Brittany Spaniel Puppies

Photo of Brittany Spaniel

The Energetic but Gentle Brittany Spaniel

Hailing from France, the Brittany Spaniel is high-energy dog that loves to run, play, and hunt. They take well to training and make wonderful family dogs due to their gentle nature and loving personality.


Brittany Spaniel At a Glance

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Brittany Spaniel At a Glance

  • Size: 17"-21", 30-40 lbs.
  • Lifespan: 12-14 years
  • Energy Level: high
  • Coat: Short and either flat or wavy
  • Shedding: moderate
  • Hypoallergenic: No
  • Dog Group: Sporting
  • Common Nicknames: Epagneul Breton, American Brittany, Brittany

Brittany Spaniel Breed Guide

Learn More About Brittany Spaniels

  • Temperament

    The Brittany Spaniel is a high-energy breed that loves to run, play, and hunt. That said, Brittanys need plenty of rigorous exercise daily, often more than just walking, so they're not recommended for anyone who isn't an active individual themselves. If they don't receive adequate mental and physical stimulation, Brittany Spaniels can become destructive. Aside from their high exercise requirements, the Brittany is a relatively low-maintenance breed. They are very obedient, intelligent, and responsive to human direction, so training is on the easier side. Brittanys make wonderful family dogs due to their gentle and loving nature, and they're good with children as long as they've been properly socialized. Overall, the Brittany is a good-natured, happy breed that makes a wonderful companion.

  • Health

    The Brittany Spaniel is a healthy breed with very few genetic health issues. Responsible breeders will screen their stock for eye issues and hip dysplasia.

  • Activity Level

    The Brittany Spaniel is an active breed that requires at least an hour of vigorous exercise every day, with some needing more than this. An under-exercised Brittany can become destructive and hyperactive, so these dogs must be in a home with people who can keep up with their high activity requirements.

  • Grooming

    Their short coat requires minimal maintenance, and usually only requires a weekly brushing to stay healthy. Their long ears should be cleaned regularly, especially after hikes and playing outside. They can be prone to dental problems, so their teeth should be brushed regularly.

  • Shedding

    They shed lightly year round, and heavier in the warmer months. Their hair tends to fall out in individual hairs rather than clumps.

  • Appearance

    The Brittany is a medium-sized dog with an athletic build. While sturdy and solid, Brittanys are relatively compact and typically aren't very heavy. Their coat color can vary, but orange and white or liver and white are the most common for this breed.

  • History

    The Brittany has its origins in the Celtic region of northwest France, which was once an independent country called Brittany. Brittany is across the English Channel from Wales, and the two countries did quite a bit of trading for over a thousand years. Dogs were one of the many things that were traded between Brittany and Wales, resulting in the development of the Brittany Spaniel. The first records of Brittany-type dogs date back to the 17th century, but it wasn't until the mid-1800s that the modern Brittany began to take shape. The breed was a cross between two hunting breeds, and many people were drawn to the Brittany's speed, agility, and obedience. The Brittany was recognized as an official breed in France in 1907, but it didn't appear in the United States until the early 1930s. One they appeared, however, Brittany Spaniels became very popular among Americans, leading to the formation of the American Brittany Club in 1942. Like many breeds, the Brittany was bred much less after World War II, but breeding began to pick up in the years following the war. Today, the Brittany is registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC).