Brittany (Spaniel)

also known as American Brittany, Brittany Spaniel, Brittany Wiegref, Epagneul Breton

Pros History


The Brittany Spaniel, also known as the Brittany or the Épagneul Breton, is a breed of gun dog that originated in the Brittany region of France. The breed was officially recognized by the Kennel Club (UK) in 1907 and by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1934.

The breed's name, "Brittany," comes from the region in France where it was developed. The breed was created by French farmers and sportsmen in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, who sought a versatile hunting dog that could work on both land and in water. The Brittany Spaniel is known for its exceptional pointing and retrieving abilities and is often used for hunting upland game birds such as pheasants and quail.

A man named Joseph Thomas Merceron who lived in the early 20th century. He is considered the father of the modern Brittany Spaniel and worked to improve the breed by selectively breeding the best hunting dogs of the region. He is known for having developed the first stud book for the breed.

The breed has been used for hunting for centuries but also has been used in various other activities like obedience, agility, and even as a therapy dog. They are versatile, trainable and have a great temperament making them a great companion for families and sportsmen alike.

They were originally called "Brittany Spaniels" because they were thought to be a smaller version of the Spanish Pointer. However, it was later discovered that the breed was not related to the Spanish Pointer, and the "Spaniel" part of the name was dropped in some countries.

Breed Information


Type

Is Brittany (Spaniel) a purebred?

Purebred

Pronunciation

How do you pronounce the Brittany (Spaniel) name? How do you say Brittany (Spaniel)s?

french brit-ta-ny

Purpose

What were Brittany (Spaniel)s originally used for?

pointing and retrieving

Lifespan

How Long Do Brittany (Spaniel)s Live? What is average life expectancy for a Brittany (Spaniel)? How long can Brittany (Spaniel)s live?

12-15 years

The average Brittany (Spaniel) lifespan is somewhere between 12-15 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Brittany (Spaniel) Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Brittany (Spaniel)?

What is the average height of a Brittany (Spaniel)? How big is a Purebred Brittany (Spaniel) height? Brittany (Spaniel) dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 17-20 inches (43.2 - 50.8 cm) 15.0 inches (38.1 cm) 16.0 inches (40.6 cm) 18.5 inches (47 cm)
Female 17-20 inches (43.2 - 50.8 cm) 15.0 inches (38.1 cm) 16.0 inches (40.6 cm) 18.5 inches (47 cm)
What is the average weight of a Brittany (Spaniel)? How much should Brittany (Spaniel)s weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 30-40 pounds (14 - 18 kg) 25.0 pounds (11 kg) 30.0 pounds (14 kg) 35.0 pounds (16 kg)
Female 30-40 pounds (14 - 18 kg) 25.0 pounds (11 kg) 30.0 pounds (14 kg) 35.0 pounds (16 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Brittany (Spaniel)s get fat easily?

The Brittany (Spaniel) is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are Brittany (Spaniel)s Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Brittany (Spaniel) is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Brittany (Spaniel) personality? What are Brittany (Spaniel) dogs best known for?

Alert
Intelligent
Social
Independent
Responsive

Shedding Level

Are Brittany (Spaniel)s heavy shedders? How Much Does a Brittany (Spaniel) Shed?

Brittany (Spaniel) dogs are low shedders. The coat sheds an average amount and doesn't require much care.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Brittany (Spaniel) dog?

The Brittany (Spaniel) dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, this breed will alert their owner.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Brittany (Spaniel)s come from?

France

Ancestry

What are Brittany (Spaniel)s descended from?

french spaniel, english setter, welsh springer spaniel

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Brittany (Spaniel) breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

Date of Birth

When were Brittany (Spaniel)s first bred? How old is the Brittany (Spaniel) breed?

1800s

Brittany (Spaniel) Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Brittany (Spaniel) eyes?

Hazel
Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Brittany (Spaniel) nose be naturally?

Brown
Isabella

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Brittany (Spaniel) coat be naturally?

Brown
Red
Cream
Isabella
Fawn
Blue
Pied
Brindle

Coat Length

How long is a Brittany (Spaniel)s coat?

The coat of a Brittany (Spaniel) falls in the medium length category.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Brittany (Spaniel) Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Brittany (Spaniel)?

Wavy

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Brittany (Spaniel) have in a litter? How many puppies can a Brittany (Spaniel) have in her first litter?

12-15 puppies per pregnancy

A Brittany (Spaniel) can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Brittany (Spaniel)s are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Brittany (Spaniel) Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Brittany (Spaniel)s have a lot of health problems?

The Brittany (Spaniel) is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Brittany (Spaniel)?

Hip Dysplasia
Epilepsy

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Brittany (Spaniel)s?

Glaucoma
Lens Luxation
Cerebellar Abiotrophy
Hypothyroidism
Muscular Atrophy

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Brittany (Spaniel) breed?

Hip X-Rays
Thyroid Tests
MRI
CT Scan
Eye Examination

Brittany (Spaniel) Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Brittany (Spaniel)s have a lot of energy?

Brittany (Spaniel)s are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Do Brittany (Spaniel)s need socialization? How social are Brittany (Spaniel)s?

Brittany (Spaniel) have very high social needs. These needs include regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Brittany (Spaniel)s get?

The Brittany (Spaniel) needs a high level of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They also make great companions for people who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy running, hiking or other outdoor activities. These breeds are not suitable for people with sedentary lifestyle or those who live in small apartments

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Brittany (Spaniel) have? Do Brittany (Spaniel)s sleep a lot?

Brittany (Spaniel)s are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Brittany (Spaniel) drool a lot?

The Brittany (Spaniel) is a dog that is known for its low drooling tendency. If you dislike drool marks on your clothing, the Brittany (Spaniel) could be a suitable choice for you.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Brittany (Spaniel)s tend to bark moderately, they bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or to communicate something. They may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Territorial

Do Brittany (Spaniel)s exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

Brittany (Spaniel) dogs are known for being average at defending. They possess the capability to defend their territory or owners, but it is not their primary trait. They are not the best choice for guard dogs

Mouthiness

Are Brittany (Spaniel)s mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Brittany (Spaniel) running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Brittany (Spaniel) dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Brittany (Spaniel)s enjoy doing? How do I keep my Brittany (Spaniel) busy?

Hunting, Sniffing, Running, Walk, Play, Run, Fetching, Hiking, Hunt, Chase, Fetch, Snuggle, Car rides, Laying down, Walking, Smelling, Pointing, Sleeping, Playing, Adventuring, Go to Park, Swimming, Cuddling, Nap

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Brittany (Spaniel)? How much energy does a Brittany (Spaniel) have?

High

Brittany (Spaniel)s are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Brittany (Spaniel) walk each week? How many miles should a Brittany (Spaniel) walk every week?

12 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Brittany (Spaniel), it's at least 12 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Brittany (Spaniel) should exercise a day? How much activity does a Brittany (Spaniel) need?

90 minutes

In general most Brittany (Spaniel)s usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Brittany (Spaniel)?

The Brittany (Spaniel) is a breed of dog that is known for its low grooming needs.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Brittany (Spaniel)?

Weekly

Brittany (Spaniel) should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Brittany (Spaniel)s?

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Brittany (Spaniel) eat?

2.5 cups

For an average 30-40 pound (14 - 18 kg) Brittany (Spaniel) feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Brittany (Spaniel) Cost Daily?

$2.50 - $3.20 / day

The average cost of a Brittany (Spaniel) is somewhere $2.50 - $3.20 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Brittany (Spaniel) Cost Per Month?

$74 - $95 / month

The average per month expenses of a Brittany (Spaniel) is between $74 - $95. This makes an average of $888 - $1140 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Brittany (Spaniel) Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Brittany (Spaniel)?

The Brittany (Spaniel) breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Brittany (Spaniel) dog?

This dog breed is particularly attuned to its environment and the emotions of those around it. It can be easily overwhelmed by loud noises, new environments, and unfamiliar people or animals. This dog is best suited for individuals or families who are patient, gentle, and understanding of its sensitive nature. It may also benefit from a calm and stable home environment, with a consistent routine and plenty of positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Brittany (Spaniel) dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Brittany (Spaniel) do well in apartments? Are Brittany (Spaniel)s good indoor dogs?

Brittany (Spaniel)s are dogs that do well in apartments with sufficient exercise, but they would really appreciate a small yard.

Child Friendly

Are Brittany (Spaniel)s good with kids? Are Brittany (Spaniel)s good around children?

A Brittany (Spaniel)s typical characteristics indicate that this breed of dog is an ideal companion for kids and makes them family pets. Their gentle and protective nature and calm mentality make them gel along quickly with the younger humans

Senior-friendly

Are Brittany (Spaniel)s good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Brittany (Spaniel)s good with cats? How friendly Brittany (Spaniel)s are toward cats?

Brittany (Spaniel)s are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do Brittany (Spaniel) dogs get along with other dogs? Are Brittany (Spaniel)s OK with other dogs?

Brittany (Spaniel)s are very friendly towards other dogs. This breed typically have a happy and affectionate temperament around dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Brittany (Spaniel) dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Brittany (Spaniel)s friendly with strangers?

Brittany (Spaniel)s are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do Brittany (Spaniel)s like to play? Are Brittany (Spaniel)s playful?

Brittany (Spaniel)s are known to be highly playful dog. So if you're not up for all that, think about adopting a slightly older Brittany (Spaniel) for a mellower experience.

Trainability

Are Brittany (Spaniel) easily trained?

Brittany (Spaniel) dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Friendly
    Brittanys are friendly and outgoing, making them great family pets.
  • Energetic
    They are an energetic breed that enjoys being active and needs regular exercise.
  • Intelligence
    They are intelligent and respond well to training.

Cons

  • Not Hypoallergenic
    People with allergies should be aware that Brittany (Spaniel)s may cause allergic reactions.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    Brittany (Spaniel)s are not typically recommended for office environments.
  • Shedding
    Brittanys shed moderately and require regular grooming to control shedding.
  • Separation Anxiety
    They can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time.