Brittany

Temperament & Personality

The Brittany (sometimes called the Brittany Spaniel) is an active, affectionate companion. They’re often described as one of the friendliest and sweetest sporting breeds. Brittanys love to be part of the family and usually bond closely with everyone in the household, including children. Both American and French lines share this temperament: American Brittanys tend to be a bit larger and faster, while French Brittanys are often slightly smaller, but both are equally loving and cheerful. You can expect a Brittany to be eager to please and intelligent, but also sensitive – they respond best to gentle, consistent guidance.

• Affectionate and People-Oriented: Brittanys typically have a sunny disposition and enjoy greeting you with enthusiasm. Their friendly nature makes them good with family and most visitors.
• High Energy and Playful: These dogs love to play and run. They are bred for hunting, so they naturally have lots of stamina. Be prepared to provide daily exercise and activities to keep them happy.
• Smart and Trainable: They learn quickly using positive reinforcement. Brittanys catch on to commands with ease if training is fun and consistent.
• Sensitive Nature: Harsh corrections are a bad idea – these dogs thrive on praise, treats, and gentle encouragement.
• Strong Prey Drive: With a hunting background, a Brittany may instinctively chase birds, squirrels, or other small animals. Always use a secure leash or fenced area when outdoors.

Care, Living Environment & Grooming

Exercise: Brittanys need plenty of daily activity. Plan for at least 60 minutes of vigorous exercise each day. This can include long walks, runs, fetch in the yard, swimming, or agility training. Keeping them mentally stimulated (with games or scent work) is also important to prevent boredom.

Living Space: This breed thrives in a home where they can move freely. A securely fenced yard is ideal for a Brittany to safely burn off energy. While they are a medium-size dog, their high activity level makes them a poor fit for a couch-potato lifestyle. That said, if you are active and commit to daily exercise, Brittanys can adapt to apartment living. They are not excessive barkers, which helps if you’re in close quarters, but they still need room to stretch their legs (or frequent walks).

Grooming: The Brittany’s coat is of medium length and somewhat silky. It’s relatively low-maintenance – weekly brushing is usually enough to keep it looking good and minimize shedding. During seasonal sheddings (especially in spring and fall) you may need to brush more often. Baths are only needed when they get dirty; their coat can resist moisture to an extent. After any outdoor adventures or swims, always check and clean their ears, since their floppy ears can trap moisture and lead to infections. Routine care like nail trimming and teeth brushing should be done as needed.

Training & Socialization

Training a Brittany is most successful when you use positive reinforcement and keep sessions upbeat. They are smart and will pick up on commands quickly if training is consistent and fun. Avoid long, repetitive drills; instead, use short sessions with treats or toys as rewards.

Socialization from a young age is crucial. Expose your Brittany puppy to many people, children, dogs, and different environments. This helps them grow into a confident, well-adjusted adult. Because Brittanys can be sensitive, they need encouragement to be outgoing. Also, given their hunting instincts, teaching a reliable recall (come when called) is very important for safety. In general, a well-socialized, well-trained Brittany will be a well-behaved and joyful family dog.

Health Considerations

Brittanys are generally a healthy breed with a typical lifespan of around 12–14 years. Still, be aware of breed-specific health issues and work with your veterinarian for preventive care:

• Hip Dysplasia: Like many active breeds, Brittanys can inherit hip dysplasia. This can lead to arthritis if severe. Maintain a healthy weight and provide joint supplements if your vet recommends them.
• Epilepsy (Seizures): A notable number of Brittanys develop genetic epilepsy. Seizures can often be managed with daily medication. If your dog has an episode longer than a couple of minutes, see the vet immediately.
• Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland is common in Brittanys. Symptoms include weight gain, lethargy, or skin problems. A simple blood test can diagnose it, and daily medication can keep your dog healthy.
• Cataracts: Brittanys are prone to cataracts, which cloud the eye lens. If you notice cloudy eyes or vision issues, an eye specialist can often remove cataracts surgically.
• Other: Some Brittany puppies may be born with a cleft palate (rare) and require special care. Because they’re so active, they also have a higher risk of injuries from running and playing (e.g. sprains or cuts), so supervise vigorous play.

Overall, routine veterinary check-ups, parasite prevention, and a high-quality diet will help keep your Brittany in top shape. Many breeders perform health screenings (hips, thyroid, eyes) on their breeding dogs, so asking for documentation can help you choose a healthy puppy.

Cost of Ownership

When budgeting for a Brittany, consider both the upfront and ongoing expenses. For first-time owners in the U.S.:

• Puppy Price: A Brittany puppy from a reputable breeder typically costs around $500–$1,000. (Finding one may require checking breed rescue groups or waiting lists.) Adoption from a shelter or rescue, if available, can be significantly cheaper.
• Initial Setup: Expect to spend a few hundred dollars on essentials like a crate, bed, leash, collar, food/water bowls, and toys. Also include initial veterinary costs (vaccinations, deworming, spay/neuter), which can be several hundred dollars.
• Food: A high-quality dog food for a medium, active dog may run about $40–$80 per month. Measure portions carefully to avoid overeating, as obesity can be harmful to an active breed.
• Healthcare: Routine vet care (annual exams, vaccinations, flea/heartworm prevention) might cost a few hundred dollars per year. Emergency or specialty care (e.g. for injuries or health issues) is extra. Pet insurance or a health savings fund can help manage unexpected bills.
• Grooming: There are minimal costs here since most grooming is done at home. A good brush and shampoo are a modest one-time expense. If you choose professional grooming for nail trims or baths, budget around $30–$50 per visit.
• Training and Accessories: Puppy classes, obedience training, or agility lessons can improve your relationship with your dog but will add to costs. New leashes, toys, and replacement gear over the years should also be factored in.

Overall, Brittanys are considered moderately priced to own. Monthly upkeep (food, routine care) might average around $100–$200, similar to other medium breeds. Their high energy doesn’t usually translate into high medical costs (unless injuries occur), but preparedness is key.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Gentle and Affectionate: Brittanys are joyful, people-loving dogs. They are friendly, affectionate, and form strong bonds with their owners.
• Intelligent and Trainable: They are intelligent and generally eager to please, making training easier than with many stubborn breeds.
• Low Grooming Needs: Physically, their grooming needs are minimal (easy-care coat), and they do not drool much.
• Great for Active Families: They make enthusiastic running or hiking partners and excel at dog sports like agility or hunting trials.
• Adaptable Living: Their medium size means they fit well in a variety of homes, and they tend not to be excessive barkers.

Cons

• High Energy Level: The biggest challenge with Brittanys is their high energy level. They require plenty of exercise and attention; without it, they can become bored, anxious, or exhibit destructive behaviors.
• Prone to Separation Anxiety: Brittanys can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone too long (they truly like being near you).
• Can Be Timid: They may also be timid if not properly socialized, so early training and exposure are important.
• Health Issues: Like any breed, they are prone to certain health issues (especially hip dysplasia and epilepsy).
• Strong Prey Drive: Their high prey drive means you must be vigilant around small animals.

In summary, a Brittany is best suited to an active owner who has time to spend with them.

Fun Facts

• Sportsman’s Dog: The Brittany is cherished by hunters on both sides of the Atlantic. Its agility and stamina made it popular in field trials in Europe and America.
• Early U.S. Arrival: Brittanys were first imported to the U.S. in 1931, and they quickly gained a following among hunters and sport enthusiasts.
• Coat Colors: Only French Brittanys can have black coloring in their coat (such as black-and-white or tricolor). American Brittanys (by breed standard) come in orange, liver, or white combinations but no black.
• Name Change: In 1982 the American Brittany Club officially dropped "Spaniel" from the breed’s name, so today the AKC registry simply calls them "Brittany."
• Athletic Achievers: Brittanys excel in dog sports. They often earn titles in agility, obedience, and field events thanks to their energy, intelligence, and agility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between an American Brittany and a French Brittany?

They are essentially the same breed, just with slight differences. American Brittanys are typically a bit larger and faster than French Brittanys. French Brittanys may have black fur in their coats (American ones do not). Aside from size and coloring, their personalities and care needs are very similar.

Are Brittanys good with children and families?

Yes. Brittanys are known for being affectionate and gentle. With early socialization, they generally do well with children and become loyal family dogs. They love to play, so they often enjoy games with kids. Always teach children how to interact politely with dogs, and supervise young kids with any dog.

How much exercise do Brittanys need?

A lot. These dogs were bred for high endurance. Aim for at least 60+ minutes of active exercise every day. This can include walks, runs, fetch, or dog sports. A tired Brittany is a happy Brittany. Without enough exercise, they can become bored or anxious.

Do Brittanys shed a lot?

Brittanys have a moderate shedding amount. They have a medium-length double coat that will shed seasonally, especially in spring and fall. Regular weekly brushing will keep shedding under control and keep their coat healthy.

References

1. PetMD – Brittany (Brittany Spaniel)
2. Last Chance Ranch Sanctuary – American vs. French Brittany Spaniel
3. A-Z Animals – French Brittany vs. American Brittany: Key Differences Explained
4. The Spruce Pets – Brittany Dog Breed Profile
5. American Kennel Club – Brittany