Brittany

Overview

The Brittany — historically called "Brittany Spaniel" but now officially just "Brittany" in many registries — is a medium-sized French sporting dog that combines pointer style with spaniel personality. Compact, athletic, friendly, and famously biddable, the Brittany has been one of the most successful versatile gun dogs in modern field trials and one of the most rewarding active family companions. Less intense than a Vizsla, more refined than a Springer, the breed sits in a sweet spot for active homes.

History & Origins

The breed developed in the Brittany region of northwestern France, with records of pointing/setting spaniels in the region dating to the 1700s. Modern Brittanys were standardised in the late 19th century, possibly with English Setter or English Pointer crosses adding refinement and pointing style.

The breed reached the United States in 1931 and was recognised by the AKC in 1934. In the US the breed was renamed simply "Brittany" in 1982 to reflect that it is more pointer than spaniel.

The Brittany is the most successful gun dog in AKC field trial history, winning more dual championships (titles in both field and show) than any other breed.

Appearance

Medium-sized, balanced, square-built. Adults stand 44–52 cm (17½–20½ in) and weigh 14–20 kg (30–45 lb).

Key features:

• Coat: medium-length, dense, flat or slightly wavy, with light feathering on legs and ears.
• Colour: orange-and-white or liver-and-white most common; tricolour also acceptable.
• Head: medium length with a slightly rounded skull and tapered muzzle.
• Ears: short, set high, lying flat.
• Tail: naturally short, naturally bobbed, or docked to about 10 cm; some lines are now tailless.

Temperament & Character

Friendly, alert, and eager to please. Brittanys are deeply bonded to family without being as intensely "Velcro" as Vizslas. They are typically excellent with children, friendly with strangers, and sociable with other dogs.

The breed is sensitive — harsh handling produces shutdown or fear. Reward-based methods and calm consistency work best.

Brittanys are bright, biddable, and natural athletes. Most enjoy field work, agility, obedience, and family hiking. They are not as needy as some sporting breeds but still require an active home.

Care

Coat & Grooming

The medium coat is moderate maintenance. Brush 1–2 times weekly; daily during the seasonal shed. Trim feathering on legs, ears, and chest as needed.

Bathe every 6–8 weeks. Clean ears weekly. Trim nails every 3 weeks. Brush teeth several times weekly.

Exercise & Activity Needs

High. Adults need 60–90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise — running, retrieving, hiking, swimming, field work. The breed thrives on activity and becomes destructive when bored.

Brittanys excel at field trials, agility, obedience, rally, scent work, dock diving, and hunt tests.

Health & Lifespan

Average lifespan is 12–14 years.

Common concerns:

• Hip dysplasia — moderate.
• Epilepsy — relatively common.
• Discoid lupus erythematosus — a skin condition.
• Hypothyroidism.
• Eye conditions — progressive retinal atrophy, glaucoma, cataracts.
• Ear infections — moderate risk.
• Spinal muscular atrophy — rare; DNA test available.

The breed is generally healthy compared to many sporting dogs.

Feeding & Nutrition

Adults typically eat 1½–2½ cups of quality food per day in two meals. Working dogs need more. The breed maintains lean weight naturally when exercised.

Training & Socialisation

Among the easiest sporting breeds to train. Brittanys learn quickly and respond beautifully to reward-based methods. Sensitivity is high; harsh handling shuts them down.

Priorities: foundation focus, recall, polite greeting (Brittanys are exuberant and may jump), retrieve drills, leash manners, and off-switch. Socialise widely from 8 to 16 weeks.

Many Brittanys are outstanding therapy and service dogs given their sensitivity and friendliness.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Friendly, affectionate, family-oriented.
• Highly trainable.
• Versatile — sport, hunting, service, family.
• Long-lived for a working breed.
• Moderate size suits many homes.

Cons

• High exercise and engagement needs.
• Sensitive — harsh handling backfires.
• Sheds moderately.
• Cannot be left alone for long.
• Some lines have epilepsy concerns.

Best Suited For

• Active families with children.
• Hunters and field-sport enthusiasts.
• Sport homes (agility, obedience, field trials).
• Service and therapy programmes.
• Owners who hike, run, or cycle.

Not suited for sedentary owners, apartment dwellers without daily activity, or harsh handlers.

FAQ

Is the Brittany a spaniel? Technically the breed has spaniel ancestry but functions as a pointer. The AKC dropped "Spaniel" from the official name in 1982.

Are they good family dogs? Excellent — friendly, gentle, eager to please. Among the best sporting breeds for active families.

How much exercise do they need? 60–90 minutes of vigorous daily activity, ideally including off-leash running, retrieving, or field work.

Are they easy to train? Yes — among the most trainable sporting breeds. Sensitive, eager, and quick to learn.

Are Brittanys hypoallergenic? No — they shed moderately and produce dander.