Brittany

Personality

Brittanys are bright, upbeat and fun-loving. The AKC describes them as bright and eager at home and tireless in the field, and VCA adds that they are eager to please. Most want to be wherever you are, doing whatever you are doing.

VCA describes the breed as outgoing with strangers and very good with children, and as friendly with other dogs and pets. PetMD adds that Brittanys are sweet but sensitive, so harsh words land hard. Early socialization helps them stay confident.

The same affection can become a weakness. PetMD warns that Brittanys do not do well alone for long periods and can develop separation anxiety. Add high energy and a bird dog's strong prey drive, and you have a dog that thrives with a family that is active and home a good deal of the day.

VCA's blunt verdict is that this is not a breed for lazy people. A Brittany given enough exercise and attention is a delight; one left to entertain itself will find its own entertainment.

History

Brittany is the westernmost region of France, a peninsula between the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay. The AKC says French hunters there developed what is considered one of the world's most versatile bird dogs, a breed that could work ducks, woodcock, pheasant and partridge. Dogs of Brittany type show up in 17th-century paintings and tapestries from France and the Low Countries, hinting at how widespread liver-and-white pointing dogs were in Europe.

The original owners were peasants and poachers, people who valued thrift and wanted one all-purpose dog instead of a full kennel. That versatility never left the breed. The first breed standard was written in 1907.

The Brittany reached America in 1931, and the AKC registered the first one in 1934 as the Brittany Spaniel, as the dog is still called in France. American and French lines diverged over the 20th century, and by mid-century the U.S. breed was considered more of a pointer than a spaniel in its working style. The AKC dropped "Spaniel" from the name in 1982. Hundreds of Brittanys have earned the AKC's Dual Champion title, awarded to dogs that excel in both the show ring and the field.

Appearance, coat & colors

Brittanys are medium-sized, athletic dogs that are smaller than setters and leggier than spaniels. The AKC lists a height of 17.5 to 20.5 in (44 to 52 cm) at the shoulder and a weight of 30 to 40 lb (14 to 18 kg), with the typical dog standing about 20 in.

The coat is dense and either flat or wavy, with light feathering on the legs. Colors are combinations of white with vivid orange or liver, in clear or roan patterns. Tricolor dogs are also seen. The AKC calls the pattern bold.

The build is rugged but smooth and clean-lined, a body made for running through cover all day. The face has the soft expression that bird-dog fans prize, and the high-set ears give the breed an eager look.

The tail is short. The AKC breed standard allows anything from tailless to about 4 in (10 cm), whether natural or docked.

Training

Brittanys are lively, smart and willing, which makes them one of the more trainable sporting breeds. The AKC says patient, encouraging training works best with these gentle dogs. VCA agrees that reward-based training with food works well and calls obedience training essential for control and mental stimulation.

Because the breed is sensitive, avoid harsh corrections. Short, upbeat sessions that end on a success keep a Brittany keen. Puppy classes help with socialization and give a bright young dog something to think about.

The energy and versatility that make Brittanys excellent hunters can be channeled into sports. The AKC lists field trials, obedience, agility, flyball, sprint-style coursing tests and dock diving as great outlets. Even if you never hunt, scent games and retrieving keep the mind busy.

Teach a strong recall and use a leash or a fence outdoors. PetMD notes the breed's strong prey drive, and a Brittany on a bird's scent can leave you behind.

Exercise

The AKC describes the Brittany as a bright, high-energy dog bred to hunt that needs lots of exercise, preferably with its favorite humans. Long, brisk walks, hikes and running on a leash alongside you are all good, as are activities that tire the mind and the body at the same time.

Aim for serious daily activity, not a stroll around the block. A fenced yard helps, but it is no substitute for time with you. Our guide to how much exercise a dog needs can help you plan for your dog's age and fitness.

Dog sports such as agility, field trials, dock diving and sprint-style coursing tests give a Brittany a job. PetMD suggests fetch, running, hiking and agility, along with mental stimulation.

Because of the strong prey drive, keep your dog fenced or leashed outdoors. A GPS tracker can be a good backup for dogs that hike with you.

PetMD notes that Brittanys can develop separation anxiety when left alone, so build exercise and company into the day.

Grooming

Grooming is easy. The AKC says the Brittany's flat or wavy coat is mostly short and requires minimal grooming: a once-over with a soft brush or hound glove and a quick comb through the feathering on the legs and ears. PetMD suggests weekly brushing, with extra sessions during spring and fall shedding. VCA recommends brushing and combing once or twice a week.

Bathe only when needed. After outdoor adventures, check for ticks and burrs, especially in the feathering, and watch for cuts or scrapes.

Ears deserve attention. The AKC advises inspecting the underside of the ears regularly and wiping them clean if needed, and PetMD notes that floppy ears can trap moisture and debris. After swimming, dry the ears gently.

Trim nails monthly if they do not wear down naturally on hard ground. Brush teeth regularly. Light trimming for neatness is done on show dogs, but a pet Brittany generally needs no clipping.

Feeding

Feed a high-quality complete and balanced diet suited to your dog's life stage, whether commercial or home-prepared with your vet's guidance. The AKC notes that some dogs are prone to getting overweight and advises watching calories and treats.

Brittanys are active, but VCA says they tend to stay at a healthy weight or run slightly overweight, so adjust portions to the dog's actual workload. A dog that hunts or runs daily needs more than one that has had a quiet week. Measure meals instead of free-feeding, and count training rewards toward the total.

Our dog food calculator offers a starting estimate. You should be able to feel the ribs under a thin layer of padding.

Puppies should eat a balanced puppy food, according to VCA. Ask your vet when to switch to an adult diet.

Fresh water should always be available, especially after exercise. Talk to your vet before adding supplements.

Health

The AKC calls the Brittany a very healthy breed with few genetic health issues. Responsible breeders screen for hip dysplasia and eye disease, and the AKC lists a hip evaluation and an eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist as recommended tests.

PetMD names a few conditions to watch. Hip dysplasia is an inherited looseness of the hip joint that can lead to arthritis; signs include weak back legs or reluctance to exercise. Epilepsy is a genetic brain disorder that causes seizures; it is managed with lifelong medication and monitoring, and PetMD says a seizure lasting more than two minutes needs immediate veterinary care. Hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid, can cause lethargy, weight gain, recurring skin and ear infections, and a dry, coarse coat, and is treated with daily medication. Cataracts cloud the lens and reduce vision; surgery is possible.

The floppy ears can trap moisture and debris and lead to ear infections, so check and clean them regularly.

Typical life expectancy is 12 to 14 years. Our page on hip dysplasia explains the signs in more detail.

Health conditions to know about

• Hip dysplasia — Inherited looseness of the hip joint that can lead to arthritis; breeders should test for it.
• Epilepsy — Genetic seizure disorder usually managed with lifelong medication.
• Hypothyroidism — Underactive thyroid causing weight gain, lethargy and skin or ear problems; treated with daily medication.
• Cataracts and other eye disease — Lens clouding and other eye problems; regular eye exams help.
• Ear infections — Floppy ears trap moisture and debris, so check and clean them regularly.

Health tests to ask a breeder about

• Hip evaluation
• Eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist

Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy

Living with a Brittany

Brittanys are best suited to an active home with space. The AKC describes them as a good fit for an all-purpose hunting partner, a dog-sport teammate or a loyal companion in an outdoorsy family. They can live in town if their exercise is non-negotiable, but they are not apartment-friendly.

A fenced yard is a plus. PetMD recommends fencing or a leash because of the prey drive, and the dog needs company in that yard.

Company is the other must. PetMD warns that a Brittany left alone for long hours is prone to separation anxiety. If your household is empty all day, consider a different breed or arrange for a dog walker or daycare.

With kids, VCA calls the breed very good. Their size and bounce still mean that toddlers need supervision.

The short coat sheds modestly, which keeps housekeeping manageable for a sporting dog.

Puppies, breeders & rescue

Brittany puppies vary a lot in quality from one breeder to the next, so do your homework. Ask breeders for proof of hip and eye testing for both parents; the AKC lists a hip evaluation and an eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist as recommended screening. Look for evidence you can verify rather than a verbal promise.

Decide what you want the dog for. The AKC notes that many breeders aim for dual-purpose dogs that can compete in both the ring and the field, so ask what the parents do, tell the breeder your plans and expect questions about your exercise routine and home.

A responsible breeder raises puppies in the home, lets you meet the mother, supplies a written contract and takes the dog back at any age. Prices vary widely, so compare the health paperwork instead of the price.

Adult Brittanys also come up in shelters and breed rescues, and an adult has a known energy level. Our breed selector can help you compare.