Brittany Spaniel or Rottweiler? On paper they differ most on good for first-time owners, and on the scales Rottweiler is the heavier at 80–135 lbs. Here is how the two compare on everything that shapes an ordinary week.
This is for someone already down to Brittany Spaniel and Rottweiler and deciding between them. For this pair the decision usually turns on good for first-time owners and good with other dogs, so those are covered first and in most detail. Anyone choosing from a flat has a clear answer here: Brittany Spaniel rates 3/5 against 2/5. There is no origin story here — only what changes about your week.
Between Brittany Spaniel and Rottweiler, good for first-time owners is what separates them, and Brittany Spaniel is the lower-effort dog of the two to keep.
Choose Brittany Spaniel if you are in a flat or a smaller home, this is your first dog and shedding is a problem in your house.
Choose Rottweiler if you want a dog that is more watchful with visitors.
| Feature | brittany | rottweiler | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size class | medium | large | Equal |
| Weight | 30–40 lbs | 80–135 lbs | Equal |
| Height | 17–20 in | 22–27 in | Equal |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years | 8–11 years | brittany |
| Exercise need | High (4/5) | High (4/5) | Equal |
| Grooming need | Low (2/5) | Low (2/5) | Equal |
| Shedding | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) | brittany |
| Energy level | High (4/5) | High (4/5) | Equal |
| Barking | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) | brittany |
| Apartment suitability | Moderate (3/5) | Low (2/5) | brittany |
| Good for first-time owners | High (4/5) | Low (2/5) | brittany |
| Tolerates being alone | Low (2/5) | Low (2/5) | Equal |
| Trainability | Very high (5/5) | High (4/5) | brittany |
| Good with kids | Very high (5/5) | High (4/5) | brittany |
| Good with other dogs | Very high (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) | brittany |
| Friendly to strangers | High (4/5) | Low (2/5) | brittany |
| Cost level | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) | brittany |
| Coat | Medium, wavy coat | Double coat, short | Equal |
| Origin | France | Germany | Equal |
| Typical monthly cost | $90–$180 | $125–$250 | Equal |
| Typical first-year cost | $1,300–$2,500 | $2,000–$3,500 | Equal |
The size gap here is the largest in this whole comparison set: 30-40 lbs for the Brittany against 80-135 lbs for the Rottweiler, more than triple at the high end. Height tells a smaller part of the story -- 17-20 inches versus 22-27 -- because most of that difference is raw mass and bone density, not just extra inches at the shoulder.
Exercise need and energy level both tie at high (4/5), which surprises people who assume a Rottweiler is a lower-key dog because of its size and calm reputation. It isn't -- a Rottweiler was bred to drive cattle and pull carts, and it needs a genuine job or workout to stay well-behaved, not just a yard to lounge in.
Grooming need ties at low (2/5) for both breeds -- neither has demanding coat maintenance. Shedding tips slightly toward the Brittany being easier to live with, moderate (3/5) against the Rottweiler's high (4/5). A short double coat like the Rottweiler's sheds more than its length suggests, especially during seasonal blowouts.
The Brittany rates moderate (3/5) for apartment living against the Rottweiler's low (2/5) -- size alone makes a 100+ lb dog a harder fit for compact spaces. Barking runs low (2/5) for the Brittany and moderate (3/5) for the Rottweiler, and both tolerate solo time poorly (2/5 each), so neither dog is built for long stretches alone in any size home.
The Brittany rates ahead here too: very high (5/5) trainability against the Rottweiler's high (4/5), and high (4/5) first-time-owner suitability against the Rottweiler's low (2/5). A Rottweiler's size and strength mean training mistakes carry heavier consequences, a large part of why this breed is routinely recommended for experienced owners rather than beginners.
The Brittany rates ahead across every social measure: very high (5/5) with kids and other dogs against high (4/5) and moderate (3/5) for the Rottweiler respectively, and high (4/5) friendliness to strangers against the Rottweiler's low (2/5). None of this means a well-raised Rottweiler is unsociable, but its baseline scores run more reserved and protective than the Brittany's across the board.
The Rottweiler has the shortest lifespan in this entire comparison -- 8-11 years against the Brittany's 12-15, a gap of up to seven years. Five conditions overlap between the two ten-item lists: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, bloat, and hypothyroidism. The Rottweiler's list also separately includes cancer and bone cancer, reflecting a breed with a well-documented elevated cancer risk.
Cost level rates moderate (3/5) for the Brittany against high (4/5) for the Rottweiler, and the dollar figures track: $90-$180 monthly for the Brittany versus $125-$250 for the Rottweiler, with first-year costs of $1,300-$2,500 against $2,000-$3,500. Larger dogs cost more to feed and medicate by default, and the Rottweiler's health list adds further reason to budget for veterinary care.
Brittany Spaniel weighs 30–40 lbs and lives 12–15 years; Rottweiler weighs 80–135 lbs and lives 8–11 years. The two diverge most on good for first-time owners, good with other dogs and friendly to strangers. They are level on tolerates being alone, energy level and exercise need, so those cannot decide it. Where the table declares a winner it means less work for the owner, nothing more; descriptive rows are left as ties on purpose. The value here is in the differences between the two columns; treat any single score as approximate.
Substantially -- 80-135 lbs against the Brittany's 30-40 lbs, more than triple at the upper end. This is the largest size gap of any pairing in this comparison set.
The Brittany, by a wide margin -- 12-15 years against the Rottweiler's 8-11. Larger breeds generally have shorter lifespans, and the Rottweiler sits at the shorter end even among large breeds.
Not really, based on the data -- it rates low (2/5) for first-time owners against the Brittany's high (4/5). Its size and strength mean handling mistakes have bigger consequences.
The Rottweiler, at high (4/5) against the Brittany's moderate (3/5), despite having a short coat.
$90-$180 for a Brittany against $125-$250 for a Rottweiler, with first-year totals of $1,300-$2,500 and $2,000-$3,500.
Yes, five conditions overlap: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, bloat, and hypothyroidism. The Rottweiler's list separately includes cancer and bone cancer, a distinct and serious risk not shared with the Brittany.
The Brittany, rated high (4/5) against the Rottweiler's low (2/5). The Rottweiler's more reserved, protective nature toward strangers is a known breed trait, not a flaw.
For most first-time owners the Brittany is the easier, friendlier, longer-lived choice; the Rottweiler suits an experienced owner who specifically wants its size and protective nature.
$90-$180 for a Brittany versus $125-$250 for a Rottweiler.
Neither -- exercise need ties at high (4/5) for both.
The Brittany, at 12-15 years versus 8-11 for the Rottweiler -- the biggest lifespan gap in this comparison set.
Health information here is general and is not veterinary advice. If your dog shows pain, sudden behaviour change, or worsening symptoms, consult a licensed veterinarian.
Some links on this site are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you, and we only suggest products we believe are helpful for dog owners.
Match your lifestyle to the right dog.
Take quizNot sure which breed is right for you? Take our 2-minute quiz to find out.
Take the quiz