Brittany vs Vizsla
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
Brittany
A versatile, energetic bird dog with a sweet disposition. Brittanys are quick, agile, and eager to please, making them excellent hunting companions and active family dogs.
VS
Vizsla
A sleek, athletic Hungarian pointer known as the 'Velcro dog' for its intense bond with its owner. Vizslas are gentle, affectionate, and need plenty of exercise and human companionship.
Quick Answer
Choose Brittany if you want a great companion. Choose Vizsla if you want better with kids and more apartment-friendly.
Quick Comparison
Brittany
Attribute
Vizsla
medium
Size
medium
14–18 kg (31–40 lbs)
Weight
18–27 kg (40–60 lbs)
44–52 cm (17–20 in)
Height
53–64 cm (21–25 in)
12–14 yrs
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
5/5
Trainability
5/5
5/5
Energy
5/5
4/5
Good with Kids
5/5Better
2/5
Shedding
2/5
2/5
Grooming
1/5Better
1/5
Apartment
2/5Better
4/5
Health
4/5
Better$700–$1,500
Price
$1,000–$2,500
Attribute Comparison
Total Cost of Ownership: Brittany and Vizsla
Both breeds cost about the same to own.
Brittany
Avg. Purchase$1,100
Annual Food$540
Annual Vet$400
Annual Grooming$150
Annual Total$1,090 ✓
Vizsla
Avg. Purchase$1,750
Annual Food$600
Annual Vet$400
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,100
Purchase prices are in the same ballpark: $700–$1,500 for a Brittany and $1,000–$2,500 for a Vizsla. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.
Size Differences: Brittany vs Vizsla
Vizsla is the larger breed; Brittany is more compact.
Brittany
Vizsla
Weight (kg)
14–18
vs18–27
Height (cm)
44–52
vs53–64
The Brittany stands 44–52 cm (17–20 in) and weighs 14–18 kg (31–40 lbs), while the Vizsla measures 53–64 cm (21–25 in) and 18–27 kg (40–60 lbs). The Vizsla is the larger of the two, though not by a dramatic margin.
Brittany vs Vizsla: Daily Exercise Demands
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
Brittany
Vizsla
Energy Level
5/5
vs5/5
Exercise Needs
5/5
vs5/5
Apartment Friendly
1/5
vs2/5Better
Both breeds share identical exercise needs (5/5) and similar energy levels (Brittany: 5/5, Vizsla: 5/5). Your daily exercise routine will look the same regardless of which breed you choose — plan for at least 60 minutes of vigorous daily activity.
Grooming and Shedding: Brittany vs Vizsla
Both breeds have similar grooming needs.
Brittany
Vizsla
Shedding
2/5
vs2/5
Grooming Needs
2/5
vs1/5Better
Both breeds shed at the same rate (2/5), so fur management will be identical for either choice. Neither breed will leave much hair around the house.
Family Life: Brittany vs Vizsla
Vizsla is better suited for families with children.
Brittany
Vizsla
Good with Kids
4/5
vs5/5Better
Good with Dogs
4/5
vs4/5
Strangers
4/5
vs4/5
The Vizsla has a slight edge with children (5/5 vs 4/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the Vizsla's affectionate temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.
Brittany vs Vizsla: Temperament Compared
Both breeds have similar temperaments.
Brittany
Vizsla
Playfulness
5/5
vs5/5
Barking Level
2/5
vs2/5
Energy
5/5
vs5/5
Personality is where these two breeds diverge most visibly. The Brittany — originally from France — has a bright, eager and fun-loving disposition.
Health and Lifespan: Brittany vs Vizsla
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Brittany
Vizsla
Lifespan (years)
12–14
vs12–14
Health Robustness
4/5
vs4/5
Lifespan is a near-tie: the Brittany lives roughly 12–14 years while the Vizsla averages 12–14 years. Neither breed has a clear longevity advantage, so other factors should drive your choice.
Training Differences: Brittany and Vizsla
Both breeds are equally trainable.
Brittany
Vizsla
Trainability
5/5
vs5/5
Intelligence
5/5
vs5/5
Both breeds score 5/5 for trainability — you'll have a similar experience training either one. Both are cooperative, eager learners.
Brittany vs Vizsla: Summary and Verdict
On balance, the Vizsla has the edge — it's better with children (5/5), more apartment-friendly (2/5). For most families, the Vizsla is the more practical choice, particularly if you value a kid-friendly dog.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Brittany and Vizsla are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. Annual ownership costs are broadly similar for both breeds.
Choose Brittany if...
- ✓You have other dogs at home — Brittanys tend to get along well with other dogs (4/5).
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Choose Vizsla if...
- ✓You have other dogs at home — Vizslas tend to get along well with other dogs (4/5).
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Neither may be right if...
Both the Brittany and Vizsla have high energy needs (5/5 and 5/5 respectively). If you live in a small apartment without park access or can't commit to 60+ minutes of daily exercise, consider a lower-energy breed like a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Shih Tzu instead.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Brittany or Vizsla?
The Vizsla is generally better with children, scoring 5/5 compared to the Brittany's 4/5. The Vizsla is one of our top-recommended breeds for families.
Is a Brittany or Vizsla easier to train?
The Brittany is equally easy to train with a score of 5/5, matching the Vizsla. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well.
Which costs more, a Brittany or Vizsla?
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 Vizsla costs more to maintain annually.
Do Brittanys or Vizslas live longer?
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.
Can a Brittany or Vizsla live in an apartment?
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.