Brittany vs Gordon Setter
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Brittany
The Brittany comes from France's Brittany region, where farmers wanted a compact, economical pointing dog that could both point and retrieve. It's among the smallest of the continental gundogs, males weigh only around 20 kilograms, small enough to travel comfortably even in a small car. Some puppies are born tailless or with a naturally very short tail, a genuine breed trait rather than the result of docking. The coat is dense and slightly wavy, needing only moderate grooming. Energy levels run high, and the breed needs daily exercise or it tends to grow anxious indoors. It's affectionate with its family and forms strong attachments to people. Life expectancy runs 12 to 14 years.
Gordon Setter
The breed was developed in late 18th century Scotland by the fourth Duke of Gordon, who gave it his name, aiming for a setter sturdy and enduring enough for rugged, hilly terrain. It is the heaviest of the three setter breeds: a male can reach 36 kilograms, on a considerably heavier frame than its English or Irish cousins. The medium length, flat or slightly wavy coat is always black with rich tan markings, and that combination is so distinctive that similar coloring is often described simply as gordon coloring. Though bred as a gundog, the Gordon Setter matures more slowly than most breeds and can be quite boisterous and clumsy as a youngster. With family it tends to be loyal and protective, sometimes reserved with strangers. Regular brushing is essential to keep the coat from matting. Life expectancy runs 10 to 12 years.
At a glance
| Brittany | Gordon Setter | |
|---|---|---|
| Height (male) | 47.0–50.0 cm | 62.0–68.0 cm |
| Weight (male) | 14.0–20.0 kg | 25.0–36.0 kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–14 yrs | 10–12 yrs |
| Coat | dense, flat or wavy | medium-long, flat or slightly wavy, black and tan |
Temperament & Family Life
| Brittany | Gordon Setter | |
|---|---|---|
| Family friendly | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Trainability |
Exercise, Energy & Space
| Brittany | Gordon Setter | |
|---|---|---|
| Energy level | ||
| Exercise need | ||
| Apartment friendly | ||
| Prey drive | ||
| Hunting instinct |
Guarding & Alertness
| Brittany | Gordon Setter | |
|---|---|---|
| Guarding instinct | ||
| Watchfulness | ||
| Barking level |
Grooming & Care
| Brittany | Gordon Setter | |
|---|---|---|
| Shedding | ||
| Drooling | ||
| Grooming need |
Temperament and care scores (1-5) are a general guide based on the breed standard — every individual dog is different.