15 Clues That Tell You If It’s A Springer Or A Brittany Spaniel
Springers and Brittanys bring serious bounce and big-time charm, so it’s no shock they’re often mixed up. Their energy? Off the charts. Their looks? Surprisingly similar, at least at first glance. But look a little closer, and the differences pop. These 15 easy tips will have you spotting who’s who in no time.
Their Sit Reveals Their Temperament
Brittanys perch upright, like runners waiting for the go, a posture that reflects their intense focus and readiness. English Springer Spaniels, while also alert, tend to adopt a more relaxed sit, hinting at their slightly easygoing temperament in comparison.
Coat Texture
Grooming tells a tale. Springers frequently showcase a silky coat that reflects sunlight easily. Brittanys usually have a denser coat with subtle gloss. Glance under the sun, the shine or lack of it might just narrow down the breed instantly.
Cuddle Preferences
Expect full-body contact from Springers as they melt into laps and lean like they belong there. Brittanys are affectionate too, but often with a touch of more independence, showing love in bursts rather than constant closeness. That contrast reveals their emotional rhythm.
Eyebrow Differences
Look closely at the face. Springers often have defined brows, giving them a soulful or even worried appearance. Brittanys have smoother foreheads with a more neutral expression. It’s a small facial feature that adds central character and can help solve the mystery.
Tracking Style In Open Spaces
While off-leash, Brittanys move with tight, purposeful zigzags, a legacy of their field-dog past. Springers flow in wide loops, less precise but equally thorough. Their movement tells you what their instincts are whispering. Just observe the pattern they carve into the trail.
Paw Proportions
Springers typically carry broad, padded paws meant for exploring tougher terrain. Brittanys feature more compact feet ideal for fast maneuvering. Watch them cross gravel or mud as the shape and size of their footprint may quietly signal their identity.
Check Those Cheek Fluffs
Springers rock feathered cheeks, giving their heads a distinct frame that fans outward. Brittanys have smoother fur around the face that gives it a leaner appearance. When side views reveal cheek puff volume, chances are you’re dealing with a Springer’s signature flair.
First Impressions Count
Greeting styles vary. Brittanys typically bolt in with buzzing energy and fast tail wags. Springers approach with warmth but often pause to evaluate. One’s a spark plug, the other a steady flame. The way they say hello can give you a huge clue early on.
Command Responsiveness Varies Slightly
Say “sit,” and the Springer might already be halfway down before you finish. Brittanys hear you, but their focus may drift, especially in birdy environments. They reflect different levels of distraction tolerance and eagerness to please.
Chest Shape
Check their profile while standing. Springers carry a broader chest that slopes elegantly toward the waist. Brittanys feature a shallower chest shape, built for agility over stature. Their physique reflects their working heritage and speaks volumes without needing movement at all.
Eye Expression
There’s a softness in Springer’s eyes — almond-shaped and often soulful. Brittanys present with wide, rounded eyes that seem to buzz with energy. Neither lack charm, but their gaze speaks of their mood. One looks contemplative and the other looks ready to charge the yard.
Tail Length
The rear end gives away plenty. Brittanys have docked or naturally short tails that wag in compact, cheerful flicks. Springers feature longer, more expressive tails, which whip like banners. Even a simple greeting becomes an ID test when tails are fully visible.
Ear Placement
A Springer’s ears drop low and long to frame their face like gentle curtains, while Brittany’s ears sit higher and may angle out. This difference subtly reshapes their whole silhouette, especially visible during head tilts or alert stares.
One Is Stockier Than The Other
Springers carry more muscle and body mass, with a heavier chest and a sturdier stance. Brittanys are more compact, as they resemble quick-footed runners rather than tank-like patrol dogs. Watching them jump or stretch highlights just how differently they’re built to move.
Coat Markings
Both breeds can have those tiny freckles on white fur. But Brittanys are more heavily ticked across the legs, muzzle, and chest. Springers may display spots, but it’s less pronounced overall. Look for a peppered appearance. It usually whispers, “That’s a Brittany.”
