Sporting Group · Purebred · France's compact, tailless bird dog — a tireless pointing spaniel with boundless enthusiasm, a championship-caliber nose, and more AKC Dual Champions than any other breed
Watch this video for a quick overview of the Brittany — see the breed in action before diving into the details below.
The Brittany is a versatile French sporting dog developed in the Bretagne region of northwestern France for hunting upland birds, especially woodcock and partridge. Unlike traditional flushing spaniels, the Brittany evolved pointing instincts through 19th-century selective breeding that produced a compact, tailless gun dog equally skilled at finding, pointing, and retrieving game. It was recognized by the AKC in 1934 as the 'Brittany Spaniel' — the word 'Spaniel' was dropped in 1982 to reflect its pointing, not flushing, behavior.
Off the field, Brittanys are gentle, affectionate, and excellent with children, making them as popular with families as with hunters. They are among the most biddable sporting breeds, responding beautifully to positive training with minimal correction needed. However, they need substantial daily exercise — without enough activity they become restless and inventive about channeling their energy indoors.
Real Brittanys — browse photos showcasing their look, size, and personality.
Brittanys are known for being energetic and loyal. They form deep bonds with their families and thrive on consistent human connection. As a high-energy breed, they are best matched with active owners who enjoy outdoor activities and can commit to regular exercise.
Training is generally a pleasure with Brittanys — they are responsive, motivated, and pick up commands quickly. They are typically gentle and patient with children, making them a reliable family companion.
Brittanys are high-energy dogs that need significant daily exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy. Without adequate activity they can become restless, vocal, or destructive. They are happiest with owners who genuinely enjoy an active lifestyle.
Brittanys have a dense double coat built for protection against the elements. They shed year-round with two major blow-out seasons in spring and fall. Regular brushing dramatically reduces the amount of hair around your home and keeps the coat healthy.
Brittanys are highly responsive to training and genuinely enjoy learning. Their combination of intelligence and eagerness to please makes them a joy to work with — they pick up new commands quickly and retain them well.
Keep training sessions varied and engaging to prevent boredom. Brittanys can handle advanced training — agility, nose work, therapy work, or competitive obedience are all excellent options for channeling their intelligence.
Brittanys are generally healthy for their size, though regular screening helps catch issues early. Responsible breeders screen breeding stock for the most common conditions, significantly reducing risk in puppies from health-tested parents.
A Brittany is ideal for active families or individuals who genuinely enjoy outdoor activities and can commit to daily vigorous exercise. Their trainability makes them approachable for first-time owners who are prepared for an engaged lifestyle. Not the right fit for sedentary households or those with very limited time for exercise.
Brittanies need consistent, well-portioned meals matched to their life stage. Overfeeding is one of the biggest health risks for any dog — use these guidelines and adjust based on your dog's activity level and body condition.
These are general guidelines for a medium-breed dog. Always check the feeding instructions on your specific food brand, and adjust based on activity level and body condition score.
Look for dog foods where the first ingredient is a named protein — chicken, beef, salmon, or lamb. Medium or large-breed formulas are calibrated for their metabolism and nutritional needs.
These common human foods can be toxic — even life-threatening — for dogs. Keep them safely out of reach at all times.
Always bring your Brittany's regular food when boarding. Switching food suddenly can cause digestive upset. Provide the facility your exact feeding schedule and portion sizes.
The upfront cost of a Brittany is just the beginning. Here's a realistic breakdown of what to expect — both to acquire one and to own one for their lifetime.
Beyond the purchase price, owning a Brittany costs between $120–$250 per month on average. Here's where the money goes:
Over a 10–13 year lifespan, a Brittany typically costs between $12,000–$22,000 total — depending on health, lifestyle, and the services you use.
Pet insurance is worth considering for any breed. Buying before your dog turns 1 gives the best rates and fewest pre-existing condition exclusions. Compare 2–3 providers before committing.
Because Brittanies have such wonderful traits, they're a popular choice for intentional mixed breeding. Here are the most common — and most loved — Brittany crosses.
The Brittany's bird-hunting nose meets the Golden's legendary warmth — a medium-sized, active companion equally happy in the field or the backyard.
A friendly, energetic gun dog blending the Brittany's pointing instincts with the Lab's renowned retrieving drive — a dual-purpose hunting companion.
High intelligence meets high energy in an agile, quick-thinking working dog that excels at dog sports and any activity with a clear job to do.
Two enthusiastic bird dogs combine into one eager flushing-and-pointing companion packed with sporting drive and family-friendly warmth.
Brittanies are full of surprises. Here are some of the most fascinating, funny, and heartwarming facts about this breed.