Brittany Breed Guide: Is a Brittany Dog Right for You?

Adopting a dog can be a rewarding experience for you and your family. But it’s important to find the right breed. And one worth considering is a Brittany dog. In this Brittany spaniel breed guide, we’ll talk about the history of the Brittany dog, review the Brittany dog temperament, and share everything else you need to decide if a Brittany is right for you.

What Is a Brittany Dog? Overview and Breed History

The Brittany dog is named for the Brittany region of France where it originated and was used as a versatile hunting dog, particularly for bird hunting. The breed was introduced in the U.S. in 1931 and, in 1943, the American Kennel Club (AKC) registered its first one. Originally called the Brittany Spaniel, the AKC updated the breed's name to Brittany in 1982 after recognizing that many owners considered Brittany dogs to be more pointers than spaniels.

Brittany Dog Size and Personality

The Brittany dog is medium in size, typically weighing 30 to 40 pounds. Brittanys have a feathered coat that's generally short to medium but wavy. Their tail is often docked to about four inches.

The breed is typically very trainable with a moderate barking level. However, Brittanys generally have a very high energy level and require a lot of mental stimulation. Because of this, daily exercise for a Brittany dog is pretty much a requirement.

Brittanys are best suited for active households who enjoy spending time outdoors. A fenced-in backyard at home may be optimal so that your Brittany has the opportunity to get their energy out.

Brittanys are known to be loyal and affectionate, making them a good fit for households with children. Due to their energy level, though, younger kids may need to be supervised around a Brittany, as there's the risk of getting knocked over.

Brittany Care Tips, Grooming & Training

Brittany dogs have a moderate shed level, and their coats should be groomed regularly. Weekly brushing is a good idea. Due to their short to medium coat length, weekly bathing may not be necessary, but it's important to bathe them on occasion or when they get noticeably dirty.

Brittanys are typically easy to train due to their work ethic. But because they have a high energy level, they can get a bit hyper and distracted, so patience and consistency are both necessary. It can be helpful to incorporate interactive games and scent work to keep your Brittany engaged and their mind agile.

The Brittany dog typically needs about 2.5 cups of food per day. Wag puts the monthly cost of feeding a Brittany at $52.50 to $67.50 on average, but your cost will depend on the type of food you choose.

Brittany Dog Health Problems & Insurance Costs

With a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years, the Brittany is a generally healthy breed. But that doesn’t mean you won’t run into health issues. Some common health problems found in the breed include:

• Hip dysplasia, which affects the stability of the hip joint
• Epilepsy, which can cause seizures
• Hypothyroidism, which can cause lethargy and weight gain
• Cataracts, which can lead to vision loss

Wag puts the average cost of veterinary care for a Brittany at $600 to $1,500 per year. But your actual costs will depend on whether your dog develops any of these or other health issues.

You may want to consider pet insurance if you’re adopting a Brittany to assist with a portion of the costs associated with treating these and other conditions. Like all breeds, Brittanys are not immune to injuries, illnesses, and parasites, among other ailments. You may want to explore pet insurance options for active breeds and favor plans that offer good coverage for long-term neurological and joint care.

That said, if you adopt a Brittany, do not wait too long to get a pet insurance policy. It’s common for pet insurers to deny coverage for pre-existing conditions. The sooner you get a policy, the greater your chances of avoiding such exclusions.

Should You Adopt a Brittany?

Brittanys are a fantastic, playful breed, and they make great companions. However, if you're someone who maintains a sedentary lifestyle, a Brittany may not be ideal due to their high energy level. Similarly, if you have a small living space with no yard for a dog to run around, you may want to consider a low or moderate energy breed instead.

If you’re a first-time dog owner, it’s important to make sure you’re able to incorporate daily walks and exercise into your routine if you’re thinking about adopting a Brittany. On the other hand, from a grooming standpoint, Brittanys are fairly low maintenance, requiring weekly brushings and only occasional bathing and outside grooming.

If you’re wondering “Is a Brittany right for me?” ask yourself:

• How much time do I have in my schedule to spend walking and playing with a dog?
• What does my indoor and outdoor setup look like?
• What size dog is best for me?
• Can I afford the care associated with adopting a Brittany?
• Am I okay with moderate shedding, or do I prefer a dog that may not shed much or at all?

Brittany Adoption Tips and What to Expect

If you have your heart set on a Brittany, you may want to look at a rescue that specializes in this breed specifically. Some options to look at include:

• The National Brittany Rescue and Adoption Network (NBRAN)
• American Brittany Rescue, Inc.

You can also research local Brittany rescues in your area or browse PetPlace’s vast network of shelters and rescues.

The cost of adopting a Brittany will depend on where you get your dog from. NBRAN puts the cost of adopting a purebred Brittany puppy at $500 to $575, while the cost for an adult Brittany is $250 to $400, depending on age.

Sometimes, rescues charge higher adoption fees for “desirable” dog breeds to offset the costs of adopting out breeds that are harder to place in homes. Any rescue or organization you work with should be able to outline the costs you’re looking at, so you know what to expect.

As part of the adoption process, it’s best to have a meet and greet to observe your potential new dog and their temperament. Bring all members of your household to that meeting and, if possible, current pets as well.

It’s also worth noting that while you don’t have to adopt a Brittany from a rescue and could work with a breeder to purchase one, many breeders employ questionable practices and contribute to dog overpopulation. If you’re willing to put in the time, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to find a Brittany in need of a home without going through a breeder.

How Much Does a Brittany Cost?

Like any dog, there are costs associated with adopting and raising a Brittany, including:

• Adoption or purchase costs
• First-year expenses like training
• Monthly needs, including food, preventive medications, and insurance
• Emergency care costs

As mentioned above, the cost of adopting a Brittany will depend on where you get your dog. The AKC puts the average first-year cost of raising a medium-sized dog at $2,889. Your first-year costs will depend on factors such as:

• Whether you have some dog supplies already (like a crate and gates) or need to buy everything new
• Whether you train your dog yourself versus hire a trainer/pay for puppy obedience training

On a monthly basis, expect to spend $52.50 to $67.50 on average for food and $50 to $125 for veterinary care. If you plan to get your dog groomed every few months and purchase pet insurance, those are additional costs to budget for as well.

If you’re not going to get pet insurance, it’s extremely important that you maintain a pet emergency fund to cover unexpected vet bills. And even if you do have a pet insurance policy, the way these plans often work is that you pay for your pet’s care up front and file a claim to get reimbursed. So, it’s important to have savings for pet care needs either way.

Is a Brittany Right for You?

If you're looking for a dog with plenty of energy who's not too big or too small, a Brittany may be right for you. Before you adopt one, research the breed to know what to expect. Also make sure to research reputable rescues and organizations so you can feel confident you're adopting from a trusted source.

With the right home, Brittanys are tireless, loyal companions full of heart. Adopting one may be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.