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Introduction
Brittany is in the north-west of France, immediately south of the English Channel. It was in this location that medieval peasants bred a dog that would combine an aptitude for learning, perseverance, and natural inclination to retrieve. Depictions of these dogs can be seen in tapestries and paintings dating as far back as the 17th Century from medieval France, Belgium, and Holland. In their role in hunting, the Brittany Spaniel (or Brittany as they are commonly called) points and retrieves birds and other small game. They became a recognised breed in 1907. There are two varieties, the taller American, who tends to be a faster runner, and the French who are a little smaller. Both are classified as the same breed.
Appearance and Personality
Brittaniesare a medium-sized dog weighing approximately 14 to 18kg and grow up to 50 cm tall at the shoulder. They have floppy ears and a sweet facial expression. They are born with short tails but sometimes they are born with long tails. They are mainly white with patches of liver or orange but can also come in black.
They have a flat wavy coat that benefits from regular brushing to remove loose hairs that do shed. Feathering and longer sections of hair benefit from trimming every now and again. Cleaning the ears should be a regular part of caring for a Brittany as long, floppy ears tend to accumulate wax and predispose them to ear infections.
Due to their working origins, Brittanies are happiest when they have a task to perform, making them great candidates for agility or other sports. With high exercise needs and a bright mind, these pups are best suited to an active household with time to take them for daily runs in the dog park and engage in serious playtime. Being left alone for long periods of time will likely result in boredom and anxiety. A big backyard to explore will suit the Brittany better than a small apartment. The Brittany is generally a good choice for families with children, as they are trainable and gentle in nature. Show caution however, if introducing them to small pets and birds as hunting instincts may still be strong. With plenty of activity, exercise and company, these dogs can be great for families as they have lots of love and loyalty to give.
Common Health Concerns
From the 2020 calendar year, the number one reason why Brittanies visited the vet (excluding routine visits like vaccinations) was for ingestion of toxins and foreign bodies, perhaps due to their curious nature!
The five most common reasons for a Brittany Spaniel to visit the vet (excluding routine care visits) according to PetSure data from 2020 calendar year:
| Rank | Condition | Average cost for single treatment (average pet insurance claim amount) | Highest cost for single treatment (highest pet insurance claim seen for this condition) |
| 1 | Ingestion of a foreign body or toxin | $615 | $4,337 |
| 2 | Neoplasia | $258 | $1,583 |
| 3 | Skin condition, including allergic skin disorder, itchy skin, pyoderma | $186 | $631 |
| 4 | Gastrointestinal conditions, including Canine Haemorrhagic Gastroenteritis and gastritis | $328 | $1,164 |
| 5 | Arthritis | $108 | $638 |
Disclaimer: Reimbursement for these claims would be subject to limits, such as annual benefit limits or sub-limits, benefit percentage, applicable waiting periods and any applicable excess. Cover is subject to the policy terms and conditions. You should consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement or policy wording available from the relevant provider.
For the same period (2020), the top five highest single vet treatments (or highest pet insurance claims) for Brittany Spaniel from PetSure data were:
| Rank | Condition | Highest Cost of treatment for condition (average pet insurance claim amount) |
| 1 | Patella luxation | $4,997 |
| 2 | Cruciate disease | $4,528 |
| 3 | Rodenticide intoxication | $4,337 |
| 4 | Liver disease | $4,017 |
| 5 | Carcinoma | $3,554 |
Disclaimer: Reimbursement for these claims would be subject to limits, such as annual benefit limits or sub-limits, benefit percentage, applicable waiting periods and any applicable excess. Cover is subject to the policy terms and conditions. You should consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement or policy wording available from the relevant provider.
Most popular Brittany Spaniel names
Most popular female names*:
- Luna
- Daisy
- Coco
- Bella
- Ruby
- Lola
- Molly
- Winnie
- Rosie
- Nala
Most popular male names*:
- Teddy
- Milo
- Charlie
- Archie
- Ollie
- Alfie
- Max
- Leo
- Buddy
- Winston
*Brittany Spaniels born in 2022 from PetSure Policy data.
Did you know?
The “Spaniel” part of Brittany Spaniel refers to the breed’s physical similarities to other Spaniels, such as Cocker Spaniels and Springer Spaniels, but this is a bit of a misnomer because Brittany Spaniels are more like Pointers in that they point and retrieve the prey rather than flush it out like true Spaniels. As such, many kennel clubs have dropped the “Spaniel” from the name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Brittany’s Spaniels were bred in France, in the Brittany province, as bird hunting dogs.
Brittany Spaniels are medium-sized dogs. On average, males stand around 44 to 52 centimetres tall at the shoulder, and females are slightly smaller, typically measuring 46 to 51 centimetres in height. They generally weigh between 14 to 18 kilograms.
Brittany Spaniels is known for being friendly, energetic and eager to please. They are intelligent, trainable, and have a strong desire to work. They are also affectionate and make excellent family pets.
Yes, Brittany Spaniels is great with children. They are known to be gentle, patient and tolerant, which makes them suitable companions for kids. However, as with any dog breed, supervision and proper introductions are important to ensure a positive interaction.
Bred for hunting, Brittany Spaniels are an active breed and require daily exercise to keep them happy and healthy. They have a high energy level and need opportunities for physical exercise and mental stimulation. Daily walks, playtime and activities such as running, hiking, or agility training are recommended
Brittany Spaniels are generally intelligent and eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement-based training methods and enjoy learning new tasks. Early socialisation and obedience training are important for their development.
Brittany Spaniels can get along well with other pets, including dogs and cats, if properly socialised from a young age. Their hunting instincts may be strong, so it’s essential to introduce them to other animals in a controlled and positive manner.
The average lifespan of a Brittany Spaniel is typically around 12 to 14 years.
Brittany Spaniels has a medium-length, dense coat that is relatively easy to maintain. Regular brushing to remove loose hair and prevent matting is recommended. They are moderate shedders, so occasional grooming and bathing are usually sufficient to keep their coat in good condition.
Disclaimer: Reimbursement for these claims would be subject to limits, such as annual benefit limits or sub-limits, benefit percentage, applicable waiting periods and any applicable excess. Cover is subject to the policy terms and conditions. You should consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement or policy wording available from the relevant provider.
* Please note that the values calculated are based on all claims for that condition and medically related conditions in each calendar year.
References
- American Kennel Club Brittany
- Brittany dog club New Zealand
- Dogtime Brittany
- Wikipedia, Brittany (dog)
Pet insurance can help by covering a portion of the eligible vet bill if the unexpected happens. Because it is difficult to predict the costs of veterinary care, it can help to have measures in place to help prepare for the unexpected. Check out our partner network and explore our policy tools to find a pet insurance policy.
Not all conditions or items are covered by Pet Insurance. Refer to the applicable Product Disclosure Statement for information about coverage and exclusions.
