7 Facts to Know About Brittany Spaniel Breeds

The Brittany is an athletic, intelligent, and affectionate sporting dog best known for its bird-hunting ability, high energy, and close bond with people.

Although many people still call the breed the “Brittany Spaniel,” the official name in the United States is simply Brittany. Its working style is more similar to a pointing breed than a traditional flushing spaniel.

Brittanys can be wonderful companions for active families, hunters, runners, hikers, and dog-sport enthusiasts. However, their exercise needs, sensitivity, and strong desire for interaction mean they are not the right match for every household.

Here are seven interesting facts about the Brittany, along with practical information about its temperament, training, grooming, health, and daily care.

Brittany Breed Overview

1. The Brittany Originated in France

The Brittany takes its name from the Brittany region in northwestern France, where compact hunting dogs were developed to locate and retrieve birds.

Dogs resembling modern Brittanys appear in European artwork from centuries ago, although the breed as it is recognized today was developed more recently through selective breeding.

Hunters valued Brittanys because they were:

• Agile in fields and dense cover
• Small enough to transport easily
• Capable of pointing birds
• Responsive to their handlers
• Energetic without being as large as some other gun dogs

The breed’s French hunting heritage still strongly influences its temperament and activity level.

2. “Spaniel” Was Removed From Its Official Name

The breed was widely known as the Brittany Spaniel for many years. In the United States, the American Kennel Club officially shortened the name to Brittany in 1982.

The change reflected the way the breed works in the field. Traditional spaniels generally flush birds from cover, while Brittanys typically locate and point game more like setters and pointers.

Many people still use “Brittany Spaniel” in everyday conversation, but Brittany is the official breed name in the United States.

3. The Brittany Is a Natural Bird Hunter

Brittanys were developed specifically for upland bird hunting. They are known for combining speed, endurance, scenting ability, and responsiveness in the field.

Typical working abilities include:

• Searching for birds
• Pointing game
• Working across varied terrain
• Following scent
• Retrieving with training
• Remaining attentive to a handler

Not every Brittany will have the same hunting ability or retrieving style. Genetics, early exposure, confidence, health, and training all influence performance.

Even Brittanys that never hunt often enjoy activities that use similar instincts, such as scent work, retrieving games, tracking, and field-style training.

4. Brittanys Have High Exercise Needs

Brittanys are energetic working dogs, but describing every Brittany as hyperactive can be misleading. A well-exercised and mentally satisfied Brittany may settle calmly indoors.

Problems often appear when the dog does not receive enough appropriate activity.

How Much Exercise Does a Brittany Need?

Healthy adult Brittanys commonly need substantial daily exercise, but the correct amount depends on age, fitness, weather, health, and individual temperament.

Suitable activities include:

• Long walks
• Running with an appropriately conditioned adult dog
• Hiking
• Fetch
• Swimming
• Scent work
• Agility
• Obedience training
• Field training
• Structured off-leash activity in secure areas

Physical exercise alone may not be enough. Brittanys also benefit from problem-solving, training, and opportunities to use their noses.

Signs a Brittany May Need More Activity

• Restlessness
• Destructive chewing
• Excessive barking
• Repeated attention-seeking
• Difficulty settling
• Digging
• Escaping or roaming
• Chasing moving animals

Puppies should not be pushed into prolonged high-impact exercise while their joints are developing. Ask your veterinarian about age-appropriate activity.

5. They Are Affectionate and People-Oriented

Brittanys are often affectionate, social, and strongly attached to their families. Many prefer being near people and may follow family members from room to room.

Their people-oriented nature can make them loving companions, but it may also contribute to distress when they are left alone for long periods without preparation.

Are Brittanys Good With Children?

Many Brittanys live successfully with children, especially when the dog is well socialized and the children understand respectful handling.

However, breed alone cannot guarantee safe behavior. Their speed and enthusiasm may accidentally knock over a small child.

Always supervise interactions and teach children not to:

• Climb on the dog
• Pull ears or fur
• Disturb the dog while eating or sleeping
• Take toys by force
• Corner or chase the dog

Do Brittanys Get Along With Other Pets?

Many Brittanys are sociable with other dogs. Their hunting background may create a desire to chase birds and small animals, so careful introductions and supervision are important.

Early socialization can help, but it does not completely remove genetically influenced prey drive.

6. Brittanys Are Intelligent and Trainable

Brittanys are generally intelligent, responsive, and eager to work with people. They often learn quickly when training is clear, rewarding, and consistent.

They can also be sensitive. Harsh physical corrections, yelling, or intimidating methods may reduce confidence and damage the working relationship.

Training Methods That Work Well

• Positive reinforcement
• Food rewards
• Toys and retrieving games
• Short, focused sessions
• Consistent cues
• Gradually increasing distractions
• Rewarding calm behavior

Important Skills for a Brittany

Useful early training priorities include:

• Recall
• Loose-leash walking
• Leave it
• Drop it
• Waiting at doors
• Settling on a mat
• Crate training
• Calm greetings
• Handling and grooming tolerance

Recall training is especially important because Brittanys may follow scents or chase wildlife.

7. Their Coat Is Easier to Maintain Than It Looks

The Brittany has a dense, flat or slightly wavy coat. Some dogs have feathering on the ears, legs, chest, and belly.

Common coat colors include:

• Orange and white
• Liver and white
• Orange roan
• Liver roan
• Tricolor combinations

Brittanys are not generally considered non-shedding or hypoallergenic. They usually shed a moderate amount, with heavier shedding possible during seasonal coat changes.

Brittany Grooming Routine

• Brush once or twice a week
• Brush more often during seasonal shedding
• Check feathered areas for tangles and burrs
• Inspect paws after outdoor activity
• Check ears regularly
• Trim nails as needed
• Bathe when dirty or odorous
• Maintain routine dental care

Dogs that hunt, hike, or spend time in brush should be checked for ticks, grass awns, cuts, and plant debris after every outing.

Brittany Size and Appearance

The Brittany is a medium-sized dog with an athletic, compact build. It is designed for endurance and quick movement rather than heavy strength.

Common physical features include:

• Long, muscular legs
• A deep but not overly broad chest
• High-set ears
• An alert expression
• A naturally short tail or longer tail, depending on the dog
• A lightly feathered sporting coat

Individual size and appearance vary by sex, genetics, breeding line, and region.

What Is It Like to Live With a Brittany?

Home Environment

A Brittany can live in a house or apartment if its activity needs are consistently met. A yard is useful but does not replace walks, training, and interaction.

Because Brittanys can jump, dig, chase, and follow scent, outdoor areas should be securely fenced.

Time Alone

Brittanys often prefer close contact with their families. They may struggle when routinely left alone for long periods.

Gradual independence training, predictable routines, enrichment, and adequate exercise can help reduce boredom and distress.

Mental Stimulation

Good enrichment options include:

• Food puzzles
• Hidden-treat games
• Scent trails
• Retrieving drills
• Trick training
• Obedience exercises
• Rotating safe toys

Common Brittany Health Concerns

Brittanys are generally athletic dogs, but they can develop inherited or acquired health conditions.

Potential concerns may include:

• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow problems
• Eye disorders
• Epilepsy
• Hypothyroidism
• Ear infections
• Skin allergies
• Exercise-related injuries

Not every Brittany will develop these conditions. Responsible breeding, regular veterinary care, weight management, appropriate exercise, and prompt treatment of symptoms can support long-term health.

Ear Care

Brittanys have drop ears that can limit airflow inside the ear canal. Check the ears after swimming, bathing, hunting, and outdoor adventures.

Contact your veterinarian if you notice:

• Strong odor
• Redness
• Discharge
• Frequent scratching
• Head shaking
• Pain when the ear is touched

Is a Brittany Right for You?

A Brittany may be a good match if you:

• Enjoy daily outdoor activity
• Want an intelligent, trainable dog
• Can provide exercise and mental stimulation
• Want an affectionate, involved companion
• Are interested in hunting or dog sports
• Can commit to recall and leash training
• Do not routinely leave the dog alone all day

A Brittany may be less suitable if you:

• Prefer a low-energy dog
• Cannot provide substantial daily exercise
• Want a highly independent breed
• Have unsecured outdoor areas
• Are uncomfortable managing prey drive
• Do not have time for consistent training

The Bottom Line

The Brittany is an energetic, intelligent, and affectionate sporting dog with deep roots in bird hunting.

Its athleticism and trainability make it well suited to active homes, field work, hiking, running, agility, and other dog sports. At the same time, its high exercise needs and sensitivity require consistent training, companionship, and mental stimulation.

Brittanys are not simply hyperactive dogs that need a large yard. They are working dogs that thrive when given purposeful activity, clear guidance, and time with their families.

For the right owner, the Brittany can be a devoted family companion and an enthusiastic partner in almost any outdoor adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Brittany the same as a Brittany Spaniel?

Yes. They refer to the same breed. The official name in the United States was shortened from Brittany Spaniel to Brittany in 1982.

Why was “Spaniel” removed from the breed’s name?

The Brittany works more like a pointing dog than a traditional flushing spaniel, so the official name was changed to better reflect its hunting style.

Is a Brittany a good family dog?

A well-trained and properly exercised Brittany can be an affectionate family companion. Its energy may be overwhelming for very small children, so supervision is important.

How much exercise does a Brittany need?

Healthy adult Brittanys generally need substantial daily physical activity and mental stimulation. The exact amount depends on age, health, fitness, and individual temperament.

Can a Brittany live in an apartment?

Yes, but only if the owner provides enough outdoor exercise, training, enrichment, and bathroom breaks. Apartment living does not reduce the breed’s activity needs.

Are Brittanys easy to train?

They are usually intelligent and eager to learn. Positive reinforcement, short sessions, consistency, and early socialization tend to produce the best results.

Do Brittanys bark a lot?

Some Brittanys bark when excited, bored, alerting, or seeking attention. Exercise, training, and enrichment can help reduce excessive barking.

Do Brittanys shed?

Yes. Brittanys usually shed a moderate amount and may shed more heavily during seasonal coat changes.

Are Brittanys hypoallergenic?

No. They shed hair and produce allergens in dander and saliva, so they are not considered hypoallergenic.

How often should a Brittany be groomed?

Brush the coat approximately once or twice a week and more often during heavy shedding. Check the ears, paws, feathering, nails, and skin regularly.

Do Brittanys get along with other dogs?

Many do, especially when socialized early. Individual temperament and previous experiences still matter.

Can Brittanys live with cats?

Some can live peacefully with cats when introduced carefully. Their hunting background may create a strong chase instinct, so supervision and management are essential.

Can a Brittany be trusted off leash?

Some Brittanys develop reliable recall with extensive training, but scent and prey drive can override commands. Use secure areas and follow local leash laws.

Is a Brittany suitable for a first-time dog owner?

It can be, provided the owner understands the breed’s exercise, training, and companionship needs and is willing to provide a structured routine.

Does a Brittany need to hunt to be happy?

No. Hunting instincts can also be satisfied through scent work, retrieving games, agility, hiking, obedience, tracking, and other structured activities.