Dog breed profile
Brittany
A detailed profile covering characteristics, everyday care and linked health conditions.
Quick facts
Typical guide only; individual needs vary.
Profile description
The Brittany is a medium-sized sporting dog developed in the Brittany region of France for locating, pointing and retrieving game birds. Although it is sometimes called the Brittany Spaniel, many kennel organisations use the shorter name because the breed works more like a pointing dog than a traditional flushing spaniel. Most adults stand around 44 to 52 centimetres tall and weigh approximately 14 to 20 kilograms.
The breed has a compact, athletic body, expressive face and a dense, flat or slightly wavy coat. Common colours include orange and white, liver and white, black and white in some standards, and tricolour or roan patterns. Brittanys are energetic, intelligent, affectionate and highly responsive to people. They commonly form strong bonds with their families and usually prefer being included in daily activities. Their sporting background gives them considerable stamina, a strong interest in birds and scent and a willingness to range across open ground.
They are often sensitive and may become anxious or withdrawn under harsh handling. Brittanys can be excellent family companions when adequately exercised, but young dogs may be extremely active and excitable. They generally live well with respectful children and other dogs, although their prey drive may require management around birds or small animals. This breed generally suits active owners who can provide substantial exercise, positive training, companionship and regular opportunities to explore, retrieve and use its natural hunting abilities.
A household should evaluate a Brittany by the demands of adult life, not solely by colour, size or puppy behaviour. Responsible selection of a Brittany should consider stable temperament, functional structure and documented health history alongside colour, coat and outward breed type.
First-time dog owner tips
Practical preparation for welcoming this breed into your home.
Care requirements
The Brittany benefits from substantial daily exercise, mental stimulation and gentle, consistent training. Most healthy adults benefit from at least one to two hours of activity each day, including brisk walks, running with a physically mature dog, hiking, retrieving, scent work, field training or agility. A short neighbourhood walk is unlikely to satisfy a young or working-line Brittany. For the Brittany, fencing and lead equipment are part of welfare: gates should close reliably, boundary gaps should be checked and identification details kept current.
Off-leash activity should occur only in secure areas or where recall is reliable and the environment is safe, as the dog may follow birds or scent trails. Training should begin early and use positive reinforcement, clear communication and short, varied sessions. Harsh methods can reduce confidence in this sensitive breed. Use each grooming session to examine the Brittany's skin, feet, ears and body outline, making the process cooperative enough that subtle changes are noticed early. Introduce brushing, foot handling, mouth examination and quiet restraint to the Brittany in brief rewarded steps before any of those procedures becomes urgent.
Socialisation should include people, children, dogs, vehicles, household noises, water, grooming and veterinary handling. The coat should be brushed once or twice a week and checked after outdoor activity for grass seeds, burrs, ticks and other debris. Feathering around the ears, legs and tail may require occasional trimming. Long or folded ears should be inspected for redness, moisture, odour or infection, particularly after swimming. Teeth should be brushed regularly and nails kept short.
A complete diet should be measured to maintain a lean, athletic condition and adjusted according to workload. Regular veterinary examinations should monitor hips, elbows, knees, eyes, ears and thyroid health. Secure fencing and daily companionship are important because under-exercised Brittanys may become destructive, vocal, anxious or prone to escaping.
Conditions linked to this breed
Cerebellar Abiotrophy [Cerebellar Ataxia]
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Elbow Dysplasia
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Epilepsy (Idiopathic, Primary or Inherited Seizures)
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Glaucoma (Primary, Inherited)
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Hip Dysplasia
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Osteochondrosis
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Primary Lens Luxation
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Progressive Retinal Atrophy Generalised
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General dog health conditions
These conditions can affect dogs generally and are not presented as conditions specifically associated with this breed.
Cataract [Cloudiness of the Lens of the Eye]
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Diabetes Mellitus
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Hypothyroidism
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Otitis Externa (Ear Infections)
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Pancreatitis
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