A little look at life together.
Getting to know the Brittany
The Brittany is an agile bird dog whose relatively compact build carries considerable energy and enthusiasm for shared activity. Think through exercise on busy weekdays, not only the long adventures available at weekends.
An everyday routine
Make space for substantial daily activity and short learning sessions. A busy weekend cannot replace a dependable weekday routine.
Coat care to plan for
Set aside time each week for coat care, checking through the hair rather than only brushing the surface. Shedding periods or longer furnishings may need extra attention.
Before deciding, meet the individual dog and ask about their history, handling preferences, and current routine. Breed tendencies are a starting point, not a promise about personality.
Brittany questions
Do Brittanys shed?
Moderately. The coat is on the short side and lies flat or wavy. A quick pass with a soft brush or hound glove plus a comb through the feathering keeps it tidy.
How big does a full-grown Brittany get?
Adults stand 17.5 to 20.5 inches tall and weigh 30 to 40 pounds. Dogs shorter or taller than that range are disqualified from the show ring. The Brittany is a compact, leggy dog that is easy to fit in a car.
How long do Brittanys live?
Brittanys usually live 12 to 14 years. That is a breed-wide figure, not a prediction for one dog. Responsible breeders screen for hip dysplasia and eye disease, so ask to see results and keep up regular vet visits.
Are Brittanys good family dogs?
In an active home, they often are. The Brittany is an upbeat, fun-loving dog suited to a lively, outdoorsy family, and it is good with young children. The breed is typically friendly, and many top field dogs have also lived as house pets. Supervise play with small children, as with any energetic dog.
How much exercise does a Brittany need?
More than most breeds. The Brittany has the highest energy level and needs lots of exercise, such as long, brisk walks, hikes or runs alongside you. Dog sports like agility, dock diving and field events are good outlets. The breed needs plenty of exercise or chances to hunt to stay happy.
Are Brittanys easy to train?
Yes, as a rule. The Brittany is a willing, sensitive dog that responds best to patient, encouraging training. Brittanys tend to pick up training more readily than some other pointing breeds.
Is a Brittany a spaniel?
By name it used to be. The breed was registered in the United States as the Brittany Spaniel in 1934, and the name was shortened to Brittany in 1982 because American breeders felt the dogs worked more like pointers than spaniels. The Brittany points and holds its game and retrieves on land and in water. In France the breed is still called the épagneul Breton.
Are Brittanys born without tails?
Some are. A Brittany can be naturally tailless or have a tail docked to about four inches. Coat color is more fixed, with orange and white or liver and white, and black in the coat is a disqualification.
