Brittany (Brittany Spaniel): Size, Temperament and Care Guide for Adopters
Brittany Overview
The Brittany came from France, and its name comes from the French province of Brittany. It is described as the only pointing spaniel, and it was recognized by AKC in 1934.
How big is a Brittany?
AKC places the Brittany in the medium size category. For Brittany dog size, AKC publishes a height of 17.5 to 20.5 inches and the United Kennel Club standard gives 17½ to 20½ inches, measured at the withers. On weight, AKC publishes 30 to 40 pounds, while the United Kennel Club standard gives a preferred weight of 30 to 45 pounds.
Brittany Spaniel Temperament
AKC describes the breed as bright, fun-loving and upbeat. The United Kennel Club describes the Brittany as friendly and eager to please, and notes that these dogs seek human attention. VCA says most are friendly with strangers, though some are hesitant about meeting new people and may benefit from early social activities.
Exercise and energy
AKC rates the breed's energy at 5 of 5 and its mental enrichment needs at 4 of 5. VCA describes a versatile hunter that does well in obedience, agility and flyball.
Do Brittany spaniels shed?
AKC lists the coat as short, wavy and double, and rates shedding at 3 of 5 and grooming frequency at 3 of 5. VCA calls care easy, with brushing to remove dead hair and debris such as burrs picked up on outings.
Training a Brittany
AKC rates trainability at 5 of 5. The United Kennel Club notes that the breed does not need a heavy hand and may quit if discipline is too stern. VCA says praise and food motivation work well.
How long do Brittany spaniels live, and what health issues come up?
AKC gives a general life expectancy of 12 to 14 years for the Brittany. VCA lists eye and hip problems, seizures, and some heart or liver disease as concerns for the breed. A veterinarian can advise on what to check in an individual dog.
Considering Brittany rescue?
Lily's Second Chance lists Brittany dogs cared for by other organizations, so those looking at Brittany spaniel rescue or Brittany rescue options can use this guide to prepare. Given the breed's top energy rating and its need for human attention, an adopter who can offer daily activity and company is likely a good fit.
AKC breed facts
These are the American Kennel Club’s general facts and 1 to 5 ratings for the Brittany as a breed. General tendencies don’t establish any one dog’s ancestry, personality or health; ask the listing organization about the dog you are considering.
- AKC group
- Sporting Group
- AKC recognition year
- 1934
- Height (AKC published)
- 17.5-20.5 inches
- Weight (AKC published)
- 30-40 pounds
- General life expectancy
- 12-14 years
- AKC size category
- Medium
AKC general breed ratings (1 to 5)
- Energy: 5 of 5
- Mental enrichment: 4 of 5
- Trainability: 5 of 5
- Grooming frequency: 3 of 5
- Shedding: 3 of 5
- Vocalization: 3 of 5
- Drooling: 1 of 5
- Adaptability: 3 of 5
- Playfulness: 4 of 5
- Watchful or protective tendency: 3 of 5
- Affection toward family: 3 of 5
- Openness toward strangers: 3 of 5
- AKC child compatibility rating: 4 of 5
- AKC dog compatibility rating: 4 of 5
Health screenings AKC lists for the breed
Breeding evaluations AKC names for the breed; they are not a diagnosis or a testing plan for any one dog.
- Hip Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (opens in a new tab), retrieved November 4, 2026 (snapshot akc-2026-11-04).
Written by Lily's Second Chance with AI assistance from the sources listed under References. Facts were checked automatically against those sources on November 7, 2026.
References
- Breed Standards : Brittany | United Kennel Club (UKC) (opens in a new tab), United Kennel Club, checked November 7, 2026
- Brittany | VCA Animal Hospitals (opens in a new tab), VCA Animal Hospitals, checked November 7, 2026
- Brittany - AKC breed profile (snapshot akc-2026-11-04) (opens in a new tab), American Kennel Club, checked November 4, 2026
