Breeds
Brittany: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care
A Brittany is a joyful, bright, eager bird dog with energy to spare. Brittanys are affectionate, gentle and devoted to their families, easy to groom and keen to learn, but they need vigorous exercise every day and do poorly as couch companions. For active households, they are excellent family dogs. Here is what the AKC and VCA Animal Hospitals say about the breed.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 10, 20264 min read2 sources
Brittany temperament and personality
The AKC describes the Brittany as joyful, bright and eager, highly intelligent and eager to please, gentle and sensitive, affectionate, devoted and happiest with company. VCA calls the breed loyal, friendly and intelligent, playful and happy to join its family in anything, though some are hesitant with new people.
Brittanys were developed as gundogs that point and retrieve birds, and that drive is close to the surface. They want to be busy and they want to be with you. A Brittany left alone with nothing to do is likely to find its own fun, which is rarely the kind you want.
How big do Brittanys get?
The AKC says Brittanys stand about 20 inches tall and weigh 30 to 40 pounds. VCA gives a height of 17.5 to 20 inches and the same weight range. Neither source sets separate ranges for males and females.
This is a medium-sized, leggy, athletic dog. A fit Brittany has a visible waist and ribs you can feel easily. Ask your vet to help match food to your dog's activity, because a working Brittany and a weekend walker need very different amounts.
Brittany lifespan and common health issues
VCA gives a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. It names eye and hip problems, seizures and some heart or liver disease as health concerns for the breed.
Ask a breeder for hip evaluations and eye exams on both parents, and what else the national breed club recommends. Ask your vet what a seizure looks like and what to do if one happens. A first seizure, sudden lameness or yellowing of the gums or eyes needs a vet promptly.
Exercise needs
VCA rates the Brittany's exercise needs as very high and says it needs vigorous daily workouts. The AKC says the breed needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to avoid behavior problems. Plan for at least an hour or two a day of running, retrieving and play.
Field work, hunt tests, agility, flyball and long hikes all suit the breed. Use a long line or a securely fenced area for off-leash running, because a Brittany on the scent of a bird may not come back straight away.
Brittany grooming and shedding
The coat is easy. The AKC calls grooming low maintenance and suggests weekly brushing with a soft brush or hound glove, and VCA also recommends brushing about once a week to remove dead hair.
The AKC advises checking and cleaning the ears as needed and trimming nails about once a month. After runs in fields or woods, check the coat, ears and paws for burrs, seeds and ticks.
Bathe only when the dog is dirty, and dry the ears fully after swimming or bathing to help prevent infection.
Training a Brittany
The AKC says Brittanys respond to patient, encouraging methods and recommends early socialization and puppy classes. VCA says they are eager to please, respond well to praise and food rewards, and are good at obedience, agility and flyball.
Because the breed is sensitive, harsh corrections backfire. Keep sessions short and upbeat, practice recall daily on a long line, and give the dog a job such as retrieving or scent games so training feels like work it enjoys.
Are Brittanys good with kids and other pets?
The AKC says Brittanys are gentle and patient with children and have enough energy to keep up with active kids. VCA says they are good with children, who will help tire them out.
The AKC says early socialization helps Brittanys accept new people and other pets. Most live happily with other dogs. A bird dog may be very interested in pet birds or small animals, so supervise introductions and keep small pets secure.
What a Brittany needs at home
A Brittany needs a securely fenced yard, a crate, a durable bed and a daily routine with plenty of exercise. Fetch toys, a long training line, puzzle feeders and chew toys keep it busy, and a reflective vest helps on early morning or evening runs.
For care, keep a soft brush or hound glove, ear cleaner, nail clippers and a dog toothbrush. A well-fitted harness and leash cover walks. Ask your vet about tick prevention if your dog runs in fields and woods.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
How long do Brittany dogs live?
VCA gives a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Hip and eye screening of the parents, plenty of exercise and a lean body all help a Brittany stay healthy and active.
How big do Brittanys get?
The AKC says about 20 inches tall and 30 to 40 pounds, and VCA lists 17.5 to 20 inches with the same weight. The ranges apply to males and females alike.
What is a Brittany's temperament like?
The AKC describes Brittanys as joyful, bright and eager, gentle, sensitive and devoted to their families. They are high-energy bird dogs that need daily exercise and a job.
Are Brittanys good family dogs?
For active families, yes. The AKC says they are gentle and patient with children and can keep up with active kids, but they need vigorous daily exercise to stay calm at home.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
