What to Know Before Buying a Brittany Puppy
Quick answer: Before you buy a Brittany puppy, plan for a compact, athletic, high-energy bird dog (30 to 40 pounds) that’s widely considered one of the most versatile gundogs around. They’re happy, smart, affectionate, and eager to please, but they need a lot of daily exercise and a job, and they’re sensitive, so harsh training backfires. They live about 12 to 14 years. Buy from an American Brittany Club breeder who health-tests.
At a Glance
| Group | Sporting (AKC, recognized 1934; renamed from “Brittany Spaniel” in 1982) |
| Origin | Brittany, France |
| Height | 17.5–20.5 inches |
| Weight | 30–40 lbs |
| Lifespan | About 12–14 years |
| Coat | Dense, flat or wavy; moderate grooming |
| Color | Orange and white, liver and white, with clear or roan patterns |
| Temperament | Happy, alert, energetic, intelligent, sensitive, eager to please |
| Good for | Active owners and families who can provide heavy daily exercise |
1. A Tireless Bird Dog That Needs to Move
The Brittany is a pointing breed built for covering ground all day, and that stamina doesn’t shut off at home. These dogs need substantial daily exercise, running, hiking, fetch, or field work, plus mental stimulation, or they become restless, barky, and prone to roaming. At minimum they want a fenced yard, but really they want an active partner. Channel that drive and you have a brilliant, joyful companion.
2. Friendly, Smart, and Sensitive
Brittanys are happy, affectionate, and bright, good with children and usually tolerant of some roughhousing, and they bond closely with their people. They’re also notably soft and sensitive: they thrive on positive, encouraging training and shut down or get anxious under harsh corrections. Early socialization and gentle consistency bring out the confident, biddable adult.
3. Trainability and Bird Focus
Few breeds are easier to motivate and train, which is why Brittanys excel in the field and in agility, obedience, and other sports. The flip side is single-minded focus on birds, so recall and impulse control take work in distracting settings. They want a job and a close working relationship with their owner.
4. Grooming and Health
The coat is fairly low-maintenance, weekly brushing plus routine ear care (those drop ears can trap moisture). Brittanys are generally healthy and athletic; keep them lean, and watch for hip and elbow dysplasia and eye conditions, which good breeders screen for.
5. Finding a Responsible Breeder
Decide whether you want field or show/companion lines, as energy levels differ. Start with the American Brittany Club, verify any breeder against the AKC Marketplace, and look for clearances and well-socialized litters. A good breeder will ask how you plan to exercise and engage the dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Brittany puppy cost?
Prices vary by breeder, region, and whether the dog is from field or show lines, so confirm current figures directly with American Brittany Club breeders.
Is a Brittany a spaniel?
Despite the old name “Brittany Spaniel,” the AKC dropped “spaniel” in 1982 because the breed points to game like a pointer rather than flushing like a spaniel.
Are Brittanys good family dogs?
Yes, for active families. They’re happy, affectionate, and good with children, but they need a lot of daily exercise and gentle, positive training.
Do Brittanys need a lot of exercise?
Yes. They’re high-energy gundogs that need substantial daily activity plus mental stimulation, or they can become restless and prone to roaming.
Read the official AKC breed standard
Sources
American Kennel Club – Brittany
AKC Official Breed Standard (PDF)
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
AKC Marketplace