Brittany breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts
Breed guide overview
About Brittanys
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Brittany breed
The Brittany, also known as the Brittany Spaniel, is a versatile and energetic dog breed that originated in France. Despite its name, it is not considered a true spaniel but is classified as a pointing breed. Brittanys are known for their athleticism, intelligence, and keen hunting instincts.
Weight, height & life expectancy
They have a compact and sturdy build, with an average height of 46-51cm for males and 43-48 cm for females.
Their weight typically ranges from 14-18 kg.
They have a life expectancy of about 12 to 14 years.
What is the temperament of a Brittany like?
Brittanys are known for their friendly, outgoing, and cheerful temperament, making them wonderful companions for active families and individuals. Highly sociable, they typically get along well with people of all ages, including children, and tend to be friendly with other dogs and animals, especially when socialised from an early age.
Often described as happy, affectionate, and eager to please, Brittanys form strong bonds with their families and thrive on companionship. Their intelligence and energetic nature make them highly adaptable and quick learners, but they do best in homes that can provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
As a breed with a strong hunting heritage, Brittanys have a natural instinct for scenting, pointing, and retrieving, which makes them excellent field dogs. They are also highly versatile and enjoy a wide range of activities beyond hunting, such as jogging, hiking, and participating in dog sports like agility, obedience, and rally. Their high energy levels and love of adventure mean they are happiest in an active environment with opportunities to explore, play, and engage their minds.
Our Brittany Community
"Dougie is a lovable, friendly, very affectionate, energetic, slightly crazy bundle of fun, who loves to play and explore, as well as cuddle up to you when he gets tired"
Dougie's owner, Fay from Gloucester
"Oscar loves playing ball, is very friendly and gentle. He will greet other dogs, but prefers to play with his ball. He loves company and running and is always partial to a treat"
Oscar's owner, Karen from High Wycombe
How much exercise do Brittanys need?
Brittanys are a high-energy breed that requires a significant amount of daily exercise to keep them physically fit and mentally stimulated. On average, they need at least 1.5 to 2 hours of exercise per day. This can include a mix of brisk walks, jogging, playing fetch, or engaging in activities like agility, obedience, or scent-based games that cater to their natural hunting instincts.
It's important to note that puppies have different exercise requirements compared to adult dogs. While their bones and joints are still developing, they should not engage in high-impact activities or prolonged exercise sessions.
As a very general guideline, puppies can start with around 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, up to twice a day, but this will vary per individual and as per the advice of your vet.
Brittanys reach full exercise capacity at an adult level around 12 to 18 months of age, but always monitor their energy levels and adjust their exercise accordingly as required.
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Do Brittanys need a lot of grooming?
Brittanys have a relatively low-maintenance coat, but regular grooming is still important to keep them looking and feeling their best. Their medium-length, dense coat is typically flat or slightly wavy and is designed to be weather-resistant, which helps repel dirt.
Brushing their coat at least once a week with a slicker brush or comb helps remove loose hair, prevent matting, and distribute natural oils to keep their coat healthy. During seasonal shedding periods, more frequent brushing may be needed to manage loose hair.
Brittanys don’t require frequent baths unless they get particularly dirty, as over-bathing can strip their coat of its natural oils. Aim for a bath every couple of months or as needed.
Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.
Are Brittanys easy to train?
Yes, Brittanys are generally considered easy to train due to their intelligence, eagerness to please, and strong work ethic. Originally bred as hunting dogs, they have a natural instinct to learn and follow commands, which makes them quick learners and responsive to training.
While Brittanys are eager to learn, their energetic and playful nature can sometimes make them easily distracted. Short, fun, and varied training sessions can help keep their focus and prevent boredom. With consistency, patience, and an active approach, Brittanys can become well-mannered, obedient companions.
Incorporating obedience training, interactive games, and dog sports like agility, or scent work can keep their minds sharp and engaged. Early socialisation is crucial to help them develop good manners and adapt well to different environments, people, and animals.
Brittanys have a strong hunting instinct, so it's important to channel their natural abilities appropriately. Consider enrolling them in scent work or hunting activities designed for dogs. This allows them to use their instincts in a controlled and fulfilling manner.
What do Brittanys eat?
Proper nutrition is essential for the health and well-being of Brittanys. They should be fed a high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level.
Puppies require a specific puppy food formulated to support their growth and development. They will need to be fed three to four times a day until 6 months old, when they should be reduced to twice daily feeding.
As they mature, around 12 months of age, they can transition to adult dog food and typically be fed twice a day.
Portion control is crucial to prevent obesity, as Brittanys have a tendency to overeat if given the opportunity.
Treats should be given in moderation and incorporated into their daily calorie intake to maintain a healthy weight.
Are Brittanys healthy?
Brittanys are generally a healthy breed, but they may be prone to certain health conditions. Some common health concerns in Brittanys include:
Bones and Joints
Elbow Dysplasia - this condition is where there is an issue with how the bones fit together at the elbow joint.
Hip Dysplasia - a condition where the thigh bone and pelvis do not sit together properly at the hip joint, which can lead to discomfort and arthritis.
Eyes
Cataracts - a common cause of blindness due to a clouding of the lens of the eye.
Hormonal
Hypothyroidism - a condition where your dog does not produce enough thyroid hormone.
Neurological
Epilepsy - A condition of the brain that causes dogs to have fits.
This list is by no means comprehensive. If you have any concerns about the health of your dog, or if you want to discuss further if a Brittany is right for you, consult with your vet.
Vet top tip
Keep their ears clean and dry to prevent infections, especially after outdoor adventures or swimming. Regular ear checks and cleaning with a vet-approved solution can go a long way in keeping your Brittany healthy and comfortable!
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog’s health contact your local vet.
