Brittany
(Brittany Spaniel)
AKC & CKC Sporting Group
Is This the Right Breed for You?
✔ Excellent Match For
- Active hunters or outdoors enthusiasts who want a versatile hunting companion
- Active families who can provide 60-90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise
- Owners interested in dog sports (field trials, agility, obedience, rally)
• Exceptional endurance: built for all-day hunting in rough terrain.
• Highly trainable: eager to please with a strong work ethic.
• Affectionate family dog: bonds closely with their people.
✖ Consider Carefully If
- You have a sedentary lifestyle or limited time for daily exercise
- You live in a small apartment without access to open spaces
- You're away from home for long hours (prone to boredom and destructive behaviors)
• High prey drive: may chase small animals if not properly trained.
• Mental stimulation needs: requires engaging activities beyond just physical exercise.
Owner Suitability
The Brittany Spaniel is a versatile, high-energy sporting breed built for action. They thrive with active owners who can provide vigorous daily exercise, whether through hunting, hiking, running, or dog sports. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them highly trainable, but they need both physical and mental challenges to stay content. Best suited for those who can match their stamina and give them a job to do.Stats:
- Height: 17.5-20.5 inches
- Weight: 30-40 pounds
- Coat: Dense, medium-length, flat or wavy
- Colors: Orange & white or Liver & white
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
Note: Brittanys are born hunters with strong pointing instincts—they need regular opportunities to run and explore.
Origin & History
The Brittany Spaniel (or simply Brittany) is a versatile gun dog originating from the Brittany region of France in the 19th century. Unlike other spaniels, Brittanys are more closely related to pointers and setters, bred to be agile, energetic hunting companions excelling in pointing and retrieving game birds.
The breed was developed for hunters who needed a dog that could cover ground efficiently, work closely with its handler, and adapt to various hunting conditions. Their keen sense of smell, remarkable speed, and endurance made them invaluable in the field.
Today, Brittanys remain popular as both hunting dogs and family pets due to their friendly, intelligent, and affectionate nature. They consistently rank among the top sporting breeds for their versatility and companionship.
| Traits: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy: Extremely high energy; needs vigorous daily exercise. | ✓ | ||||
| Easy To Train: Intelligent & eager to please; can be sensitive. | ✓ | ||||
| Shedding: Moderate; wavy double coat releases steady fur. | ✓ | ||||
| Grooming: Low-maintenance coat; occasional brushing. | ✓ | ||||
| Family Dog: Friendly, affectionate, & good with kids (if well-exercised). | ✓ | ||||
| Watchdog: Alert but not aggressive; more likely to greet than guard. | ✓ | ||||
| Beginner Friendly: Best for active owners who can meet their exercise needs. | ✓ | ||||
| Prey Drive: Strong hunting instincts; may chase small animals. | ✓ | ||||
| Barking: Can be vocal, especially when excited or bored. | ✓ | ||||
| Good with other dogs: Gets along well with other dogs | ✓ |
Health Concerns:
- Hip Dysplasia: Joint problem
- Epilepsy: Seizure disorder
Glossary of general canine health conditions.