Sporting group
Brittany
A bright, athletic bird dog — upbeat, eager and always ready for the field.
Brittanys are compact, energetic pointing dogs with an outstanding hunting record. They are sweet, trainable companions for active people, but their energy and drive are more than most casual homes expect.
- Height
- 17.5–20.5 in44–52 cm
- Weight
- 30–40 lb14–18 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–14 years
- Size
- Medium
- Group
- Sporting
- Origin
- Brittany, France
Coat: Flat or wavy, dense coat with light feathering. Colours: Orange and white, Liver and white, Orange roan, Liver roan, Tricolour.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
Brittanys are happy, alert and eager to please. They are sensitive, affectionate with their families and generally friendly with strangers and other dogs. Their quick minds make them fun to train.
They were bred to cover ground all day, so under-exercised Brittanys become restless, noisy and inventive. Most have strong bird drive and need secure fencing and a reliable recall.
Living with a Brittany
Exercise
Needs 90 minutes or more of running, field work or sport every day. Excellent jogging, hiking and agility partners.
Grooming
Easy-care coat: weekly brushing, occasional trims of feathering, and regular ear checks after outings.
Training
Very trainable with positive, upbeat methods. Sensitive to harsh correction. Recall around birds needs dedicated work.
Kids & other pets
Good with active children and other dogs. High prey drive means caution with cats, birds and small pets.
Time alone
Struggles with long periods alone, especially without exercise. Expect barking and chewing if bored.
Home fit
Best suited to a house with secure outdoor space; apartment living is hard on this breed and its neighbours.
Is a Brittany right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Brittany matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a Brittany typically lives 12–14 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Hip dysplasia
The most common orthopaedic issue; buy from parents with screened hips.
Epilepsy
Inherited seizures occur in the breed and are usually managed with medication.
Hypothyroidism
An underactive thyroid causing weight gain and coat problems; treated with daily medication.
Eye disease
Cataracts and other inherited eye conditions occur; annual exams help.
Ask a breeder for
- Hip evaluation
- Eye examination
- Thyroid evaluation
Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Brittany; American Brittany Club. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $1,200–$2,500 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
The breed developed in the Brittany region of France, where local spaniel-type dogs were likely crossed with English setters and pointers in the 1800s. The result was a small, versatile pointing dog popular with French hunters.
Brittanys reached the United States in the 1930s and were recognised by the AKC in 1934. The word “Spaniel” was dropped from the AKC name in 1982, since the breed points like a setter. Brittanys have earned more dual championships (field and show) than any other AKC breed.
Did you know?
- Brittanys hold more AKC dual championships than any other breed.
- Many are born with a naturally short or absent tail.
- The AKC dropped “Spaniel” from the name in 1982 because the breed points rather than flushes.
Library guides for Brittany owners
Training
Come (Recall)
High chase drive makes a reliable recall essential.
Exercise & Play
Fetch
A fast way to meet a high exercise need.
Exercise & Play
Dog Road Work
Structured conditioning for high-stamina dogs.
Exercise & Play
Hide and Seek
Brain work that tires busy minds.
Training
Place / Go to Mat
Teaching a settle helps dogs that struggle to switch off.
Exercise & Play
Dog Walking
Getting daily walks right for a Brittany.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Are Brittanys good family dogs?
- Yes, for active families. They are affectionate and good with kids but need a lot of exercise.
- Do Brittanys bark a lot?
- They can when bored. Plenty of exercise and mental work keeps barking down.
- Is a Brittany a spaniel?
- It was once called the Brittany Spaniel, but it hunts like a pointer, so the AKC now calls it simply the Brittany.