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Brittany vs Newfoundland

Side-by-side comparison across all 14 AKC trait ratings, with a clear verdict on which breed fits which kind of household.

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The bottom line

Brittany vs Newfoundland

People don’t usually pit a compact bird dog from France against a gentle giant from Canada, but both the Brittany and Newfoundland win hearts with their joyful spirits and family loyalty. That’s where the similarities end. If you’re torn between them, you’re really asking: do I want a high-energy adventure partner or a calm, loving home guardian? The Brittany is built for motion. At 30 to 40 pounds, this dog will outlast you on trail runs, loves pointing and flushing birds, and thrives when you’re active every single day. They’re smart, eager to please, and bond tightly with their people. but they demand time. Leave them alone too long or keep them in a city apartment without serious exercise, and you’ll come home to chewed shoes and a sad, restless dog. The Newfoundland, meanwhile, is the dog that stops people in their tracks. Weighing up to 150 pounds, they move like slow, furry mountains. They’re famously good with kids. patient, protective, and sweet-tempered. Bred to rescue people from icy waters, they love swimming and are surprisingly agile in water. But they’re not lazy. They need space, routine walks, and care to avoid bloat and joint issues. And yes, they drool. A lot. One truth the data won’t tell you: size isn’t just about space. it’s about grief. Losing a Newfoundland at 9 years old hits differently than losing a 14-year-old Brittany. These gentle giants love deeply but don’t last as long. If you’re choosing between them, you’re not just picking a dog. You’re picking a lifestyle. and a kind of love.

Brittany
Newfoundland
17.5–20.5 in
Height
26–28 in
30–40 lb
Weight
100–150 lb
12–14 yr
Lifespan
9–10 yr
$1.2–3.0k
Puppy price
$2.5–5.0k
#26
AKC popularity
#40

Trait-by-trait

Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.
Affectionate w/ Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming
Drooling Level
Good with Strangers
Playfulness
Watchdog / Protective
Adaptability
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
AffectionGood w/ KidsGood w/ DogsShedding LevelGroomingDrooling LevelGood w/ StrangersPlayfulnessProtectiveAdaptabilityTrainabilityEnergy LevelBarking LevelMental Stim.
Brittany Newfoundland
Overlay

Where they diverge

Drooling Level
Brittany drools less (4-point difference)
Brittany
Affectionate w/ Family
Newfoundland is more affectionate (2-point difference)
Newfoundland
Good with Strangers
Newfoundland is friendlier with strangers (2-point difference)
Newfoundland
Watchdog / Protective
Newfoundland is more protective (2-point difference)
Newfoundland
Trainability
Brittany is easier to train (2-point difference)
Brittany
The verdict

Choose the Brittany if…

  • Active families
  • Hunters
  • Runners and hikers
  • You value trainabilityBrittany scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Newfoundland if…

  • Families with children
  • Water and outdoor enthusiasts
  • Those wanting a gentle giant
  • You value drooling levelNewfoundland scores higher here.
Brittany Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Brittany home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide
Newfoundland Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Newfoundland home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide

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