Brittany
The Good
- Sociable and non-aggressive
- Great with children
- Relatively easy to train
- Suitable for apartment living
- Well-balanced temperament
The Real
- Requires extensive daily exercise
- Very active and energetic
- Coat can trigger allergies
- Can be quite vocal
- Strong hunting instincts
Gallery
Breed Overview
If you're looking for a four-legged mate who's equal parts adventure buddy and family companion, the Brittany might just be your perfect match. These medium-sized dogs pack an incredible amount of personality into their compact, athletic frames, making them ideal for active Australian families who love the outdoors.
Originally bred as hunting dogs in France's Brittany province, these clever pups have evolved into versatile companions who excel at everything from weekend beach walks along the Gold Coast to challenging bush hikes in the Blue Mountains. Standing around 46-52 cm tall and weighing 14-18 kg, they're the perfect size for most Australian homes - big enough to keep up with your adventures, but not so large they'll take over your lounge room.
What really sets Brittanys apart is their incredible eagerness to please combined with genuine affection for their families. They're the type of dog that greets you like you've been gone for months, even if you've just popped out to grab milk. Their beautiful orange-and-white or liver-and-white coats are as striking as their personalities, and while they do shed, regular brushing keeps things manageable.
These dogs thrive in active households where they can channel their boundless energy into positive activities. Whether you're into weekend camping trips, morning jogs, or backyard cricket with the kids, your Brittany will be right there beside you, tail wagging and ready for whatever comes next.
History
History
The Brittany's story begins in the rugged coastal region of Brittany, France, where they've been working alongside hunters for centuries. While some believe their ancestors arrived during the Crusades, the first reliable records of these distinctive orange-and-white dogs appear in 17th-century tapestries and artwork, showing them as prized hunting companions to French nobility.
By the 1850s, written records began documenting these remarkable dogs, though they looked quite different from today's Brittanys. The breed we know and love really began taking shape in the early 1900s when dedicated breeders in the town of Loudéac started carefully selecting dogs with naturally short tails and consistent hunting abilities.
The first breed standard was established in 1907, but it took another couple of decades to stabilise the breed's characteristics. French breeders worked tirelessly to maintain the Brittany's exceptional hunting instincts while developing their sweet, biddable temperament that makes them such wonderful family companions today.
Brittanys made their way to America in the 1930s and quickly gained popularity among both hunters and families. Interestingly, the American Kennel Club dropped "Spaniel" from their name in 1982, officially recognising that these dogs are more closely related to setters than spaniels. This change reflected a better understanding of their heritage and working style.
Today, Brittanys remain one of the most popular hunting breeds in France and have found devoted fans across the globe, including here in Australia, where their adaptable nature and moderate size make them excellent companions for our diverse climate and lifestyle.
Traits & Characteristics
Brittany characteristics and temperament traits.
Caring Guide
Here's some good news - Brittanys are generally robust, healthy dogs with fewer genetic issues than many breeds. Most live happy, active lives well into their teens, but like all breeds, there are a few health considerations worth knowing about.
Hip dysplasia is probably the most common concern, where the hip joint doesn't develop properly, potentially leading to arthritis later in life. Because Brittanys are such active dogs, watch for signs like reluctance to play, stiffness after exercise, or weakness in the back legs. Reputable Australian breeders will have hip scoring done on breeding dogs, so always ask to see these certificates.
Epilepsy can affect some Brittanys, causing seizures that might look like unusual behaviour - excessive sniffing, head shaking, or running in circles - or more obvious convulsions. While frightening to witness, this condition can usually be managed well with medication, allowing dogs to live full, happy lives.
Eye problems, particularly cataracts, can develop as Brittanys age. You'll notice a milky appearance in their eyes or see them bumping into things. Regular eye checks with your vet can catch these early, and surgery can often restore vision.
Hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones, can cause weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems. It's easily diagnosed with blood tests and managed with daily medication.
The key to keeping your Brittany healthy is choosing a responsible breeder who health tests their breeding dogs, maintaining regular vet checkups, and keeping your dog at a healthy weight. With proper care, most Brittanys enjoy 12-15 years of active, healthy life - plenty of time for countless adventures together.
Feeding a Brittany properly is pretty straightforward, but their active nature means getting the balance right is crucial for maintaining their energy levels and lean physique. These athletic dogs need high-quality protein to fuel their adventures, whether that's chasing tennis balls at your local dog park or hiking through the Grampians.
A premium commercial dog food designed for active, medium-sized breeds usually does the trick perfectly. Look for foods where meat is the first ingredient and avoid anything with excessive fillers. Brands like Hill's Science Diet, Royal Canin, and Purina Pro Plan are readily available across Australia and offer excellent nutrition for sporting breeds like Brittanys.
Most adult Brittanys do well on two meals a day - morning and evening - which helps prevent bloat and keeps their energy steady. Growing puppies need three to four smaller meals daily until they're about six months old. The exact amount depends on your dog's age, weight, and activity level, but expect to feed anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 cups of dry food daily, split between meals.
Here's a crucial tip for Australian owners: never feed your Brittany right before exercise, especially in our warmer climates. These active dogs are prone to bloat if they exercise on a full stomach, which can be life-threatening. Plan meals at least two hours before big adventures.
Because Brittanys can be quite food-motivated, resist those pleading eyes at dinner time. Stick to scheduled feeding rather than free-feeding to prevent weight gain. And definitely avoid feeding them from your plate - foods like chocolate, onions, grapes, and cooked bones can be dangerous for dogs.
Fresh water should always be available, especially important during Australia's hot summers when these energetic dogs can quickly become dehydrated during play.
One of the best things about Brittanys is how low-maintenance they are in the grooming department - perfect for busy Australian families who'd rather spend time adventuring than fussing over complicated coat care. Their beautiful, slightly wavy coat is designed to be practical, shedding dirt easily and requiring minimal upkeep.
A good brush once or twice a week with a soft bristle brush or slicker brush will keep your Brittany looking fantastic and help manage shedding. During spring and autumn, when they shed their seasonal coats, you might need to brush more frequently - but we're talking daily, not multiple times per day like some breeds require.
Baths are only needed when your Brittany gets genuinely dirty or starts developing that distinctive "doggy" smell. Given their love of outdoor adventures - whether that's beach walks in Queensland or muddy hikes in Tasmania - you'll probably find yourself hosing them down more often than formally bathing them. Use a gentle dog shampoo to protect their skin.
Those lovely floppy ears need regular attention to prevent infections, especially after swimming or in humid conditions common across northern Australia. Check them weekly and clean with a vet-approved ear cleaner if you notice wax buildup or debris. Never use cotton buds - a soft cloth or cotton pad is much safer.
Regular nail trims are essential, especially for city dogs who don't naturally wear their nails down on rough surfaces. Most Brittanys need their nails trimmed every 3-4 weeks. Don't forget dental care - brush their teeth several times a week with dog-specific toothpaste to prevent dental disease.
The beauty of Brittany grooming is its simplicity - a weekly brush, occasional bath, and basic maintenance keeps them looking and feeling great, leaving more time for the activities they truly love.
If you're considering a Brittany, here's what you need to know upfront: these dogs need serious exercise, and I mean serious. We're talking 2-3 hours daily of proper activity, not just a quick walk around the block. But here's the brilliant part - they make it so enjoyable that you'll find yourself getting fitter alongside your four-legged mate.
Brittanys are natural athletes who excel at everything from beach runs along Bondi to mountain hiking in the Adelaide Hills. They're absolutely made for Australian outdoor life - swimming, fetching, running, and exploring are their favourite pastimes. Many Australian owners find dog sports like agility, flyball, or even dock diving perfect outlets for their Brittany's boundless energy.
Training these clever dogs is generally a pleasure because they genuinely want to make you happy. They pick up basic commands quickly and respond beautifully to positive reinforcement - think treats, praise, and play rewards. However, their sensitive nature means harsh corrections or raised voices will likely shut them down completely. Keep training sessions short, fun, and upbeat for best results.
Early socialisation is absolutely crucial, especially given their strong hunting instincts. Without proper introduction to other animals, cats, and small pets, your Brittany might view them as something to chase rather than friends to live with. Puppy school and regular exposure to different situations, people, and animals will help develop a well-rounded adult dog.
One challenge many Australian owners face is managing their Brittany's prey drive around wildlife. These dogs were bred to hunt birds, so expect them to be fascinated by everything from magpies to possums. A secure fence and reliable recall training are essential - though even well-trained Brittanys can "forget" their training when a fascinating scent trail appears.
The key is channelling their natural instincts into appropriate activities rather than fighting against them.
Who is an ideal owner?
The perfect Brittany owner is someone who sees exercise as fun, not a chore. If you're already active - whether you're into morning beach walks, weekend camping trips, or regular hikes through Australia's beautiful national parks - you'll find a devoted companion in a Brittany who's thrilled to join every adventure.
These dogs thrive with families who have time to invest in them. They're not the breed for people who work long hours and want a low-maintenance pet. Brittanys form incredibly strong bonds with their families and can develop separation anxiety if left alone too frequently. They're happiest when they're part of the action, whether that's helping with weekend gardening or joining the family for weekend getaways.
If you have children, you've struck gold with this breed. Brittanys are naturally gentle and patient with kids, making them excellent family dogs. They're sturdy enough for active play but sensitive enough to be careful around smaller children. Many Australian families find them perfect companions for kids who are learning responsibility through pet care.
First-time dog owners often do well with Brittanys because of their eagerness to please and relatively straightforward training needs. However, you need to be realistic about the exercise commitment. This isn't a breed that will be content with a quick morning walk - they need owners who can provide substantial physical and mental stimulation daily.
Brittanys suit both suburban and rural Australian lifestyles, though apartment dwellers need to be extra committed to providing adequate exercise. They're generally quiet indoors but can become destructive if their energy needs aren't met.
You should consider a different breed if you prefer sedentary activities, work away from home frequently, or aren't prepared for a dog who will want to be involved in everything you do. Brittanys are wonderful dogs, but they're definitely not the right fit for everyone.
Interesting facts about the Brittany
Interesting Fact
The breed was originally called "Brittany Spaniel" but had "Spaniel" officially removed from their name in 1982 by the American Kennel Club, as they're more closely related to setters than spaniels
Interesting Fact
First Brittany breed standard was outlined in 1907, and they were introduced to the United States in 1931
Interesting Fact
Many Brittany puppies are born with naturally short tails or no tails at all - a trait that was specifically selected for during the breed's development
Interesting Fact
The first accurate records of Brittany-type dogs appear in 17th-century paintings and tapestries from France
FAQ
Absolutely! Brittanys are excellent family dogs, especially with children. They're naturally sweet-natured, patient, and love being part of family activities. Their size makes them sturdy enough for active play but not so large they'll accidentally knock over small children.
Brittanys do shed, particularly during spring and autumn when they're changing their seasonal coats. However, weekly brushing and regular baths will significantly reduce the amount of fur on your furniture. They're not considered heavy shedders compared to many breeds.
While they look similar, they're quite different breeds. Brittanys aren't technically spaniels (the name was officially changed in 1982), they're smaller, and were bred in France rather than England. Brittanys also have a different working style and temperament.
The average Brittany lifespan is 12-14 years, though many live well into their teens with proper care. They're generally healthy dogs with fewer genetic issues than many breeds.
Yes, but only if you're absolutely committed to providing 2-3 hours of proper exercise daily. They're actually quite calm indoors, but without adequate exercise, they can become destructive. Many Sydney and Melbourne apartment dwellers successfully keep Brittanys by making dog parks and beach walks a daily priority.
They adapt reasonably well to Australia's varied climate. Their coat provides some protection, but they'll need warm clothing during Melbourne or Canberra winters and plenty of shade and water during hot summers in Perth or Darwin. Avoid intense exercise during the hottest parts of the day.
Yes, their eager-to-please nature and relatively straightforward training needs make them good for beginners. However, you must be realistic about their exercise requirements - they're not suitable for inactive owners regardless of experience level.