Dog breed · Sporting / Gundog
Brittany
A compact pointing dog that works closer than a pointer and retrieves too. Sensitive, trainable and built for endurance.
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Breed characteristics
- Group
- Sporting / Gundog
- Origin
- Brittany, France
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 14–18 kg
- Height
- 44–52 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–14 years
- Coat
- Dense, flat or wavy single coat, orange/white or liver/white
- Temperament
- BrightEagerSensitiveTireless
History
Developed by French peasants and poachers in the 1800s as an all-round gundog; recognised as a spaniel-pointer blend in style.
Appearance
Leggy, athletic medium dog with a short or naturally bobbed tail and light, ground-covering gait.
Exercise and activity
Two hours daily with running and scent work; a superb running or hiking partner.
Care and grooming
Easy coat — weekly brushing and ear checks.
Health considerations
- Generally healthy
- Hip dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Hypothyroidism
Honest challenges
Before choosing a Brittany
- Treat the breed profile as a starting point, not a guarantee of temperament. Meet the individual and discuss its history, needs and behaviour with the rescue or responsible breeder.
- Check your routine can support the activity described here: Two hours daily with running and scent work; a superb running or hiking partner. Allow for age, weather, health and recovery rather than imposing a fixed target.
- Ask the breeder or rescue and your vet about problems reported in this breed (such as Hip dysplasia, Epilepsy, Hypothyroidism), which of them have recognised screening tests, and the parents' results where relevant. Screening reduces some uncertainty but cannot promise a healthy lifetime.
- Plan grooming, veterinary costs and care during holidays. Children and other pets still need careful introductions and supervision whatever a breed's typical rating.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Sources on this topic
Pages on this specific subject from recognised organisations. They are cited for further reading and do not mean the organisation has reviewed this page.
- Brittany Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.
- RSPCA — animal care and welfare advice across species
- PDSA — veterinary charity pet health advice
- Dogs Trust — dog care, behaviour and welfare advice