel Club🏅Dog Registry of America Inc.🏅Federation Cynologique Internationale🏅Kennel Club of Great Britain🏅National Kennel Club🏅New Zealand Kennel Club🏅North American Purebred Registry, Inc.🏅United Kennel Club🏅American Canine Association, Inc.

Brittany

German Shepherd

Basic Info

Origin

France

Germany

Group

Gun Dog

Pastoral / Herding Dogs

Popularity

#26

Common Names & Aliases

American BrittanyBrittany SpanielEpagneul Breton

Alsatian wolf dogBerger AllemandDeutscher SchäferhundSchäferhundAlsatian

Breed Classification

Purebred

Size Classification

Medium

Large

Weight Statistics

Male: 16-18 kg, 14-18 kg

Male: 30-40 kg, Female: 22-32 kg

Average Weight

Male: 17 kg, 15.9 kg

Male: 34.9 kg, Female: 27.2 kg

Height

Male: 43-53 cm, Female: 46-51 cm

Male: 60-65 cm, Female: 55-60 cm

Average Height

Male: 48 cm, Female: 48.5 cm

Male: 62.5 cm, Female: 57.5 cm

Intelligence Rating

4.5/5

5/5

Watchdog Rating

3/5

5/5

Training Difficulty

4/5

Territorial Protection

3/5

5/5

Price Range

$700-$800

$800-$2000

Availability

5/5

Personality Traits

AlertIntelligentSocialIndependentResponsive

AlertCourageousIntelligentObedientConfidentCuriousLoyalWatchful

Sensitivity Level

5/5

Impulse to Wander or Roam

4/5

1/5

Prey Drive

5/5

4/5

Affection Level

5/5

Social Needs

5/5

3/5

Barking Frequency

3/5

2/5

Playful Nature

5/5

3/5

Apartment Adaptability

3/5

Lifestyle Adaptability

5/5

Alone Time Tolerance

Very Low

Moderate

Bite Risk Assessment

Low

High

Mouthing Tendency

3/5

5/5

Bite Strength Rating

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Average Lifespan

11-15 years

9-13 years

Climate Tolerance

Prefers average to cold weather conditions

Tolerates warm and cold weather

Health Concerns

3/5

4/5

Health Problems

EpilepsyHip DysplasiaHypothyroidism

Vet Care Frequency

Average

Rare

Energy Rating

5/5

Sleeping Need

1/5

Activity Requirement / Exercise Need

5/5

4/5

Obesity Tendency

3/5

2/5

Food Consumption

1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals.

3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Allergy Friendliness

Coat Colors

LiverWhiteOrangeRoan

SilverTanRedBlack

Grooming Requirements

2/5

3/5

Shedding Level

2/5

5/5

Drooling Tendency

2/5

1/5

Stinkiness Rating

Medium

Coat Characteristics

Feathered

Fuzzy

Bathing Needs

6-8 weeks

8-12 weeks

Cat Friendly

3/5

Child Compatibility

5/5

Dog Friendly

5/5

2/5

Stranger Friendly

3/5

4/5

Office Friendly

Senior Citizens Friendly

Highly Recommended

Pet Compatibility

Average

Good For First Time Owners

Yes

Service Dog Capability

Not really

Yes

Therapy Work Suitability

Not really

Yes

Scent Detection Ability

Not really

Yes

Search & Rescue Potential

Not really

Yes

Maritime Work Ability

Not really

Draft Work Capability

Not really

Military Service Background

Not really

Yes

Puppy Litter Size

1-11 puppies, average 6

6-10 puppies

Pregnancy Duration

60-64 days

Breeding Frequency

Once a year.

AKC Classification

Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1934 as a Sporting breed.

Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.

FCI Classification

Recognized by FCI in the Pointing Dogs group, in the Continental Pointing Dogs section.

Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.

Kennel Club Recognition

American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryAustralian National Kennel CouncilCanadian Kennel ClubContinental Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNational Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel ClubNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.United Kennel ClubAmerican Canine Association, Inc.

Winner / Best value

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Brittany vs German Shepherd Comparison

Quick Verdict

How old is your dog really?

General

Common Names & Aliases

Breed Classification

Physical Traits & Appearance

Size Classification

Weight Statistics

Average Weight

Height

Average Height

Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating

Watchdog Rating

Training Difficulty

Territorial Protection

Price and Availability

Price Range

Availability

Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits

Sensitivity Level

Impulse to Wander or Roam

Prey Drive

Affection Level

Social Needs

Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency

Playful Nature

Apartment Adaptability

Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability

Alone Time Tolerance

Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment

Mouthing Tendency

Bite Strength Rating

Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan

Climate Tolerance

Health Concerns

Health Problems

Vet Care Frequency

Energy and Activity

Energy Rating

Sleeping Need

Activity Requirement / Exercise Need

Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency

Food Consumption

Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness

Coat Colors

Grooming Requirements

Shedding Level

Drooling Tendency

Stinkiness Rating

Coat Characteristics

Bathing Needs

Good With

Cat Friendly

Child Compatibility

Dog Friendly

Stranger Friendly

Office Friendly

Senior Citizens Friendly

Pet Compatibility

Good For First Time Owners

As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability

Therapy Work Suitability

Scent Detection Ability

Search & Rescue Potential

Maritime Work Ability

Draft Work Capability

Military Service Background

Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size

Pregnancy Duration