Brittany Dog Breed Profile

Quick Stats for the Brittany Dog Breed

Height (at the shoulders): dogs: 17 – 21 inches (43 – 53 cm) ; bitches: 18 – 20 inches (46 – 51 cm)
Weight: dogs: 35 – 40 pounds (16 – 18 kg) ; bitches: 30 – 40 pounds (14 – 18 kg)
Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years
AKC Group: Sporting Group – AKC recognized in 1934
Shedding: light shedder
Living Conditions: not recommended for apartments; very active indoors; best with wide open space

Personality of the Brittany Dog Breed

The Brittany breed is quite independent by nature. These dogs are intelligent, obedient, and easy to handle. They make excellent family pets and absolutely adores children. They have very high energy levels so would be best for families that live an active lifestyle.

History of the Brittany Dog Breed

Sometime during the 1800s, French sportsmen crossed small local Spaniels with English Setters. Their goal was to develop a dog that could suit their needs. Several of the resulting offspring were born without tails, making their descendants also tailless.

The offspring also resulted in dogs that had an amazing sense of smell. This made the excellent hunters of woodcock. These dogs quickly became popular among the French gentry, but also became quite popular among poachers.

In 1907, the first Brittany was registered in France. In 1925, the breed made its way to the United States. It took a while for the breed to gain acceptance in America, probably because hunters there were used to hunting dogs with tails. However, once they were given the chance to prove themselves as the hunters they were, the Brittany soon won over hunters and other dog enthusiasts.

In some countries, these dogs are called the Brittany Spaniel, but in the United States they are known as the Brittany.

Because of their close resemblance to the Welsh Springer Spaniel, some people think that the two breeds may be related.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1934.

The Brittany Dog Breed Care and Grooming

The Brittany needs lots of daily exercise to remain happy and healthy. Because of their high energy levels, they are not well suited for living in a small apartment. Instead, they need to lots of open are to run and play. At a minimum they should be taken on a long brisk walk or jog.

They are pretty much a low maintenance dog when it comes to their grooming requirements. Regular brushing of their medium-length flat coats with a good dog brush will keep it in good condition.

These dogs are light shedders.