Brittany
Sporting Medium
Originally bred in France, the Brittany has become one of the world's most recognizable medium breeds, sitting at #27 in AKC popularity. Often described as a pointer in a spaniel's body, the Brittany combines tireless energy with a soft, sensitive soul that craves human approval.
Quick Stats
Characteristics
| Family Friendly | |
| Energy Level | |
| Trainability | |
| Shedding | |
| Good with Kids | |
| Good with Dogs | |
| Apartment Friendly | |
| Grooming Needs | |
| Barking Level | |
| Exercise Needs | |
| Intelligence |
About the Brittany
The Brittany traces its lineage to France, where Originated in the Brittany province of northwestern France, with paintings from the 17th century depicting orange-and-white dogs of similar type used for bird hunting.. Currently ranked #27 by the American Kennel Club, the breed remains a popular choice worldwide.
Many Brittanys are born naturally tailless or with very short tails, a trait that is unique among the sporting breeds.. Sensitive, eager, and quick-witted. Brittanys are more responsive to their owner's mood than most sporting breeds and wilt under harsh treatment.
Dual-champion titles (field and show) are more common in Brittanys than in any other AKC breed, reflecting the breed's maintained working ability..
Lifespan Overview
The Brittany typically lives 12–14 years. Learn more about Brittany lifespan →
Price Overview
Expect to pay $800–$1500 from a reputable breeder. See full price breakdown →
Weight & Growth
Adult Brittanys weigh 30–40 lbs. View growth chart →
Temperament
With trainability at 5/5 and energy at 5/5, the Brittany Sensitive, eager, and quick-witted. Brittanys are more responsive to their owner's mood than most sporting breeds and wilt under harsh treatment.. Full temperament guide →
History
Bred as a versatile pointing and retrieving dog for peasant hunters who needed a single dog that could do it all, from finding birds to bringing them back.. Originated in the Brittany province of northwestern France, with paintings from the 17th century depicting orange-and-white dogs of similar type used for bird hunting..
Originally called the Brittany Spaniel in America until 1982, when the AKC dropped 'Spaniel' because the breed points like a setter rather than flushing like a spaniel.. Now ranked #27, Dual-champion titles (field and show) are more common in Brittanys than in any other AKC breed, reflecting the breed's maintained working ability..
Common Health Issues
| Condition | Frequency | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | Moderate | Moderate |
| Epilepsy | Moderate | Moderate |
| Hypothyroidism | Moderate | Mild |
| Canine Discoid Lupus Erythematosus | Rare | Moderate |
Similar Breeds
Compare Brittany
Is the Brittany Right for You?
Choosing the right dog breed is one of the most important decisions a future owner can make. The Brittany is a medium-sized breed belonging to the Sporting group, which shapes much of its daily behavior and needs. Here is an honest assessment based on key traits to help you decide if this breed fits your lifestyle.
Energy and exercise: The Brittany has very high energy levels and requires substantial daily activity - at least 60 minutes of vigorous exercise including walks, runs, or active play sessions. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle or work very long hours, this breed may become destructive without adequate physical outlets.
Living space: With an apartment friendliness rating of 2/5, the Brittany is not well-suited for small living spaces. This breed does best in a home with a securely fenced yard and ample room to move. Apartment living may lead to behavioral problems unless the owner is extremely committed to daily outdoor exercise.
Children and family: Scoring 5/5 with children, the Brittany is an excellent family companion. They tend to be patient, gentle, and tolerant of the unpredictable behavior of young children. Supervision is always recommended, but this breed naturally gravitates toward being protective and affectionate with kids.
Grooming commitment: The Brittany is relatively low-maintenance in grooming with a rating of 2/5. Weekly brushing and occasional baths are typically sufficient. This makes the breed a good choice for owners who prefer minimal grooming routines, with costs around $43–87/month.
Ownership Cost Summary
Before bringing a Brittany home, it is critical to understand the full financial commitment over their 12–14 year lifespan. The initial purchase price of $800–$1500 is only the beginning.
The first year is the most expensive, totaling approximately $3,885. This includes the purchase price, initial veterinary visits, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, supplies (crate, bed, bowls, leash), and early training classes. Many owners underestimate this initial outlay and find themselves financially stressed within the first few months.
Ongoing monthly costs average $130, broken down as follows: food ($50–78/mo), grooming ($43–87/mo), insurance ($31–64/mo), with annual costs for veterinary care ($453–878/yr) and supplies ($299–595/yr). As a medium breed, the Brittany falls in the middle range for food costs, medication, and equipment sizes.
Over a full 12–14 year lifespan, total ownership costs typically reach $15,000–$30,000+ depending on health, not including emergency veterinary care which can add $2,000–$10,000 over the dog's lifetime. Pet insurance at $31–64/month is strongly recommended to manage unexpected health expenses.
Hidden costs often overlooked: Many prospective Brittany owners fail to budget for training classes ($150–$500 for basic obedience), boarding or pet sitting during vacations ($30–$75/night), dog-proofing the home ($100–$300), replacement of chewed items during puppyhood, and potential property damage. Additionally, renters may face pet deposits ($200–$500) and monthly pet rent ($25–$75). Factor these real-world costs into your decision to ensure the Brittany fits your financial situation comfortably without requiring sacrifices in the quality of care you can provide.
Breed Traits Explained
The Brittany belongs to the Sporting group, which historically means these dogs were bred for assisting hunters in finding and retrieving game. Sporting breeds are typically active, alert, and require regular exercise and mental stimulation. They tend to be eager to please, which makes training enjoyable for both dog and owner.
With a family friendliness score of 5/5, intelligence at 5/5, and shedding rated 3/5, the Brittany presents a specific profile that works best for owners who understand and appreciate these characteristics. Their exercise needs (5/5) and barking tendency (3/5) should factor heavily into your decision, especially if you live in close proximity to neighbors or have limited outdoor space.
Intelligence and engagement: With intelligence rated 5/5, the Brittany is a quick learner that thrives on mental challenges. This high intelligence means they need puzzle toys, training sessions, and varied activities to prevent boredom. An under-stimulated Brittany may develop unwanted behaviors like excessive barking, chewing, or escape attempts. The upside is that they pick up new commands quickly and excel in activities like obedience, agility, or nosework.
Shedding and home cleanliness: Moderate shedding (3/5) means some hair around the home but nothing unmanageable. Weekly brushing keeps the coat healthy and minimizes excess shedding. Seasonal increases in shedding are normal and can be managed with more frequent grooming during transition periods.
Brittany Quick Decision Guide
Making an informed decision about the Brittany requires weighing all factors together. Here is a consolidated assessment to help you decide confidently whether this breed matches your situation.
You will love the Brittany if: You enjoy an active lifestyle with daily outdoor activities, have children or plan to start a family, have adequate space with outdoor access, and prefer lower-maintenance coat care. The Brittany's sporting heritage brings specific qualities that dedicated owners find deeply rewarding.
Consider a different breed if: You cannot commit to 60+ minutes of daily exercise, , or if your living situation cannot accommodate a medium breed comfortably. Being honest about these factors prevents rehoming situations that are stressful for both dog and owner.
Next steps: If the Brittany seems like a good match, explore our detailed sub-pages on lifespan, cost, temperament, and health for deeper information. Connect with Brittany owners through breed clubs and online communities to hear firsthand experiences. If possible, spend time with Brittanys before committing - attending dog shows, visiting breed-specific meetups, or fostering through a rescue organization. Use our Puppy Weight Calculator and Dog Age Calculator for practical planning, and review our expert guides for training, nutrition, and health care advice tailored to all breeds and life stages.