Sporting group · Medium

Brittany

Compact, agile bird dog — boundless energy for an active family.

Family DogFirst-Time OKHigh EnergyBrightFun-lovingUpbeat

Puppy.College Rating76/ 100

Weight

30–40 lbs

Height

17.5–20.5 in

Lifespan

12–14 years

Exercise

60–90 minutes/day

Origin

Multiple regions historically

First-time owner

4/5

Overview

Compact, agile bird dog — boundless energy for an active family.

The Brittany is a medium breed in the Sporting group, typically standing 17.5–20.5 in and weighing 30–40 lbs. Expect a lifespan of 12–14 years with good preventive care. Personality is best described as bright, fun-loving, upbeat.

Breed history & origin

The Brittany traces its origins to Multiple regions historically. Its original purpose — flush, point, or retrieve game for upland and waterfowl hunters — shaped almost every physical and temperamental trait still visible in the breed today.

As a medium member of the Sporting group, the Brittany was selectively bred for biddability and quick learning, high stamina, and working drive. Modern owners describe them as bright, fun-loving, upbeat — qualities deeply rooted in that working heritage.

The breed is recognised by all major kennel clubs in the Sporting group, with a written standard codifying its silhouette, gait, and temperament.

Today the Brittany thrives as a active family companion and modern gundog. It remains one of the more recognisable breeds at North American dog shows and in homes across Canada and the United States, where its combination of bright and family-suitability continues to draw new owners every year.

Like every purebred, the Brittany carries genetic risks tied to its small founding gene pool. Conscientious modern breeders screen for the conditions listed in the health section below and breed for longevity, structural soundness, and stable temperament — the three pillars of a responsibly preserved breed.

Origin snapshot

Country of origin: Multiple regions historically
Era: Historic
Original purpose: Flush, point, or retrieve game for upland and waterfowl hunters
Modern purpose: Active family companion and modern gundog

Breed timeline

Historic
Brittany develops in Multiple regions historically
20th century
Formal kennel club recognition in the Sporting group
Today
Established as a active family companion and modern gundog

Appearance

Male

Height

18–22 in

Weight

32–42 lbs

Female

Height

16–19 in

Weight

28–37 lbs

Coat length: Short
Coat texture: Smooth or wiry single coat
Undercoat: Light undercoat
Body: Well-proportioned athletic build

Temperament

Brittanys are bright, fun-loving, upbeat. With early socialization and positive-reinforcement training in the critical 8–16 week window, they grow into well-adjusted adults that fit a wide range of households.

Exercise & activity

Adult Brittanys need 60–90 minutes/day, split between leashed walks and off-leash play. Under-exercised dogs of this breed are the #1 source of behaviour complaints — chewing, barking, and pulling.

Grooming & shedding

Wash-and-wear coat. A weekly brush and an occasional bath keeps a Brittany tidy.

Moderate shedder. Regular brushing controls it; a vacuum-shedding tool helps in spring and fall.

Nutrition guide

Feed a high-quality all-life-stage or medium-breed puppy formula with balanced calories and DHA for brain development. Brittany puppies thrive on 3 measured meals per day until 6 months, then 2 meals. Look for AAFCO statements naming "growth" or "all life stages," and skip filler-heavy grocery brands.

Puppy nutrition

Feed an AAFCO-approved all-life-stages puppy formula. 3 meals/day until 6 months, then 2/day.

Adult nutrition

Adult Brittanys do well on a high-quality kibble (≥ 25% protein, ≤ 15% fat) split into two meals. Free-feeding is the #1 cause of obesity in this breed.

Senior nutrition

From age 8, transition to a senior formula with glucosamine/chondroitin and reduced calories.

Daily calories (adult)

700–1,000 kcal/day

Common allergies: Most common triggers in this breed: chicken, beef, dairy, wheat. A novel-protein diet (duck, salmon, venison) helps if itching or GI issues persist.

Never feed:

• Grapes & raisins
• Chocolate
• Onions & garlic
• Xylitol (peanut butter labels!)
• Cooked bones
• Macadamia nuts

Training guide

Housebreaking

Crate-train from day 1. Brittany puppies can hold their bladder roughly (age in months) hours — set a timer and take them out after every nap, meal, and play session.

Crate training

Use a crate just large enough to stand and turn around. Never use it as punishment. Most Brittanys accept the crate within 2 weeks with kong-and-meal pairing.

Obedience

Brittanys are eager learners — start sit, down, place, and recall in week 1. Aim for 5-minute training reps, 3–5x per day.

Socialisation

Critical window is 8–16 weeks. Aim for 100 new people, 50 new dogs, and 25 new environments before 4 months — vaccinated, controlled, positive exposures only.

Advanced training

Ready for AKC Canine Good Citizen by 12 months, then trick titles, agility, rally, or scent-work.

Common mistakes to avoid

×Skipping puppy class because the dog ‘seems fine’
×Using punishment for fear-based behaviour (escalates it)
×Repeating the cue word — say it once, then enforce
×Free-feeding (kills food motivation for training)

Health database

Lifespan: 12–14 years. Below are the conditions vets most commonly screen for in this breed — for education only, always consult your veterinarian.

Hip dysplasia risk

Lower than average

Elbow dysplasia risk

Low

Eye disease risk

Standard screening recommended

Cancer risk

Average

Dental risk

Average

Annual vet cost

$500–$900 CAD

Common health concerns

▸Dental disease
▸Obesity (over-feeding)
▸Patellar luxation

Recommended screening

▸Patella evaluation
▸CERF / OFA eye exam
▸Cardiac auscultation
▸Annual blood panel

Educational only — always consult your veterinarian.

Living requirements

Apartment: Not ideal
House: Yes — ideal
Urban: Challenging
Rural / farm: Strong
Cold weather: Average — needs a jacket below freezing
Hot weather: Tolerant
Barking level: Above average
Separation anxiety: Above average — bred for human company
Escape risk: Elevated — fence ≥ 6 ft
Space: Apartment OK with daily exercise

Cost of ownership (Canada)

Reputable Canadian breeders typically charge $1,800–$3,500 for a Brittany puppy. Plan for $2,000–$3,400 in annual cost of ownership covering food, vet visits, insurance, training, and grooming.

Puppy purchase

$1,800–$3,500

Annual all-in

$2,000–$3,400

Insurance

$45–$90 / month CAD

Pros & cons

Pros

+Excellent with children and other family pets
+Quick to learn — fast progress on obedience and tricks
+Great hiking, running, and adventure companion

Cons

−Very high exercise needs — destructive if under-stimulated
−Not well-suited to apartment living without a yard

Ideal owner profile

First-time ownersFamilies with kidsActive / outdoorsy owners

Fun facts

1.Brittanys live 12–14 years on average with good preventive care.
2.Adults stand 17.5–20.5 in and weigh 30–40 lbs.
3.Daily exercise needs: 60–90 minutes/day.
4.Classified in the Sporting group.

Brittany vs popular breeds

Trait	Brittany	Labrador Retriever	Golden Retriever	German Shepherd	French Bulldog	Poodle (Standard)
Size	Medium	Large	Large	Large	Small	Large
Lifespan	12–14 years	11–13 years	10–12 years	9–13 years	10–12 years	10–18 years
Energy	5/5	5/5	4/5	5/5	2/5	4/5
Trainability	4/5	5/5	5/5	5/5	3/5	5/5
Family-friendly	5/5	5/5	5/5	4/5	4/5	5/5
Apartment	2/5	2/5	2/5	2/5	5/5	3/5
Shedding	3/5	4/5	4/5	5/5	3/5	1/5
Exercise	60–90 minutes/day	60–90 minutes/day	60–90 minutes/day	60–90 minutes/day	20–40 minutes/day	60–90 minutes/day

Frequently asked

Brittany — 30 questions answered.

Are Brittanys good family dogs?+

Yes — Brittanys score 5/5 for family friendliness and are widely considered one of the better breeds for households with children.

Are Brittanys good for first-time owners?+

Yes — they rank 4/5 for first-time suitability.

How much exercise does a Brittany need?+

How much does a Brittany puppy cost in Canada?+

Reputable Canadian breeders charge $1,800–$3,500 for a well-bred Brittany puppy. Adoption through breed-specific rescues runs $400–$900.

What's the annual cost of owning a Brittany?+

Plan for $2,000–$3,400 CAD per year covering food, vet care, insurance, training, and grooming.

Do Brittanys shed a lot?+

Moderate shedder. Regular brushing controls it; a vacuum-shedding tool helps in spring and fall.

Are Brittanys hypoallergenic?+

No — Brittanys shed dander and hair like most breeds. ‘Hypoallergenic’ is a myth; severity varies by individual.

How long do Brittanys live?+

Typical lifespan is 12–14 years. Lean body weight and routine vet care add years.

What health problems are Brittanys prone to?+

Most commonly: Dental disease, Obesity (over-feeding), Patellar luxation. Buy from a breeder who screens for these and provides documentation.

Are Brittanys good apartment dogs?+

Not ideal — Brittanys prefer a yard or open space.

How often should I groom my Brittany?+

Wash-and-wear coat. A weekly brush and an occasional bath keeps a Brittany tidy.

How smart is a Brittany?+

Brittanys rank 4/5 for trainability — well above average. They learn new cues in 5–15 repetitions.

Are Brittanys good with kids?+

Yes — patient and tolerant with children, especially when raised together. Always supervise toddler interactions.

Are Brittanys good with cats and other dogs?+

Generally yes, when socialised from puppyhood.

Can Brittanys be left alone?+

Brittanys bond closely with their people; 4 hours alone is a reasonable maximum for adults. Build alone-time slowly to prevent separation anxiety.

Do Brittanys bark a lot?+

Yes — Brittanys are vocal. Early ‘quiet’ training and enrichment reduce nuisance barking.

How big do Brittanys get?+

Adults typically stand 17.5–20.5 in and weigh 30–40 lbs.

What should I feed a Brittany puppy?+

Feed an AAFCO-approved all-life-stages puppy formula. 3 meals/day until 6 months, then 2/day.

How many calories does an adult Brittany need?+

Roughly 700–1,000 kcal/day for an average-activity adult. Active or working dogs need 20–40% more.

When does a Brittany stop growing?+

Around 12–15 months.

How do I housebreak a Brittany?+

Crate-train from day 1. Brittany puppies can hold their bladder roughly (age in months) hours — set a timer and take them out after every nap, meal, and play session.

Do Brittanys do well in cold weather?+

Average — needs a jacket below freezing

Do Brittanys tolerate hot weather?+

Tolerant

Are Brittanys good guard dogs?+

Yes — natural protective instincts and an imposing presence make them good watchdogs.

Do Brittanys like water and swimming?+

Yes — most love water. Always supervise around pools and currents.

Can Brittanys do agility or dog sports?+

Yes — excellent sport prospects in agility, rally, dock diving, and obedience.

Are male or female Brittanys better?+

No meaningful temperament difference at the breed level — individual personality, socialisation, and training matter far more than sex.

Should I get pet insurance for a Brittany?+

Strongly recommended. Expect $45–$90 / month CAD for accident & illness coverage.

What questions should I ask a Brittany breeder?+

Health clearances on both parents (hips, elbows, eyes, cardiac as applicable), the right to return the dog at any age, contract terms, references from previous puppy buyers, and a meet-and-greet with the dam.

Where can I adopt a Brittany in Canada?+

Start with breed-specific rescues on Petfinder.ca and the Canadian Kennel Club's breed club referrals, then check provincial humane societies.

What's the difference between Canadian, American, and European Brittany lines?+

Bloodlines differ in size, structure, and working drive. North American show lines are typically larger and calmer; European working lines are leaner and drivier. Ask the breeder which lines they breed and why.

Brittany curriculum