The Brittany Spaniel is a medium-sized, energetic French gun dog that the American Kennel Club officially renamed to simply “Brittany” in 1982 because it points and retrieves like a setter rather than flushing game like a true spaniel.
One wrong assumption about this breed leads owners into trouble fast: that the “spaniel” part of the name tells you how it behaves. It doesn’t. The Brittany is a compact, athletic pointer-retriever built for the field, not a cocker-spaniel-style flusher. Originally bred in the Brittany province of northwestern France around the mid-1800s, these dogs pack 30–40 pounds of energy into a square-bodied frame that stands 17–20 inches at the shoulder. They are small for a gun dog but enormous in personality, loyalty, and daily exercise demand.
Why the AKC Dropped “Spaniel” From the Name
The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1934 as the “Brittany Spaniel.” In 1982, the AKC officially removed the word “Spaniel” because the dog’s hunting style is fundamentally different from true spaniels. Instead of flushing birds out of cover, Brittanys freeze into a point and then retrieve—a skillset shared with pointers and setters. The breed’s French name, Épagneul Breton, still translates to “Breton Spaniel,” and Canada continues to use the original name. So calling them Brittany Spaniels remains common and acceptable, even though the AKC standard recognizes only “Brittany.”
Physical Traits and Coat Colors
The Brittany has a naturally bobtailed or docked tail, floppy ears set high on a slightly rounded head, and a dense, weather-resistant coat that comes in flat or wavy lengths. The AKC standard admits only orange-and-white or liver-and-white coats with possible roan, ticking, or spot patterns. Black coats are explicitly excluded from American show standards. French-bred Brittanys, however, routinely carry black-and-white coloring plus two tricolor variations. The French standard also accepts black, making coat color one of the key differences between American and European bloodlines.
Temperament, Exercise Needs, and Common Owner Mistakes
Brittanys are famously “velcro dogs”—they stay close to their people, bond deeply with children, and hate being left out. Their extreme intelligence makes them highly trainable but also highly demanding. Owners who underestimate this land in trouble fast: a bored Brittany destroys furniture, digs under fences, and develops anxiety behaviors. The three most common mistakes new owners make are skipping daily mental enrichment, neglecting recall training (their hunting drive overwhelms everything), and leaving them alone for long stretches, which triggers separation anxiety. If you’re bringing one home, check our recommended dog food for Brittany Spaniels to start them on a diet that supports their high energy level.
Health, Lifespan, and Care Basics
Brittanys live 12–14 years, which is longer than average for comparable dog breeds. The breed’s common health issues include hip dysplasia, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, patellar luxation, and cataracts. Grooming is moderate—weekly brushing handles their shedding, and the coat resists dirt well enough that baths are infrequent. Diet runs about 2.5 cups of quality kibble daily, adjusted for activity level.
| Attribute | Brittany Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 17–20 inches; 30–40 lbs |
| Lifespan | 12–14 years |
| Daily exercise | 2+ hours vigorous activity |
| Coat colors (AKC) | Orange & white, liver & white |
| Coat colors (French) | Also black & white, tricolor |
| Best for | Active families, hunters |
| Common health issues | Hip dysplasia, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, patellar luxation, cataracts |
FAQs
Is a Brittany Spaniel a good family dog?
Yes. Brittanys are affectionate, gentle with children, and highly trainable. They form very close bonds and thrive in homes where someone is present most of the day, since they struggle with extended alone time.
Are Brittanys hard to train?
No—they are eager to please and very bright, which makes them responsive in training sessions. The challenge is keeping their focus in the field, where their hunting instinct can override commands, so solid recall training is critical from puppyhood.
Do Brittanys need a lot of grooming?
Weekly brushing is enough for their short-to-medium coat, which sheds moderately and resists dirt. The feathering on ears and legs may need occasional detangling, but the breed is low-maintenance compared to heavy-shedding or long-coated dogs.
References & Sources
- American Kennel Club. “Brittany Dog Breed Information.” Official AKC breed standard, history, and health data.
- Wikipedia. “Brittany (dog breed).” Comprehensive breed history, naming details, and coat color standards.
- Hill’s Pet Nutrition. “Brittany Dog Breed.” Care requirements, health profiles, and feeding guidelines.
Mo Maruf
I created WellFizz to bridge the gap between vague wellness advice and actionable solutions. My mission is simple: to decode the research and give you practical tools you can actually use.
Beyond the data, I am a passionate traveler. I believe that stepping away from the screen to explore new environments is essential for mental clarity and physical vitality.