Brittany
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.
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.
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.
Brittany puppy growth chart
A typical growth curve for a medium breed like the Brittany, estimated from its adult weight of 14-20 kg. Puppies vary with sex, genetics and diet, so treat this as a guide - for your own puppy, use the puppy weight predictor.
| Age | Typical weight | % of adult |
|---|---|---|
| 2 mo | 3.8-5.4 kg | 27% |
| 3 mo | 5.6-8 kg | 40% |
| 4 mo | 7-10 kg | 50% |
| 6 mo | 9.5-13.6 kg | 68% |
| 9 mo | 11.9-17 kg | 85% |
| 12 mo | 13.6-19.4 kg | 97% |
| Adult | 14-20 kg | 100% |
Brittany - frequently asked questions
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.
🧠 Test yourself: guess the dog
Three clues from our quiz bank, each about another of our dogs. Can you name them?
Clue 1.Weighing just a few pounds, this dense double-coated lapdog descends from large northern sled dogs.
It's the Pomeranian - read the full profile →
Clue 2.With a broad head, rust-colored markings, and a muscular frame, this driving dog is among the oldest herding breeds.
It's the Rottweiler - read the full profile →
Clue 3.This sleek golden-rust Hungarian gundog is known as a 'velcro' breed for sticking closely to its owner's side.
It's the Vizsla - read the full profile →