The Brittany Spaniel, often called simply the Brittany, is one of the most loved sporting dogs in the United States. Known for its high energy, smart mind, and friendly nature, this brittany dog breed is a favorite among families, hunters, and people who enjoy outdoor life. In this guide, you will learn about Brittany Spaniel temperament, health, care needs, costs, and lifestyle fit.
Quick Facts at a Glance
If you want a quick overview of the brittany spaniel, here are the key facts every owner should know:
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Breed Name: Brittany
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Group: Sporting dogs
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Height: 17.5–20.5 inches
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Weight: 30–40 pounds
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Life Expectancy: 12–14 years
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Energy Level: High energy
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Temperament: Friendly, eager, intelligent
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Coat: Dense coat with light feathering
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Colors: Orange and white, liver and white, orange roan, liver roan
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Trainability: Easy with proper training
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Best For: Active families, hunters, dog sports
These facts are supported by the AKC Marketplace breed profile, which lists size, lifespan, and activity level for the breed. Most brittanys are medium-sized but feel larger because of their long legs, strong body, and endless energy. Their expected lifespan is fairly long compared to many breeds, but like all dogs, their health depends on good care, nutrition, and responsible breeding.
History and Origin
The brittany history goes back to the 17th century in the Brittany region of France. Early paintings and tapestries show dogs that look very similar to the modern brittany, working with hunters in the grouse woods and open fields. These dogs were known for their ability to point, track, and retrieve birds.
The breed’s original name was Epagneul Breton, which means “French spaniel.” Over time, it became known as the Brittany Spaniel, though today the American Kennel Club officially uses just “Brittany” because the breed works more like a pointer than a traditional spaniel.
Brittanys arrived in America in the early 1900s and quickly gained popularity among hunters. The breed was officially recognized by the AKC in 1934. Today, there are two types often discussed:
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American Brittany – typically larger, often seen in the show ring
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French Brittany – smaller, closer to the original working lines
Both are considered the same breed, but they may differ slightly in size and style due to different breeding programs.
Because of their versatility, Brittanys are still widely used in field trials, hunting, and dog sports like agility and obedience.
What a Brittany Spaniel Looks Like
The brittany spaniel is a medium-sized dog with a strong, athletic build. It was originally bred for speed and endurance, so everything about its body supports movement and agility.
Most Brittanys have:
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A compact body with long legs
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A slightly blockier head
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High set ears that hang close to the face
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A tail that is either naturally short or docked
Their coat is one of their most recognizable features. It is a dense coat that may be flat or slightly wavy, with light feathering on the legs and ears. The coat helps protect them in rough outdoor environments.
Common coat colors include:
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Orange and white
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Liver and white
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Orange roan
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Liver roan
Some dogs may also have a white coat with patches of reddish brown or liver markings.
The coat contains natural oils, so frequent bathing is not needed. A soft brush once or twice a week helps remove dirt and keeps the fur healthy.
Brittany Spaniel Temperament
The brittany temperament is one of the biggest reasons people fall in love with this breed. These dogs are known for being friendly, affectionate, and eager to please. They form strong bonds with their owners and enjoy being part of the family.
Most Brittanys are:
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High energy and always ready to play
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Very intelligent and quick learners
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Naturally alert and curious
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Good with children and other dogs when raised properly
According to the American Kennel Club, Brittanys are “happy, agile, and enthusiastic,” making them excellent companions for active people.
However, their personality also comes with challenges. Because they are so energetic and smart, they need:
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Daily exercise
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Mental stimulation
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Consistent training
Without these, they may bark, chew, or chase small animals out of boredom.
Common Health Issues in Brittany Spaniel
The Brittany Spaniel is generally a healthy dog breed, but like many sporting dogs, it can face some genetic health issues. Knowing these risks helps owners act early and keep their dog healthy.
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Hip dysplasia: This is one of the best-known health concerns in the brittany breed. Hip dysplasia happens when the hip joint does not fit together the right way. Over time, that can lead to pain, stiffness, or trouble moving. Because the Brittany is such an energetic dog that loves running, jumping, and field work, hip problems can affect daily life more than many owners expect. Signs may include limping, trouble getting up, or not wanting to exercise. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals recommends hip screening for breeding dogs, which is why responsible brittany breeders should be able to show health records.
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Eye problems: Some Brittanys may be at risk for certain eye disease issues, including inherited conditions that can affect vision over time. Owners may notice cloudy eyes, redness, squinting, or bumping into furniture. In more serious cases, eye problems can lead to vision loss or even blindness. Because this breed is active and alert, changes in vision may show up when the dog becomes less confident outdoors or during play. Regular eye checks can help catch problems early.
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Epilepsy: Epilepsy is another condition sometimes seen in the brittany dog breed. This causes repeated seizures, which can look scary, especially for first-time owners. A seizure may involve shaking, falling, stiffening, or staring into space. In many cases, dogs with epilepsy can still live a good life with help from a veterinarian and the right treatment plan. If a Brittany has a seizure, owners should stay calm, keep the dog safe, and contact a vet as soon as possible.
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Ear infections: Brittanys have high set ears that hang down, and that ear shape can trap moisture, dirt, and debris. This is especially common in dogs that spend a lot of time outside in fields, woods, or wet grass. Ear infections may cause scratching, head shaking, redness, odor, or wax buildup. Regular ear cleaning is a simple but important part of brittany spaniel care, especially after hunting trips, hikes, or play in muddy areas.
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Skin and coat problems: The Brittany’s dense coat is usually easy to maintain, but active dogs can still develop skin irritation from dirt, pollen, burrs, or too much moisture trapped close to the skin. Some dogs may also have mild sensitivities that lead to itching or dry patches. Checking the coat after outdoor exercise helps prevent small issues from turning into bigger ones. Regular brushing with a soft brush also helps spread the coat’s natural oils and keeps the skin healthier.
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Weight-related joint stress: Brittanys are built to stay lean and active. If they gain too much weight, it can place extra stress on the joints and increase the risk of mobility problems, especially in dogs already prone to hip dysplasia. This is why good nutrition, portion control, and daily exercise matter so much for this breed. Keeping a healthy weight is one of the easiest ways to protect a Brittany’s long-term health.
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Injuries from overactivity: While not a genetic disease, overuse injuries are worth mentioning because the modern brittany is such a fast, driven, and athletic dog. These dogs often push themselves hard during hunting, dog sports, fetch, or long runs. Minor strains, sore muscles, or paw injuries can happen if activity increases too quickly or if the dog is exercised on rough ground for long periods. Active owners should build up exercise slowly and watch for limping or soreness after heavy activity.
Brittany Spaniel Daily Care
Daily care for a brittany dog is simple but important. These dogs are active, so they need consistent routines to stay happy and healthy.
Grooming
The Brittany has a dense coat with natural oils that help protect it. You don’t need frequent baths. Instead:
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Use a soft brush 1–2 times per week
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Check for dirt after outdoor play
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Trim nails regularly
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Clean ears to prevent infection
Feeding and Nutrition
Feed high-quality dog food based on your dog’s age, size, and activity level. Active Brittanys burn more energy, so they may need more calories than less active other dogs.
Daily Habits
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Provide fresh water
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Monitor body weight
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Offer a favorite toy to keep their brain active
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Maintain a consistent routine
Good care helps prevent health issues and keeps your Brittany strong.
Brittany Spaniel Exercise Needs
If there’s one thing to understand about the brittany breed, it’s this: they need a lot of exercise. These are high energy dogs that were originally bred for hunting in fields and woods. Without enough physical activity, they can become bored and develop behavior problems.
Daily Exercise Needs
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At least 1–2 hours of activity per day
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Running, hiking, or jogging
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Games like fetch or tracking
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Training sessions for mental stimulation
Best Activities
Brittanys excel in:
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Dog sports like agility and obedience
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Field trials and bird hunting
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Outdoor adventures
According to the American Kennel Club, Brittanys are one of the most energetic sporting dogs and need regular activity to stay balanced.
Costs
Owning a brittany spaniel comes with both upfront and ongoing costs. Understanding this helps you plan better.
Initial Costs
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Brittany puppies: $800–$2,500 from reputable breeders
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Adoption: usually $100–$500
Monthly Costs
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Food: $40–$80
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Vet care: $20–$100
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Training and activities: varies
First-Year Total
Most owners spend $1,500–$3,000+ in the first year.
Working with responsible brittany breeders who follow health testing standards may cost more upfront, but it often saves money long-term by reducing health concerns.
Finding a Responsible Breeder or Rescue
Choosing the right source for your brittany puppy is one of the most important steps.
What to Look for in Breeders
Good brittany breeders should:
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Provide health testing records
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Show proof of screening for hip dysplasia and eye disease
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Raise puppies in clean, safe environments
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Allow you to meet the parents
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Answer all your questions
The American Kennel Club Marketplace is a good starting point for finding registered breeders. The OFA database can also help you verify health testing.
Red Flags
Avoid breeders who:
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Refuse to show records
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Sell multiple breeds without focus
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Offer very low prices
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Do not allow visits
Rescue Option
Many Brittanys are available through rescue groups. Adoption is often cheaper and gives a dog a second chance.
Is a Brittany Spaniel Right for You?
Before choosing a brittany dog, it’s important to think about your lifestyle.
A Brittany may be right for you if:
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You enjoy outdoor activities
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You want an intelligent, active companion
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You can provide daily exercise
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You have time for training
A Brittany may NOT be right if:
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You prefer a calm couch dog
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You are away from home often
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You cannot meet their energy needs
FAQs
Is a Brittany Spaniel a good family dog?
Yes, the brittany spaniel is generally a great family dog. It is friendly, affectionate, and gets along well with children and other dogs when properly trained and supervised.
What are the downsides of Brittany spaniels?
The biggest downsides are their high energy, need for daily exercise, and tendency to become bored. Without enough activity, they may bark, chew, or chase small animals.
Do Brittany spaniels bark a lot?
They are not known as excessive barkers, but they may bark when bored or alert. Proper training and exercise can reduce this behavior.
Why is a Brittany no longer a spaniel?
The breed was renamed from Brittany Spaniel to Brittany because it behaves more like a pointer than a traditional spaniel. The American Kennel Club made this change to better reflect its role as a pointing dog.
Conclusion
The Brittany Spaniel is a smart, energetic, and loving dog breed with a long history as a skilled bird dog. Whether you call it a Brittany or Brittany Spaniel, it remains one of the most versatile sporting dogs in the world. But it also requires commitment. With proper care, training, and plenty of activity, a Brittany can become a loyal and joyful member of your home.
