Brittany Dog Breed

This breed is very smart, loyal and highly energetic.
By: PawCulture Editors
Brittany dog breed in the woods hiking.

The Brittany originated in the French providence of Brittany in the 17th and 18th centuries. They were bred to hunt, retrieve, and point.

Physical Characteristics

The Brittany is a medium-sized dog with fold-over ears and bobtails (naturally short tails). The nose of the Brittany is never black.

COLOR(S)

The breed can be orange and white or liver and white.

COAT

Short and wavy.

Personality and Temperament

ACTIVITY LEVEL

High

POSITIVES

The Brittany is very smart and loves to play. It is loving and loyal to the family and good with children and other dogs. It needs a family that is as active and high energy as it is.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

The breed needs a lot of exercise and attention. Some male Brittanies are known to be aggressive with other male dogs. They can become excessive barkers and develop destructive behaviors if it is not given enough attention.

Note: This is not a good breed for the first time dog owner.

Care

IDEAL LIVING CONDITIONS

The Brittany would do well in the country or in the city, as long as it is exercised daily.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

The breed needs daily exercise and consistent training.

Health

The following conditions are commonly seen in Brittanies:

  • Epilepsy
  • Hemophilia (bleeding disorder)
  • Hip dysplasia

History and Background

Named for the French providence in which it originated, the Brittany was bred to have a keen sense of smell and an ability to easily point out prey during a hunt. For this reason, this particular breed has been especially popular among poachers. 

The modern breed is believed to have been produced by French sportsmen who crossbred smaller land spaniels with English Setters during the mid-19th century. By 1907, the first Brittany (also known as Épagneul Breton) was registered in France. 

In 1925, Brittany dogs began entering the United States. Originally referred to as “Brittany Spaniel,” it was later simplified to “Brittany” in 1982. Thanks to their outstanding capability in bird-hunting, the breed still remains popular today.