Apartment fit
Apartment life is possible for very active owners, but most Brittanys are easier where daily running, training, and decompression are simple to provide.
SportingMedium
France
FranceBrittany
Weight
30-40 lb
Height
17.5-20.5 in
Lifespan
12-14 yrs
Coat
Double Medium
The Brittany is an energetic French pointing breed with an orange-and-white or liver-and-white coat, strong field drive, and a bright eager temperament.
French pointing breedHigh stamina and strong field driveOrange-and-white or liver-and-white patternsBright, eager, and sensitive
Breed Names
Official, native, and commonly used variants
Epagneul BretonBrittany Spaniel
BrightFun-LovingUpbeatEagerFriendly
Weight
30-40 lb
Height
17.5-20.5 in
Lifespan
12-14 yrs
Coat
Double Medium
At A Glance
Daily living snapshot
A quick read on energy, upkeep, and what day-to-day life with this breed usually feels like.
Energy
Very High
Barking
Moderate
Drooling
Moderate
Shedding
Moderate
Grooming
3/5
First-time owner
Yes
Overview
The Brittany, or Epagneul Breton, is a compact French pointing dog prized for speed, stamina, and close teamwork in the field. Although many people still say Brittany Spaniel, the breed is generally treated as a pointing breed rather than a flushing spaniel.
The coat is dense and flat or wavy, with orange-and-white, liver-and-white, roan, or tricolor patterns depending on the registry standard. Grooming is moderate, but ears, feet, and feathering need checks after cover, mud, or burrs.
A Brittany is happiest in an active home that can provide daily running, training, bird-dog work, scent games, hiking, or other serious outlets. Without enough work, this smart, sensitive breed can become restless, noisy, or difficult to settle.
Temperament & Personality
BrightFun-LovingUpbeatEagerFriendly
This breed tends to suit homes looking for a bright, fun-loving, upbeat companion, with daily rhythms shaped by very high energy, moderate barking, and moderate drooling.
Coat type
Double
Coat length
Medium
Shedding
Moderate
Colors
Orange and White, Liver and White, Orange Roan, Liver Roan, Tricolor
Lifestyle Compatibility
Family Friendly4/5
Good with Kids4/5
Good with Dogs4/5
Good with Strangers4/5
Apartment Friendly1/5
Exercise Needs5/5
Grooming Needs3/5
Trainability5/5
Good fit if you want
- A family-friendly companion
- Room for routine exercise
- A more forgiving first ownership experience
Plan ahead for
- 5/5 exercise needs
- moderate shedding and coat upkeep
- moderate barking in daily life
Owner Fit & Everyday Behavior
Best for
- active owners interested in field work, hiking, or running
- families who enjoy daily training and outdoor time
- people wanting a compact but intense sporting dog
- homes that can provide recall practice and scent outlets
Not ideal for
- low-activity homes
- owners wanting a calm lapdog
- people without time for daily training
- apartments without a serious exercise plan
Common challenges
- restlessness without field-style outlets
- recall around birds or wildlife
- excitement barking
- burrs and debris in ears, feet, and feathering
Barking & behavior
Brittanys may bark from excitement or under-exercise. Plan activity before long rest periods and teach calm check-ins around windows, doors, and visitors.
Training style
Use upbeat reward-based training with recall, steadiness, leash manners, field-style games, and settling practice. Sensitive dogs need clear but fair handling.
Grooming & shedding
The coat sheds moderately. Brush weekly and check ears, feet, and feathering carefully after field work or brush.
Care Guide
Exercise
Most healthy adult Brittanys need about 90 minutes or more of daily activity, ideally including running, field work, scent games, hiking, retrieving, or structured training.
Grooming
Brush the coat weekly and after field work, checking ears, feet, feathering, and tail area for burrs, seeds, mud, or irritation. Keep nails short for active movement.
Training
Use positive training with recall, steadiness, leash manners, and calm settling. Brittanys are eager and sensitive, so harsh handling can undermine confidence.
Nutrition
Feed a measured medium-breed diet matched to age and activity. Keep active dogs lean and adjust portions around field seasons or reduced exercise.
Behavior & Environment
Energy level
Very High
Barking level
Moderate
Drooling level
Moderate
Watchdog ability
4/5
Guard dog ability
1/5
Climate tolerance
Cold weather4/5
Heat tolerance3/5
Health Considerations
Common concerns to discuss with your vet and breeder.
Hip dysplasiaEpilepsyHypothyroidismEye diseaseEar infections
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Brittany a good apartment dog?
Usually it is hard unless the owner is very active. The breed's size is manageable, but energy, barking, and need for running or field-style work are the challenge.
Does the Brittany bark a lot?
Brittanys can bark from excitement, alerting, or frustration. More exercise, calm routines, and rewarding quiet check-ins usually help.
Is the Brittany good for first-time owners?
Yes, for active first-time owners who want a sporting dog and will train daily. It is not a good match for low-activity homes.
How much exercise does the Brittany need?
Most healthy adults need about 90 minutes or more daily. Running, hiking, field work, scent games, and training are usually better than leash walks alone.
Is the Brittany good with kids and other dogs?
Many Brittanys are friendly family dogs, but they are quick and energetic. Supervise children, teach calm greetings, and socialize carefully with other dogs.
Does the Brittany shed a lot?
The coat sheds moderately and is usually manageable. Brush weekly and check ears, feet, and feathering after outdoor work.
What is the biggest challenge of owning the Brittany?
The biggest challenge is meeting the breed's exercise and mental-work needs every day. A bored Brittany can become restless, vocal, or impulsive.
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