Brittany Spaniel
Breed Description

The Brittany Spaniel is known by several names depending on the region and kennel club recognition. In the United States, the American Kennel Club now officially recognizes the breed simply as "Brittany," having dropped "Spaniel" from the name in 1982, though many enthusiasts and breeders still refer to them as Brittany Spaniels. The breed is also known as the Brittany Pointer, American Brittany, and in France, where it originated, it is called "l'épagneul breton" or simply "Breton." Some regional variations include the French Brittany, which remains as a separate line in some countries. The breed may also be referred to as the Breton Spaniel or Brittany Gun Dog in certain hunting circles.

The Brittany Spaniel represents the perfect balance of athleticism, intelligence, and companionship in a medium-sized sporting dog. These remarkable canines possess a compact yet elegant build that speaks to their heritage as versatile hunting companions. Their distinctive appearance features a beautiful coat that comes in striking orange and white or liver and white patterns, often with ticking or roan markings that create a unique and appealing look.

Standing between 17.5 and 20.5 inches at the shoulder and weighing typically between 30 to 40 pounds, the Brittany Spaniel exhibits perfect proportions for both field work and family life. Their build demonstrates remarkable functional anatomy, with a slightly longer body than height, creating the ideal structure for sustained activity and agile movement across varied terrain.

The breed's head is proportionate to their body size, featuring expressive eyes that range from amber to hazel, conveying intelligence and eager enthusiasm. Their ears are set high and carried close to the head, triangular in shape with rounded tips, and well-feathered. The breed's expression is alert, eager, and intelligent, reflecting their keen desire to please and work alongside their human companions.

One of the most distinctive features of the Brittany Spaniel is their tail, which may be naturally bobbed or docked to approximately four inches in length. The natural bob tail varies in length but should not exceed four inches. Their movement is fluid and efficient, with good reach in front and strong drive from behind, demonstrating the athletic capability that makes them excellent field dogs.

The Brittany Spaniel's coat is dense, flat or wavy, and never curly, providing excellent protection in various weather conditions and terrain. The feathering on their legs, ears, and chest adds to their elegant appearance while serving practical purposes in the field. Their coat requires regular maintenance to keep it in optimal condition, though it is generally manageable for most owners.

American Kennel Club (AKC)

The AKC Brittany standard describes a compact, medium-sized pointing breed combining the attributes of both pointer and retriever. The breed should be 17.5 to 20.5 inches in height at the withers, with dogs being at the upper end of this range and bitches at the lower end. The body is short-coupled, with the length from the front of the chest to the rear of the thigh equaling the height at the withers, plus or minus 2 inches. The skull is medium length, rounded, very slightly wedge-shaped, with no central furrow. The muzzle is medium length, about two-thirds the length of the skull, tapering gradually in both horizontal and vertical dimensions. The eyes are well set in head, expressive, amber or hazel in color, never yellow. Ears are triangular with rounded tips, rather short and set high. The coat is dense, flat or wavy, never curly, providing protection from rough cover and weather. Color is orange and white or liver and white in clear or roan patterns, with some ticking acceptable. The tail, whether natural or docked, should not exceed 4 inches in length.

Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)

The FCI standard for the Brittany recognizes a continental European pointing dog that is the smallest of the pointing breeds. According to FCI guidelines, males should measure 48-51 cm (18.8-20 inches) and females 47-50 cm (18.5-19.6 inches) at the withers. The breed should present a harmonious, energetic, and compact appearance. The head is of medium size with a skull that is longer than wide, well chiseled with lateral sides slightly rounded. The stop is medium, oblique but not too pronounced. The muzzle is straight with sides almost parallel, tapering slightly toward the nose. The eyes are expressive, amber or dark hazel, complementing the coat color. The coat should be fine, dense, flat or slightly wavy but never curly. Acceptable colors include orange and white, liver and white, tricolor (liver, orange and white), or roan in any of these combinations. The tail may be natural (often naturally short) or docked, not exceeding 10 cm when docked.

United Kennel Club (UKC)

The UKC breed standard emphasizes the Brittany as a medium-sized, leggy dog that is athletic and eager. The breed should measure 17-21 inches at the shoulder for males and 16-20 inches for females, with weight proportionate to height and bone structure. The UKC standard notes that the Brittany is a pointing breed developed to work in close cooperation with hunters afoot or on horseback. The head should be proportionate to the size of the dog, with a skull that is medium length and rounded. The ears are triangular with rounded tips, set high and lying flat against the head. The coat is dense and either flat or wavy, never curly, providing protection in thick cover. Colors include orange and white, liver and white, or tricolor combinations, with clear or roan patterns acceptable. The breed should demonstrate a smooth, efficient gait that covers ground with minimal effort. The UKC standard emphasizes working ability and notes that Brittanys should be judged as sporting dogs with function being of paramount importance.

Other Organizations

The Canadian Kennel Club follows closely to the AKC standard but may have slight variations in interpretation. The Australian National Kennel Council recognizes the breed under similar guidelines with emphasis on the dual purpose nature of the breed as both pointer and retriever. Various European kennel clubs that are not FCI affiliated may maintain their own standards, often emphasizing working ability and field trial performance. Some breed-specific organizations focus on maintaining the original French characteristics and working ability, particularly emphasizing the breed's natural hunting instincts and trainability. Field trial organizations often have their own informal standards that emphasize performance over conformation, focusing on pointing ability, range, speed, and biddability in the field.

The Brittany Spaniel traces its origins to the province of Brittany in northwestern France, where it developed over several centuries as a versatile hunting companion for French peasants and poachers. The breed's history begins in the 17th century, though some historical accounts suggest similar dogs existed in the region even earlier. The rugged landscape of Brittany, with its dense forests, moorlands, and coastal areas, shaped the breed's development into a hardy, adaptable hunting dog capable of working in diverse terrain and weather conditions.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, the breed underwent significant development through careful breeding practices by French hunters who needed a dog capable of both pointing and retrieving game. The isolated nature of Brittany as a peninsula allowed for relatively controlled breeding, helping to establish consistent breed characteristics. Local hunters valued dogs that could work close to the gun, were easy to train, and could adapt to various hunting situations, from woodcock in dense cover to game birds on open moors.

The breed's modern development is often attributed to a legendary mating that occurred around 1850 in the small town of Pontou. According to breed folklore, a small tailless dog belonging to a local hunter was bred to a lemon and white English Setter brought to the area by an English sportsman. The resulting offspring displayed exceptional hunting ability and many of the characteristics we see in today's Brittany Spaniel. While this story may be more legend than fact, it reflects the crossbreeding that likely occurred between native French dogs and English hunting breeds during this period.

The first recorded Brittany Spaniel was registered in France in 1896, and the first breed standard was written in 1907 by Arthur Enaud, a French sportsman who played a crucial role in the breed's development and recognition. This standard emphasized the breed's dual nature as both pointer and retriever, a characteristic that remains fundamental to the breed today. The standard also established the acceptable coat colors and patterns that continue to define the breed.

The Brittany Spaniel made its way to North America in the early 20th century, with the first imports arriving around 1931. Mexican sportsman Juan Pugibet is often credited with importing some of the first Brittanys to North America. The breed quickly gained popularity among American hunters who appreciated its versatility, trainability, and size - large enough to handle game birds but small enough to transport easily.

The American Kennel Club first recognized the breed in 1934, initially calling it the Brittany Spaniel. However, in 1982, the AKC dropped "Spaniel" from the breed name, recognizing that the dog's hunting style and behavior were more similar to setters and pointers than to traditional spaniels. This change reflected the breed's pointing rather than flushing behavior, though many breeders and enthusiasts continue to use the traditional name.

World War II significantly impacted the breed in its native France, as many breeding programs were disrupted and quality breeding stock was lost. However, the foundation stock that had been established in North America helped preserve the breed's genetic diversity. Post-war breeding efforts in both France and America focused on maintaining the breed's working ability while refining its conformation.

The development of field trials and hunting tests in the mid-20th century provided new venues for demonstrating the Brittany Spaniel's capabilities. The breed quickly excelled in these competitions, often dominating pointing breed field trials and earning recognition as one of the premier gun dogs. This success in competition helped increase the breed's popularity among serious hunters and established breeding lines focused on working ability.

Modern breeding has resulted in some divergence between American and European lines, sometimes referred to as American Brittany and French Brittany respectively. American lines tend to be slightly taller with more orange and white coloring, while European lines often retain more liver and white coloring and may be slightly smaller. Both lines maintain the breed's essential characteristics of intelligence, trainability, and hunting instinct.

Today, the Brittany Spaniel ranks among the most popular pointing breeds in North America and continues to thrive in its native France. The breed has successfully adapted to modern hunting practices while maintaining its traditional characteristics. Contemporary Brittany Spaniels serve not only as exceptional hunting companions but also as beloved family pets, therapy dogs, and competitors in various dog sports including agility, obedience, and tracking.

The Brittany Spaniel was developed as a versatile gun dog capable of performing multiple functions in the field, making it one of the most complete hunting companions among sporting breeds. Their primary function combines the pointing instincts of pointer breeds with the retrieving abilities of spaniel breeds, creating a unique dual-purpose hunting dog that can adapt to various hunting situations and terrain types.

As a pointing dog, the Brittany Spaniel demonstrates exceptional ability to locate game birds through scent, approach carefully, and freeze in position to indicate the birds' location to the hunter. Their pointing style is intense and steady, often accompanied by a lifted front paw and rigid body posture that clearly communicates the bird's position. This pointing behavior is largely instinctive, though it can be refined through training to achieve the precision required for serious field work.

The breed's retrieving function encompasses both land and water work, though they are particularly renowned for their upland game retrieving. Brittany Spaniels possess soft mouths that allow them to retrieve game birds without damaging the meat, making them invaluable for hunters who plan to consume their harvest. Their retrieving instinct is strong and reliable, typically requiring minimal training to develop into a functional skill.

In terms of hunting range, Brittany Spaniels work at a moderate distance from the hunter, typically staying within gun range while covering ground efficiently. This makes them ideal for hunters on foot who need a dog that won't range too far but can still cover sufficient territory to locate game. Their working style is methodical and thorough, ensuring that likely cover areas are properly searched without the bird being pushed out of range.

The breed's versatility extends to various types of game and hunting conditions. They excel at hunting upland birds such as pheasant, quail, grouse, and woodcock, adapting their hunting style to the specific requirements of each species. In dense cover, they work close and methodical, while in open country, they may range more widely while maintaining contact with the hunter.

Beyond traditional hunting roles, modern Brittany Spaniels serve various contemporary functions. They excel in field trials and hunting tests, where their natural abilities can be showcased in competitive settings. Many Brittany Spaniels participate in amateur gun dog competitions, often achieving high levels of success due to their trainability and natural hunting instincts.

The breed's intelligence and eagerness to please make them suitable for various service roles beyond hunting. Some Brittany Spaniels work as therapy dogs, providing emotional support in hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. Their gentle nature and appropriate size make them well-suited for this type of work, though their high energy levels require careful selection and training for therapy work.

In competitive dog sports, Brittany Spaniels demonstrate versatility across multiple disciplines. They participate successfully in agility competitions, where their athleticism and trainability allow them to navigate complex courses with speed and accuracy. Obedience trials showcase their intelligence and willingness to work closely with their handlers, while tracking events utilize their excellent scenting abilities.

Modern breeding programs continue to emphasize working ability alongside conformation, ensuring that the breed maintains its functional capabilities. Many breeders require hunting tests or field trial participation before using dogs in their breeding programs, helping to preserve the instincts and abilities that define the breed's function.

The Brittany Spaniel's function as a family companion has become increasingly important in modern times. Their loyalty, intelligence, and moderate size make them excellent pets for active families who can provide adequate exercise and mental stimulation. However, potential owners must understand that the breed's working heritage means they require outlets for their energy and intelligence to remain happy and well-adjusted.

The Brittany Spaniel exhibits a complex behavioral profile that reflects its dual heritage as both a working gun dog and family companion. Their behavior is characterized by high intelligence, strong trainability, and an intense desire to please their human partners. These dogs display remarkable emotional sensitivity and form exceptionally strong bonds with their families, often showing preference for one particular family member while remaining loyal to all.

Energy management represents one of the most significant aspects of Brittany Spaniel behavior. These dogs possess seemingly endless reserves of energy and require substantial daily exercise to maintain behavioral balance. Without adequate physical and mental stimulation, they may develop destructive behaviors such as excessive digging, chewing, or escape attempts. Their exercise needs go beyond simple walks, requiring activities that engage both their body and mind, such as retrieving games, hiking, or structured training sessions.

The breed's intelligence manifests in their ability to learn complex commands quickly and retain training over extended periods. However, this intelligence also means they can become bored easily with repetitive activities, requiring variety in their training and exercise routines. They demonstrate excellent problem-solving abilities and can sometimes be too clever for their own good, figuring out ways to escape yards or access forbidden areas.

Socially, Brittany Spaniels are generally friendly and outgoing, though they may show initial reserve with strangers. Early socialization is crucial for developing proper social skills and preventing shyness or fearfulness. They typically get along well with other dogs, especially when raised together, though their hunting instincts may create challenges with smaller pets such as cats, rabbits, or birds unless they are socialized with these animals from an early age.

The breed's hunting heritage strongly influences their everyday behavior. They possess a strong prey drive that can be triggered by small, fast-moving objects or animals. This instinct means they may chase squirrels, rabbits, or even cats, often without regard for their surroundings. Owners must be prepared to manage this behavior through training and environmental controls, such as secure fencing and proper leash management.

Brittany Spaniels demonstrate moderate territorial behavior, typically alerting their family to visitors or unusual activities but rarely showing aggressive protective instincts. They make adequate watchdogs through their alert nature and tendency to bark when something appears amiss, but they are generally too friendly to serve as effective guard dogs. Their barking is usually situational rather than excessive, though they may become vocal when excited or frustrated.

Training responses in Brittany Spaniels are generally excellent due to their eagerness to please and food motivation. However, they can be sensitive to harsh corrections or negative training methods, often shutting down or becoming anxious when faced with overly forceful handling. Positive reinforcement methods work exceptionally well with this breed, and they respond particularly well to praise, treats, and play as motivational tools.

The breed's emotional sensitivity extends to their ability to read human moods and emotions. Many Brittany Spaniels seem to instinctively know when their owners are upset or stressed and will often attempt to provide comfort. This emotional intelligence makes them excellent therapy dogs when properly trained and socialized, though it also means they can become anxious or stressed in households with high tension or conflict.

Adolescent Brittany Spaniels, typically between 6 months and 2 years of age, may exhibit challenging behaviors as they test boundaries and assert independence. This period often includes increased energy levels, selective hearing regarding commands, and potential destructive behavior if not properly managed. Consistent training and adequate exercise during this period are crucial for developing a well-adjusted adult dog.

Indoor behavior varies significantly based on the individual dog's exercise and stimulation levels. A well-exercised Brittany Spaniel tends to be calm and relaxed in the house, often content to rest near their family members. However, an under-stimulated dog may pace, whine, or engage in attention-seeking behaviors. They generally prefer to be near their family rather than isolated, and many will follow their owners from room to room throughout the day.

Sleep patterns in Brittany Spaniels typically align with their activity levels. After adequate exercise, they often sleep deeply and may be difficult to rouse. However, they remain alert to sounds and activities around their environment even while resting. Many owners find that their Brittany Spaniels sleep best when allowed to be near the family, whether in the bedroom or in a crate placed in a central location.

Seasonal behavioral changes may occur in some Brittany Spaniels, particularly those with strong hunting instincts. During traditional hunting seasons, they may become more restless or excited, seemingly anticipating field work even if they are primarily family pets. These seasonal changes highlight the importance of providing appropriate outlets for their natural instincts throughout the year.

The Brittany Spaniel integrates seamlessly into family life when their needs for exercise, mental stimulation, and companionship are properly met. These dogs thrive in active households where they can participate in family activities and receive consistent interaction with their human pack members. Their adaptable nature allows them to adjust to various family structures, from single-person households to large families with multiple children, provided their basic needs are understood and addressed.

With children, Brittany Spaniels typically demonstrate exceptional patience and gentleness, making them outstanding family pets for households with kids of various ages. Their moderate size prevents accidental injuries that might occur with larger breeds, while their sturdy build can withstand the enthusiasm of young children. These dogs often form particularly strong bonds with children who participate in their exercise and training routines, creating partnerships that benefit both the child and the dog through shared responsibility and activity.

The breed's response to infants and toddlers is generally positive, though proper introduction and supervision are essential. Brittany Spaniels often display protective instincts toward young family members, positioning themselves near children and alerting parents to potential concerns. Their gentle mouth and careful movements around small children make them suitable companions for families planning to expand or with very young children, though all interactions should be supervised until both child and dog understand appropriate behavior.

In multi-dog households, Brittany Spaniels typically establish harmonious relationships with other canines, especially when introduced properly and given adequate resources. Their social nature and pack instincts usually prevent serious conflicts, though they may need time to establish hierarchy and boundaries. The breed's playful nature often makes them excellent companions for other active dogs, and they may actually benefit from having another dog to help burn energy through interactive play.

The integration of Brittany Spaniels with non-canine pets requires careful management due to their strong hunting instincts. Cats can coexist successfully with Brittany Spaniels when the dog is raised with them from puppyhood, though the hunting drive may never completely disappear. Small pets such as birds, rabbits, or hamsters may trigger predatory behavior, requiring secure housing and supervised interactions. Early socialization with various animals can help minimize these issues, but owners should always be aware of the potential for instinctive behavior to override training.

The role of Brittany Spaniels within family hierarchies tends to be that of an eager participant rather than a dominant leader. They generally accept family rules and boundaries when consistently enforced, though their intelligence means they will test limits periodically. Establishing clear leadership and expectations from all family members helps prevent confusion and behavioral issues. These dogs respond well to family training sessions where multiple members participate in reinforcing commands and expectations.

Exercise responsibilities within the family often become a shared activity that strengthens bonds between the Brittany Spaniel and various family members. Different family members can take responsibility for different aspects of the dog's exercise needs, such as morning walks, afternoon play sessions, or weekend hiking adventures. This distribution of responsibility helps ensure the dog's needs are met while allowing family members to develop individual relationships with their pet.

Indoor living arrangements with Brittany Spaniels work best when the dog has access to family areas and is not isolated in separate rooms or areas. These dogs prefer to be involved in family activities and may become anxious or destructive when excluded. Creating appropriate spaces for the dog throughout the home, such as comfortable beds in various rooms, helps them feel included while respecting household boundaries.

Vacation and travel considerations become important aspects of family planning with a Brittany Spaniel. Their strong attachment to family members can make extended separations challenging, though they typically adapt well to boarding situations when properly introduced. Many families find that including their Brittany Spaniel in camping trips, hiking vacations, or other outdoor adventures enhances the experience for both the family and the dog.

The involvement of Brittany Spaniels in family routines often extends beyond basic care to include participation in daily activities. These dogs often learn family schedules and may position themselves appropriately for various activities, such as waiting by the door for school departure times or gathering in the kitchen during meal preparation. Their intelligence and observational skills make them active participants in family life rather than passive pets.

Training responsibilities within the family benefit from consistency among all members, though these dogs often adapt to slightly different expectations from different family members. Children can participate meaningfully in training activities appropriate to their age and ability, such as teaching basic commands or participating in trick training. This involvement helps children learn responsibility while strengthening the bond between child and dog.

The emotional support that Brittany Spaniels provide to family members extends beyond simple companionship to include genuine empathy and comfort during difficult times. Many families report that their Brittany Spaniel seems to sense when family members are upset or stressed and will offer comfort through physical closeness or gentle interaction. This emotional intelligence makes them particularly valuable family members during times of stress or transition.

Elderly family members often develop special relationships with Brittany Spaniels, as these dogs can provide companionship and motivation for daily activity. The breed's gentle nature and moderate size make them suitable companions for older adults who can still manage their exercise needs, though families should ensure that the dog's energy requirements don't overwhelm elderly caretakers. In multigenerational households, Brittany Spaniels often serve as bridges between family members of different ages, creating shared activities and interests.

The Brittany Spaniel is generally considered a healthy breed with a robust constitution and relatively few hereditary health issues compared to many other purebred dogs. Their active lifestyle and working heritage have contributed to maintaining good overall health in the breed population, though responsible breeding practices and health testing remain essential for preserving these positive traits. The typical lifespan of a Brittany Spaniel ranges from 12 to 15 years, with many individuals living healthy, active lives well into their teens when provided with proper care, nutrition, and veterinary attention.

Preventive healthcare forms the foundation of maintaining optimal health in Brittany Spaniels throughout their lives. Regular veterinary checkups, typically recommended annually for adult dogs and twice yearly for senior dogs, allow for early detection and treatment of potential health issues. Vaccination schedules should follow veterinary recommendations and may include core vaccines for rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus, as well as non-core vaccines based on the dog's lifestyle and geographic location risk factors.

Nutritional management plays a crucial role in maintaining health and preventing obesity, which can exacerbate joint problems and other health conditions. Brittany Spaniels typically do well on high-quality commercial dog foods appropriate for their life stage, activity level, and any specific health considerations. Their active nature means they often require more calories than sedentary dogs of similar size, but portions should be carefully managed to prevent overeating and weight gain during less active periods.

Dental health requires consistent attention throughout the Brittany Spaniel's life, as dental disease can contribute to other health problems and impact overall quality of life. Regular tooth brushing, dental chews, and professional dental cleanings when recommended by a veterinarian help maintain oral health. Many owners find that starting dental care routines early in the dog's life makes the process easier and more effective throughout their lifetime.

Exercise-related health considerations are particularly important for this active breed. While Brittany Spaniels require substantial physical activity, owners should be mindful of overexertion, especially in hot weather or during intense training sessions. Proper conditioning, adequate water availability, and recognition of signs of fatigue or heat stress help prevent exercise-related health problems. Young puppies and elderly dogs may require modified exercise routines to accommodate their specific needs and limitations.

Grooming and skin health maintenance require regular attention to prevent dermatological issues and maintain coat health. The Brittany Spaniel's coat should be brushed several times per week to remove loose hair, prevent matting, and distribute natural oils. Regular bathing, typically monthly or as needed, helps maintain skin health, though over-bathing can strip natural oils and cause skin irritation. Attention to ear cleaning is particularly important due to their pendant ears, which can trap moisture and debris, potentially leading to ear infections.

Parasite prevention encompasses both internal and external parasites that can affect Brittany Spaniels. Monthly heartworm prevention is essential in most geographic areas, and regular fecal examinations help detect intestinal parasites. Flea and tick prevention becomes particularly important for active dogs that spend time in wooded or grassy areas. Owners should work with their veterinarian to develop an appropriate parasite prevention protocol based on their dog's lifestyle and local parasite risks.

Reproductive health considerations vary depending on whether the dog will be used for breeding or kept as a pet. Spaying and neutering provide health benefits including reduced risk of certain cancers and elimination of reproductive diseases, though timing of these procedures may impact growth and development. Pet owners should discuss the optimal timing for spay/neuter procedures with their veterinarian based on the individual dog's health status and lifestyle.

Senior health management becomes increasingly important as Brittany Spaniels age, typically beginning around 7-8 years of age. Regular blood work can help detect kidney, liver, or other organ dysfunction before clinical signs appear. Arthritis management may become necessary as dogs age, potentially including joint supplements, prescription medications, or alternative therapies such as acupuncture or physical therapy. Cognitive function should also be monitored, as some senior dogs may develop canine cognitive dysfunction similar to dementia in humans.

Environmental health factors can significantly impact the overall wellbeing of Brittany Spaniels. Providing appropriate shelter from weather extremes, ensuring access to clean water, and maintaining a safe environment free from toxins and hazards contribute to long-term health. Active dogs like Brittany Spaniels may be at higher risk for injuries from outdoor activities, making injury prevention and prompt treatment of wounds or lameness important aspects of health management.

Mental health and stress management play often-overlooked roles in the overall health of Brittany Spaniels. These sensitive, intelligent dogs can develop anxiety or stress-related behaviors that may impact their physical health. Providing adequate mental stimulation, maintaining consistent routines, and addressing behavioral issues promptly contribute to both mental and physical wellbeing. Some dogs may benefit from anxiety management techniques or, in severe cases, anti-anxiety medications prescribed by a veterinarian.

If you're looking to adopt an American Brittany, consider contacting these breed-specific rescue organizations:

"Don't Shop... Please Adopt" - There are many wonderful American Brittanys waiting for their forever homes.