Brittany Spaniel: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

The Brittany spaniel is a medium-sized sporting breed developed in France with a dense white and orange coat. Bred as a stylish bird-hunting dog the Brittany is an agile gundog enjoyed on both sides of the Atlantic. Bird dog lovers and families alike appreciate the “softness” of the Brittany’s face and their high-set ears, as well as their high energy level and eagerness to please.

Learn more about the Brittany spaniel, from the breed’s history to its care needs and temperament.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Sporting

HEIGHT: 17.5 to 20.5 inches

WEIGHT: 30 to 40 pounds

COAT: Dense, flat, or wavy

COAT COLOR: Combinations of white and orange or reddish-brown; clear or roan patterns

LIFE SPAN: 12 to 14 years

TEMPERAMENT: Attentive, happy, quick, intelligent, agile, adaptable

HYPOALLERGENIC: No

ORIGIN: France

Characteristics of the Brittany Spaniel

A versatile sporting dog, the Brittany spaniel makes an intelligent, affectionate, and playful pet for a family, while also eager and tireless out in the field. A Brittany craves companionship, so they're susceptible to separation anxiety when left alone for more than a few hours.

Like most breeds, the Brittany needs proper training and socialization. When well-socialized, most of these dogs will become gentle and peaceful with both people and other animals.

History of the Brittany Spaniel

Brittany dogs earned their name because they were developed in the Brittany province of France between the 17th and 19th centuries. They were officially recognized as a breed in 1907.

Though few records were kept on this breed, it’s believed that the dogs that contributed to the Brittany’s development were the English setter, Welsh springer spaniel, and possibly some other French spaniel breeds.

A pointing breed that was designed to become a versatile gundog, the Brittany spaniel was adept at both pointing and retrieving, which made these dogs well-suited to working in an array of country environments.

The Brittany’s skills as a bird dog soon made the breed in demand by hunters in other countries. The Brittany dog came to the United States in 1931 and, since then, they have also become popular family dogs because of their accommodating size and affectionate, friendly personality.

Although Brittanys resemble spaniels, the dog actually has more of the working characteristics of a pointer or setter. Therefore, the American Kennel Club dropped the word “spaniel” from this pointing breed’s name in 1982.

Brittany Spaniel Care

A happy and alert dog, the Brittany is a rugged, high-energy breed that will require daily exercise. Some Brittany dogs become anxious, which they will also express by chewing and barking, so they require plenty of attention and training, and proper grooming will keep their coat looking sharp

Exercise

The Brittany is a breed that requires a great deal of exercise, but one that will enjoy every active moment with family. Exercise can include frequent outdoor adventures or extra long walks every day that add up to an hour or more.

This athletic and nicely sized dog is ideal for people with active lifestyles, whether going for hikes or playing vigorous games of fetch.

If the Brittany spaniel does not receive ample exercise, they’re likely to develop behavioral issues, such as barking, hyperactivity, and destructive chewing.

Grooming

The Brittany spaniel's wash-and-wear coat will need just a weekly brushing to control shedding, and other basic grooming. If your Brittany has a lot of white in their coat, opt for a dog coat whitening shampoo.

Some Brittany owners choose to take their pet to a groomer to have the hair trimmed from around the neck, ears, and sometimes the pasterns to give the dog a sleeker silhouette.

Be sure to check and clean your dog’s ears regularly, and trim their nails often. It is also good to pay attention to dental hygiene and brush your dog's teeth 2-3 times per week.

Training

A sensitive dog with a softer temperament, the Brittany spaniel responds best to gentle, calm training. These dogs are not likely to do well in tense, stressful home environments or situations. Fortunately, the breed is smart and eager to please, so the dogs aren’t particularly difficult to train.

Some Brittany spaniels may be timid, submissive, and have a tendency to whine, so early socialization will help them develop a confident, easygoing temperament.

Adolescents can be particularly prone to submissive urination, so they may have an accident when becoming over-excited or intimidated, such as when an adult is standing over them or reaching over to pet them. This issue can also be corrected with time and training.

Common Health Problems

The Brittany spaniel is generally a healthy breed. Due to their high levels of activity while playing or working outdoors, these dogs may need to be treated for physical injuries, such as lacerations, broken bones, or ligament tears.

The breed is a bit more prone to some genetic health issues, including:

• Hip dysplasia: This is a malformation of the hip joint. It causes pain and discomfort, so a dog may have trouble moving. A vet can provide treatment.

• Epilepsy: This is a condition that causes seizures. It should be addressed by a vet.

• Hypothyroidism: This condition occurs when inadequate amounts of thyroid hormone are produced by the thyroid. It can be treated by a vet.

• Cataracts: When this develops, the eye's lens grows thick and opaque, blocking vision.

• Cleft palate: This is a birth defect resulting in an abnormally formed mouth and nose. Corrective surgery can fix it.

Diet and Nutrition

The Brittany spaniel will perform well with any high-quality dog food but will thrive on a higher-protein diet. As an especially active breed, they may require more water than the average dog.

A puppy will do well with three to four meals a day, but stick to two meals a day for an adult Brittany.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Brittany Spaniel

Brittany spaniels are somewhat low-cost, even if you work with a breeder. Expect to pay about $500 to $1,000 for a Brittany pup depending on lineage.

However, a Brittany spaniel may also be available at local pet shelters or dog foster groups within your area.

To find Brittanys available near you, visit these resources:

• National Brittany Rescue & Adoption Network (NBRAN)

• American Brittany Rescue

• AKC Marketplace

Brittany Spaniel Overview

If you’re looking for an energetic dog, the Brittany spaniel will not disappoint. These dogs are great for active families that will be able to give them loads of attention and interaction every day. They don’t do well when left alone, and should be properly trained and socialized from a young age.

Pros of Brittany Spaniels

• Aims to please their human

• High-energy pal for active people

• Low-maintenance grooming and hair care

Cons of Brittany Spaniels

• Suffers from separation anxiety

• Prone to genetic health issues, specifically hip dysplasia

• Needs a lot of attention from family

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More Dog Breeds and Further Research

When determining if the Brittany spaniel is the right dog for you, be sure to research all aspects of the breed and consult Brittany owners, breeders, and rescue groups to learn more.

Be sure to check out these other dog breeds, too:

• Shetland sheepdog

• Golden retriever

• Redbone coonhound

There’s a whole world of potential dog breeds out there—with a little research, you can find the right one to bring home!