Brittany Spaniel

People usually land on a Brittany page for one of two reasons: they’re weighing up a high-energy gundog as a family companion, or they’re trying to work out whether the Brittany they’ve met (or seen advertised) is the real thing. Size, exercise needs, and health screening matter here, because a mismatch tends to show up later as frustration, anxiety behaviours, or avoidable vet bills.

The Brittany is a compact, athletic bird dog from France: quick on the ground, keen to learn, and happiest with daily work for both body and brain. The notes below focus on what’s most useful in real life—what a typical Brittany looks like, how they behave when their needs are met, and what to ask before you commit.

At a glance: Brittany essentials

• Size: Generally about 47–51 cm at the shoulder (bitches often slightly smaller).^{1, 2}
• Weight: Often around 14–18 kg (many adults sit roughly in the 30–40 lb range).^{3, 4}
• Coat: Dense, fairly fine, flat to slightly wavy; feathering on legs/ears but not a heavy “spaniel coat”.^{1, 2}
• Colours: Commonly orange/white or liver/white; black/white and tricolour are permitted in some standards, depending on registry.^{1, 2}
• Temperament: Bright, people-oriented, responsive to training; not well-suited to a low-activity household.⁴
• Typical lifespan: Often around 12–14 years (individuals vary).⁴

What a Brittany looks like (and what “medium” really means)

A well-made Brittany looks like a dog built to cover ground all day without fuss—compact through the body, long enough in leg to move briskly, and light on its feet rather than heavy-boned. Breed standards describe an athletic outline with height roughly similar to body length, giving that “square” working-dog balance.³

The coat is practical: enough density for scrub and weather, but not so much that it drags in burrs. You’ll usually see some feathering on the backs of the legs and on the ears, with the rest lying fairly flat.^{1, 2}

Temperament: friendly, busy, and tuned in

Most Brittanys are sociable and closely connected to their people. They tend to learn quickly, notice patterns in the household, and thrive with gentle, consistent handling. In the field, the breed is known for pointing and retrieving; in suburbia, that often translates into a dog that scans, sniffs, and moves with purpose unless you teach an “off switch”.⁴

With children, the main variable is usually not friendliness—it’s exuberance. A young Brittany can be boisterous, especially if under-exercised, so calm introductions, supervision, and training for polite greetings matter more than good intentions.

Exercise and enrichment: the daily minimum

Brittanys are typically high-energy dogs. A slow lap around the block rarely touches the sides. Think in terms of useful exercise—movement with a job attached—and you’ll usually get a calmer dog at home.

• Physical outlet: Brisk walking, running (once mature), structured fetch, hiking, swimming where safe.
• Brain work: Scent games, basic obedience, retrieving drills, puzzle feeders, short training sessions spread through the day.
• Social exposure: Regular, well-managed contact with people, dogs, and everyday environments helps keep their confidence steady.

If a Brittany starts inventing its own entertainment—counter-surfing, barking at movement, shredding—treat it as information. It usually means the dog’s day is too quiet, too repetitive, or too confusing.

Training: what works best

This breed is generally responsive and quick to learn, especially with reward-based training and clear routines. Keep sessions short, end while the dog is still keen, and practise recall in low-distraction areas before expecting reliability around birds, rabbits, or the beach on a windy day.

Early focus areas that pay off for most Brittany households:

• recall (with long-line practice)
• settle on a mat / quiet time
• loose-lead walking (so exercise doesn’t turn into wrestling)
• gentle handling for ears, feet, and grooming

Health: what to watch and what to screen

No breed is “problem-free”. Brittanys are often robust, but they can still be affected by inherited conditions and the everyday issues that come with active dogs.

Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a developmental condition of the hip joint seen across many breeds. The risk is influenced by genetics and environment, which is why reputable breeders screen breeding dogs and why sensible growth, weight management, and appropriate exercise in puppyhood matter.⁵

Ear infections

Those drop ears can trap warmth and moisture, particularly after swimming or in humid weather. Check ears regularly, keep them dry, and ask your vet before using any cleaner if there’s redness, odour, discharge, or persistent head shaking.

Eyes and general wellbeing

Some lines may have eye conditions, so it’s reasonable to ask what health testing has been done and to request written proof. A good breeder will talk plainly about what they screen for, what they’ve seen in their lines, and what they do with that information.

Grooming and routine care

A Brittany’s coat is usually straightforward. A weekly brush to lift loose hair and check for grass seeds is often enough, with more frequent brushing during shedding periods. After bush walks, run your hands through the feathering and between toes—seeds and burrs hide where skin is thin.

Keep nails trimmed so the dog can move cleanly, and treat dental care as part of the routine rather than an occasional fix. Evidence-based dental products listed by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) can help, but brushing is still the most direct way to reduce plaque build-up if you can manage it.⁶

Choosing a Brittany: breeder, rescue, and the checks that matter

However you find your dog, avoid quick sales and vague answers. In Australia, puppy farming and online pet scams are well-recognised problems, and the simplest protection is insisting on seeing the puppy (or dog) in person, in the place it was raised, and asking to meet the mother where possible.^{7, 8}

Practical checks before you commit

• Meet the dog: Don’t buy sight unseen, and be wary of sellers who want to “meet halfway”.^{7, 8}
• Ask for written health information: Hip scores/orthopaedic screening, eye testing (if done), and any DNA tests relevant to the breed or the breeder’s lines.
• Look at the environment: Clean, calm, and well-managed is more important than fancy.
• Expect questions back: A responsible breeder or rescue will care where the dog ends up.
• Consider adoption: Many suitable dogs (including purebreds) come through shelters and breed rescues; it’s worth checking first.⁹

Living with a Brittany: what daily life feels like

In a household that enjoys walking, training, weekend adventures, and a bit of structure, a Brittany often settles into a steady rhythm: alert outdoors, relaxed indoors, and closely shadowing the people they trust. In a home that can’t offer that outlet, the same dog can become restless and loud—not out of spite, but because a working body has been left with nowhere to put its energy.

If you like an active routine and you enjoy teaching a dog how to live well in human spaces, the Brittany can be an unusually satisfying companion: quick, capable, and quietly devoted.

References

1. Dogs Victoria (ANKC): Brittany breed standard
2. The Kennel Club (UK): Brittany breed standard
3. The American Brittany Club: Brittany breed standard (size and proportions)
4. Royal Canin Australia: Brittany Spaniel breed information
5. Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA): Hip dysplasia overview
6. Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC): Accepted Products
7. RSPCA Knowledgebase: How to avoid supporting puppy farms
8. RSPCA Knowledgebase: Red flags when looking for a dog or cat online
9. ABC News (Australia): How to tell if a puppy is from a reputable breeder