Brittany Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Brittany is a bright, bouncy bird dog from northwestern France that points like a pointer and retrieves like a spaniel. It is compact, quick and eager, and it suits people who want a running partner rather than a couch companion.

Origins and appearance

The breed is named for the Brittany region and developed from local spaniels crossed with English pointing dogs. Brittanys are medium-sized, leggy and athletic, with a dense, flat or slightly wavy coat in orange and white or liver and white, sometimes roan, and a naturally short or docked tail. The expression is alert and gentle.

Temperament

Brittanys are happy, sensitive and affectionate. They love their people and often follow family members closely. They are high-energy and can be exuberant. Many are soft-natured and respond poorly to harsh handling. They get along with children and other dogs, but they may be too bouncy for small children. They can develop anxiety if left alone for long periods.

Exercise

They need one to two hours of daily exercise. They enjoy running, hiking, swimming and field work, and excel at canine sports. Mental work such as scent games and training is as important as physical activity. A secure space or a leash is vital, since a Brittany can follow a scent far.

Training

They are intelligent, eager and sensitive. Use positive methods and short, upbeat sessions. Early socialization helps prevent shyness. Teach a reliable recall, a retrieve and a settle cue. House training is usually easy. They excel at agility and obedience. See recall training guide.

Coat and grooming

The coat needs brushing once or twice a week and a check of the ears and feathering for burrs. See cocker spaniel grooming guide. Clean the ears regularly, trim nails and brush teeth. They shed moderately.

Health considerations

The breed is generally healthy, but topics include:

• Hip dysplasia. See hip dysplasia in dogs
• Epilepsy. See seizures and epilepsy in dogs
• Hypothyroidism. See hypothyroidism in dogs
• Eye conditions, such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy
• Ear infections. See dog ear infections
• Spinal muscular atrophy, with a DNA test in some lines

Living with a Brittany

They suit active families, runners and hunters with a securely fenced yard. They are poorly suited to apartments with little exercise. They are best with company.

A typical day

A Brittany starts with a long run or hike, then settles for a nap while the family works. Afternoons include training or a scent game. Evenings may include another walk or play session. When these needs are met, the dog is a sweet, affectionate house companion.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are energetic and curious. Begin socialization, handling and training early. Provide chew toys, and avoid heavy exercise while growing. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for food for an active dog, equipment, training and vet care. See dog vet cost guide.

Seasons and travel

Brittanys tolerate cold well, but need shade and water in heat. They travel well and enjoy hiking trips, as long as exercise comes first.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include underexercising, leaving the dog alone, using harsh training and letting the dog off leash in unsecured areas.

Choosing a puppy or adult

Ask about hip, eye and DNA tests, the parents' temperaments and the energy level of the lines. Field lines are usually more intense than show lines.

Is it the right breed for you?

A Brittany suits active owners who want a sweet, energetic bird dog and will give daily exercise. It may not suit a sedentary or very busy household. For a calmer spaniel, see the Clumber Spaniel.

More about energy and focus

Brittanys are often described as being on or off. When the dog has had a hard run, it will fall asleep happily. When it has not, it will find entertainment, which may involve chewing shoes or digging in the garden. Planning a reliable, high-quality outing every day is more valuable than any single toy or gadget, and mixing running with thinking games satisfies both body and brain.

The takeaway

Brittanys are bouncy, sensitive and athletic, and they need exercise, training and company.