A detailed side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right breed for your lifestyle.
| Attribute | Brittany | Vizsla |
|---|---|---|
| Size | medium | medium |
| Weight | 14–18 kg (31–40 lbs) | 18–27 kg (40–60 lbs) |
| Height | 44–52 cm (17–20 in) | 53–64 cm (21–25 in) |
| Lifespan | 12–14 yrs | 12–14 yrs |
| Trainability | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Energy Level | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Good with Kids | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Shedding | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Grooming | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Apartment Friendly | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Price | $700–$1,500 | $1,000–$2,500 |
The Brittany is known for being bright, eager, fun-loving, while the Vizsla is typically described as affectionate, gentle, energetic. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.
Both breeds share a similar playfulness level at 5/5, so you can expect comparable levels of fun and games from either one.
The Brittany is a medium breed standing 44–52 cm (17–20 in) tall and weighing 14–18 kg (31–40 lbs). In comparison, the Vizsla is a medium breed at 53–64 cm (21–25 in) and 18–27 kg (40–60 lbs).
The Vizsla is somewhat larger, though the difference isn't dramatic. Both breeds are manageable for most owners, but the size gap does affect food portions and space requirements.
The Brittany has a medium coat available in orange and white, liver and white, roan, while the Vizsla sports a short coat in golden rust. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.
The Brittany has very high energy (5/5) with very high exercise needs (5/5). The Vizsla has very high energy (5/5) and very high exercise needs (5/5).
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements, so your daily activity routine won't change much regardless of which you choose. Plan for regular walks and play sessions to keep either breed content.
For apartment dwellers, the Vizsla is the stronger choice with an apartment-friendliness score of 2/5, compared to the Brittany's 1/5. The Brittany generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.
Both breeds shed at a similar rate (2/5), so you can expect comparable amounts of loose fur from either one.
The Brittany demands more grooming attention with a score of 2/5, while the Vizsla is lower-maintenance at 1/5. The Brittany's medium coat requires regular brushing and professional grooming sessions, adding to the overall cost of ownership.
Annual grooming costs average around $150 for the Brittany and $100 for the Vizsla. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.
The Brittany has a lifespan of 12–14 years, while the Vizsla lives 12–14 years. Both breeds have comparable lifespans.
Both breeds score 4/5 for health robustness, meaning they share similar overall health profiles.
Common health issues for the Brittany include hip dysplasia, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, canine discoid lupus. The Vizsla is prone to hip dysplasia, epilepsy, lymphosarcoma, progressive retinal atrophy. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.
Annual vet costs average $400 for the Brittany and $400 for the Vizsla. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.
Both breeds are equally trainable at 5/5. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well with either breed.
Both breeds match in intelligence at 5/5, so expect similar learning speeds and mental stimulation needs from either choice.
Regardless of which breed you choose, early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are key to raising a well-behaved dog. Puppy classes are a great investment for either breed.
The Vizsla edges ahead as a family dog, scoring 5/5 with children versus the Brittany's 4/5. The Vizsla's affectionate temperament makes it especially patient around kids.
The initial purchase price for a Brittany ranges from $700–$1,500, while a Vizsla typically costs $1,000–$2,500. The Vizsla is the more expensive breed to purchase.
Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,090 for the Brittany and $1,100 for the Vizsla. The Vizsla costs more annually, largely because of higher food costs.
Monthly food costs run about $45 for the Brittany and $50 for the Vizsla. Over a typical lifespan, the total cost of ownership can differ by thousands of dollars, so it's worth factoring in the long-term financial commitment.
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Vizsla is generally better with children, scoring 5/5 compared to the Brittany's 4/5. However, individual temperament varies, and proper socialization is key for any breed.
The Brittany is equally easy to train with a score of 5/5, matching the Vizsla. Both respond well to positive reinforcement methods.
A Brittany puppy costs $700–$1,500 while a Vizsla costs $1,000–$2,500. Annual maintenance runs about $1,090 for the Brittany and $1,100 for the Vizsla.
The Brittany lives 12–14 years on average, while the Vizsla lives 12–14 years. Both breeds have similar lifespans. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
The Vizsla adapts better to apartment living (2/5) than the Brittany (1/5). However, neither breed is an ideal apartment dog — daily outdoor exercise is essential.