[2024] Brittany Dog Breed (Complete Guide)

Brittany Dog Overview

The Brittany is the leggiest of the Sporting breeds, with the height at the shoulder equaling the length of the body.

This breed is medium-sized with light bone and stands somewhat taller at the withers than at the rump.

Brittany’s long legs and light bones give it extraordinary agility and quickness.

The breed is well known for its quickness and ground-covering side movement at the trot. Brittanys can be born tailless.

The coat of the breed is either flat or wavy and is significantly less dense than that of spaniels.

In briars, an extremely profuse coat is damaging and is regarded as a severe flaw. Brittany’s face is awake and eager, but soft.

A very hefty brow shields the eyes from briars. Brittany is a very athletic, energetic dog that should be ready and able to run for long periods of time.

Brittany Highlights

Brittanys are energetic dogs. This breed requires at least one hour of vigorous activity per day. Your Brittany may become neurotic and destructive if she does not get enough exercise.

Brittanys are intelligent and require both mental and physical activity. Training for dog sports is an excellent approach to accomplish this.

Brittanys do not tolerate rigorous treatment well. Be polite, steady, and firm – don’t let them control the show.

Brittanys are people-oriented and dislike being left alone for lengthy periods of time without something to do. If you work outside the home, getting two Brittanys to keep each other company is a good idea.

Although they are amiable and enjoy playing with youngsters, it is not recommended that you allow your little children to play with your Brittany unsupervised. Your Brittany is so full of energy and passion that he may inadvertently damage your child.

Brittany Breed Features & Ratings:

Rated base on a 5 Star Scale
ENERGY LEVEL: 4 Star
EXERCISE REQUIREMENTS: 5 Star
PLAYFULNESS: 4 Star
AFFECTION LEVEL: 5 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO DOGS: 3 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO OTHER PETS: 3 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO STRANGERS: 5 Star
WATCHFULNESS: 1 Star
EASE OF TRAINING: 4 Star
GROOMING REQUIREMENTS: 1 Star
HEAT SENSITIVITY: 3 Star
VOCALITY 4 Star

Brittany Characteristics:

Dog Breed Group: Sporting Dogs
Height: 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 8 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: 30 to 40 pounds
Life Span: 10 to 13 years
Type: Purebred
AREA OF ORIGIN: France
DATE OF ORIGIN: 1800s
OTHER NAMES: Epagneul Breton, Brittany Spaniel, American Brittany, Brittany Wiegref
Temperament: Alert, Independent, Intelligent, Responsive, Social
Activities: Hunting, Field Trials, Obedience, Conformation
Color: Orange and white or liver and white in clear or roan patterns
Litter Size: 1 to 11 puppies, the average is 6
Puppy Prices: Average $700 – $1100 USD

Brittany Health:

Brittanys are a very healthy breed with few inherited health problems.

A responsible breeder will evaluate a breeding stock for potential health issues like hip dysplasia and eye problems.

Ears should be examined on a frequent basis to remove foreign matter and wax accumulation, and teeth should be brushed regularly.

The National Breed Club recommends the following health tests:

Hip Evaluation
Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Brittany Grooming:

Brittanys do not have thick coats. Their hair is dense, flat, or wavy, never curly, wiry, or silky.

There will be some feathering on the ears and legs, but not so much that the Brittany will have difficulty navigating deep brush and vegetation.

The owner may notice that the skin on Brittany is quite loose. When the dog comes into touch with burrs and thorns, the loose skin rolls, shielding the dog from puncture wounds.

Brittanys are most typically orange and white or liver and white. Their coats may have a roan pattern, which is a delicate blend of colorful and white hairs, such as orange roan.

Some ticking is ideal (little isolated areas of black hairs on a white backdrop).

A tri-color Brittany is a liver and white dog with orange markings on the brows, snout, cheeks, inside the ears, beneath the tail, and on the lower portion of the legs.

Brittanys are simple to care for. Keep their coats in good shape by brushing them once a week and giving them a bath or using dry shampoo as needed.

They don’t lose a lot of weight. Check your Brittany’s ears on a weekly basis for symptoms of infection, such as redness or soreness, as well as foreign items, especially if she has been out in rough or brushy terrain.

Brush your Brittany’s teeth at least twice a week to remove tartar and the bacteria that live within it. Brushing twice a day is even preferable if you want to avoid gum disease and foul breath.

Nail trims should be done once or twice a month, or as needed. They’re too lengthy if you can hear them clicking on the floor.

Short, carefully trimmed nails keep your feet in good shape and keep your shins from getting scratched when your Brittany leaps up to meet you.

When your Brittany is a puppy, start accustoming him to being brushed and examined. Handle his paws frequently – dogs’ feet are sensitive — and inspect his lips and ears.

Make grooming a pleasurable process full of praise and prizes, and you’ll build the framework for smooth veterinarian tests and other handling when he’s an adult.

Brittany Exercise:

Brittanys are bright, high-energy dogs that were bred to hunt and require a lot of activity.

Brittanys are an excellent choice for individuals looking for an all-purpose hunting partner, a dog-sport teammate, or a devoted companion suitable for a busy, outdoor-oriented family life.

He enjoys long, brisk walks and treks, as well as jogging on a leash alongside his human, as well as a wide range of activities that engage both his mind and body.

Other canine competitions, such as agility, and dock diving, in addition to field trials, provide excellent outlets for the breed’s talent and abundant energy.

Brittany Training:

Brittany is energetic and intelligent, with a happy, willing demeanor.

Brittanys’ enthusiasm, adaptability, and exceptional working abilities, which make them stand out as hunting dogs, can be directed into dog sports.

Field trials, obedience, agility, flyball'”you name it, this trainable breed can do it. With these sensitive hearts, patient, encouraging training works best.

Early socialization and puppy training sessions are advised for all breeds.

Brittany Food and Nutrition:

The Brittany Dog will flourish on a higher-protein diet but will perform well with any high-quality dog food.

Because they are a more active breed, they may require more water than the normal dog.

Brittany Temperament and Personality:

Brittanys are cheerful and alert. They are curious and independent, as befits a pointing breed, but they respond well to their owners and desire to please them.

When it comes to birds, they might be single-minded, but when they’re not focused on their feathery prey, they enjoy spending time with their people, especially when they’re doing something active.

Brittanys are not only energetic, but also intelligent, therefore they require a lot of exercise and cerebral stimulation every day. When training a dog, consistency is key, but never harshness.

Several factors influence temperament, including heredity, training, and socialization. Puppies with good temperaments are interested and playful, eager to greet and be held by people.

Select the puppy in the midst of the pack, not the one who is tearing up his littermates or hiding in any corner.

Ensure to meet at least one of the parents — generally the mother is present — to confirm that they have pleasant personalities with whom you are comfortable.

Meeting the parents, siblings or other relatives is also beneficial in determining what a puppy will be like when he grows up.

Brittanys, like all dogs, require early socialization — being exposed to a variety of people, sights, noises, and experiences — when they are young.

Socialization ensures that your Brittany puppy develops into a well-rounded dog. Enrolling him in puppy kindergarten is a terrific place to start.

Inviting guests over regularly, as well as taking him to busy parks, stores that accept dogs, and on leisurely strolls to greet neighbors, will help him improve his social abilities.

Brittany Care/Upkeep:

Brittany, a joyful and alert dog, is a rough, high-energy breed that will demand regular activity, such as many outdoor activities or particularly lengthy walks every day.

The dogs’ handy size and athletic frame allow them to thrive in homes with busy lifestyles, whether hiking or playing intense games of fetch.

If the Brittany dog does not get enough exercise, he or she is more prone to develop behavioral difficulties ranging from barking and hyperactivity to destructive chewing.

To control shedding, the Brittany dog’s wash-and-wear coat will only require a weekly brushing.

Brittany, a sensitive dog with a milder temperament, responds well to gentle, calm training. They are unlikely to thrive in tense, stressful home circumstances or scenarios.

Fortunately, the breed is intelligent and eager to please, so they aren’t too tough to teach. Brittany dogs enjoy connection and can experience separation anxiety if left alone for more than a few hours.

Brittany, like most breeds, requires adequate training and socialization; when properly socialized, most of these dogs will become kind and calm with both people and other animals.

Because some Brittany Dogs can be timid, subservient, and whiny, early socialization will help them develop a confident, easygoing disposition.

Adolescents are especially submissive, therefore they may urinate when they become overly aroused or terrified, such as when an adult stands over them or reaches over to pet them.

Brittany Relationship with Children and Other Pets

Brittanys are an excellent choice for a family with active children, but their energy level may be too much for toddlers.

Constantly teach youngsters how to greet and touch dogs, and always monitor any encounters between dogs and kids to avoid biting or ear or tail pulling on either party’s side.

Educate your children never to approach a sleeping or eating dog or to try to grab the dog’s food. No canine should ever be left alone with a youngster.

Brittanys like the companionship of other dogs and can get along well with cats, particularly if introduced at a young age.

Brittany Names

Rank	Boy Names	Girl Names
01	Max	Bella
02	Sam	Mia
03	Duke	Chloe
04	Jack	Stella
05	Teddy	Zoey
06	Leo	Gracie
07	Oliver	Emma
08	Riley	Abbie
09	Baxter	Nala
10	Murphy	Annie

All About Brittany

Brittany is a cheerful, attractive gundog who has been described as both hyperactive and the ideal family companion.

The reality is determined by your own interests and level of engagement.

Like many sporting breeds, Brittany has boundless energy — he is unquestionably an Energizer Bunny of a dog — and this, combined with his other attributes, can make him a fantastic fit for the appropriate home.

Brittanys are amazing in a variety of ways. Their medium size — 30 to 40 pounds and 17 to 20 inches tall — appeals to both families and sports enthusiasts.

They aren’t too huge to keep in the house or travel with you in your car if you enjoy hunting. They’re also adaptable.

Brittanys have won the most dual titles of any breed. A dog with a dual championship has earned championships in both field trials and conformation shows.

Brittany, on the other hand, is not for everyone. For one thing, his energy level may be higher than most people expect.

Brittanys have an unquenchable zest for life and a high level of excitement for everything they do, whether it’s playing with youngsters, looking for birds, or simply enjoying life with a nice, stretched-out, no-holds-barred run.

It might be challenging to keep up with Brittany if you lack the same drive and excitement. Because of his boundless energy, it’s critical that he gets lots of exercise.

A simple walk around the block is insufficient. If it’s necessary for exercise and a job isn’t addressed, he may become neurotic and hyperactive, spending his energy in ways you won’t appreciate.

All dogs enjoy having “work” to do, but Brittanys are particularly task-oriented.

You can’t expect your Brittany to be mellow and want to lie at your feet when you leave him home alone all day while you go to work.

With this dog, it’s not going to happen! He’ll have a day’s worth of energy and affection stored up, and he’ll be desperate to expend both.

Brittanys demand an hour or more of vigorous exercise per day, making them inappropriate for most apartment residents.

If you’re hunting for a Brittany puppy, you may hear breeders distinguish between “American” and “French” Brittanys.

Both are of the same breed, but the American Brittany is taller and faster than the French Brittany, smaller and closer to the hunter.

Brittanys are well-known for their sensitivity to harsh treatment. When your Brittany is misbehaving, a severe glance or a sharp word is frequently enough punishment.

Positive reinforcement strategies such as praise, play, and food rewards should be used to train them strongly yet gently.

Brittanys get to spend good time with children and other pets because of their upbeat, welcoming demeanor.

On the other hand, their excitement may cause them to inadvertently damage a small child, so keep an eye on your Brittany when it is playing with your children.

If you buy a Brittany to hunt with, you’ll discover that he operates similarly to a pointer, albeit with a shorter range.

Brittanys will point at wildlife and recover it both on land and in the water.

Brittanys have a natural hunting instinct, making them an excellent choice for those who are new to the sport.

If hunting is not your thing, consider doing agility, flyball, or other similar sports with your Brittany. It will be a hit with both your dog and you!

If you can keep up with Brittany’s exercise requirements and need for work, you’ll find him to be an excellent family companion. Brittanys are attractive dogs who receive many compliments.

Their grooming requirements are straightforward. They’re constantly cheerful, pleasant, and loving.

They could be the ideal dog for families who like to play hard, enjoy the outdoors, and want a dog to share it with.

Brittany History:

Brittany is named after a Celtic region of northwest France that was once an autonomous kingdom.

Brittany is located only across the English Channel from Wales, and there has been a great deal of trade between the two countries for well over a thousand years, with dogs undoubtedly being a part of that trade.

The Brittany and Welsh Springer Spaniel share shared forebears, as seen by their coloration and other physical traits.

The first visual records of Brittany-type dogs date back to the 17th century, in the form of paintings and tapestries.

They depict a liver and white dog pointing at a partridge. Modern Brittanys began to emerge in Pontou, a tiny village in Brittany, in the mid-1800s.

These dogs are supposed to be the offspring of a cross between a white and mahogany female owned by a French hunter and a lemon as well as the white male brought to Brittany for hunting by an English sportsman.

One of their two pups was thought to have the necessary hunting ability and became a popular stud in the area.

As a result, bob-tailed dogs were pointed and retrieved. Local poachers apparently admired them for their speed, agility, and willingness to follow orders.

Around the same time, dog exhibitions grew popular in the United Kingdom and other countries of Europe, including, of course, France.

Brittanys made the transition from the field to the show ring with ease, and they were acknowledged as a breed in France in 1907. Boy, an orange and white dog, was the first French Brittany registered in that country.

Brittanys did not arrive in the United States until 1931, but once there, they quickly became popular. Edir du Mesnil was the first Brittany to be registered with the American Kennel Club in 1934.

In 1942, the American Brittany Club was created, and they revised the French standard to fit their needs.

Brittanys, like many other breeds, suffered a fall as a result of World War II. During that period, the breeding of Brittanys in France came to a halt.

Because Europe’s gene pool was so decimated after the war, French breeders opted to let black-spotted dogs into the standard. Breeders in the United States did not follow suit.

Even now, black is not an acceptable color for Brittanys in the United States or Canada, but it is in all other nations.

Many breeders desired to remove the word “spaniel” from the breed’s name for many years because Brittanys are pointing dogs, not flushing dogs like spaniels.

The AKC Board of Directors approved changing the name to Brittany in April 1982, removing the term “spaniel” from the name.

However, in some other countries, they are still referred to as Brittany Spaniels. Brittany is now ranked 31st out of the 155 breeds and varieties registered with the AKC.

Where to Adopt Brittany:

Brittany may be available in your region at local pet shelters or dog foster groups.

Visit a reputable rescue group, such as: to find Brittanys available near you.

National Brittany Rescue & Adoption Network (NBRAN)
American Brittany Rescue

More Dog Breeds and Further Research:

When deciding whether the Brittany Dog is the right dog for you, conduct your research and consult with other Brittany Dog owners, breeders, and rescue groups to learn more.

Check out the following other dog breeds:

Brittany Fun Facts:

They have a leggy appearance and are built for speed and endurance.
This build allows Brittany to cover a lot of ground in a short length of time.
The breed either has a docked tail or does not have one.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What are Brittany dogs famous for?

The Brittany is a gun dog breed that was bred particularly for bird hunting. Although it is sometimes referred to as a Brittany, the dog’s working characteristics are more akin to others of a pointer or setter than a spaniel.

Are Brittany dogs friendly?

Brittany is a cheerful, bright, and energetic dog. His amiable demeanor is ideal for children, and he usually doesn’t mind a little roughhousing. Brittanys appreciate being taught basic obedience and are quick learners because they are eager to please.

Do Brittany dogs stink?

The Brittany breed is quick, nimble, and friendly, with exceptional scent-tracking ability and a short tail. It can sense a flock of birds from nearly a football field distant.