Gun dog Medium size 14-18 kg

Brittany Spaniel

A bright, tireless bird dog and affectionate family companion for active homes - its high energy quickly overwhelms sedentary owners.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Medium
Size
14-18 kg · 47-52 cm
Very high
Exercise needs
Sporting dog; needs a lot of daily exercise
Low
Alone-time tolerance
Very people-oriented; dislikes isolation
High
Training
Eager to please and quick to learn
Low
Coat care
Feathered coat; brush weekly, check ears
Good
Fit with kids
Playful and gentle with children
Good
Other pets
Generally sociable with other pets
Light
Health burden
Generally healthy; hip and ear care

The Brittany Spaniel typically weighs 14-18 kg, stands 47-52 cm, and lives 12-14 years.

Consider this breed if…

you run, hike, cycle, or hunt and want a partner along,
you enjoy training and dog sports like agility or field work,
someone is home for much of the day,
you want an affectionate, birdy dog that stays close.

Do not consider this breed if…

your idea of exercise is a short daily stroll,
the dog would be alone 8+ hours most days,
you have no time or interest in training and outlets,
you want a calm, low-drive house dog.

A typical day with a Brittany Spaniel

  1. 6:30 · Morning
    45-60 min run, hike, or off-leash exercise
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Rest, chewing, or a scent game indoors
  3. 12:30 · Noon
    Short walk and a bit of retrieving practice
  4. 16:00 · Afternoon
    Training, 15-20 minutes of obedience or tricks
  5. 18:30 · Evening
    Longer walk, field work, or a dog sport session
  6. 21:00 · Night
    A properly exercised Brittany settles down calmly

Temperament and training

Trainability High
Drive to work Very high
Sensitivity High
Independence Low
Playfulness Very high
Guarding tendency Low
Common owner mistakes
Underestimating the exercise need and ending up with a restless, destructive dog · Using heavy-handed corrections on a soft, sensitive breed that loses confidence · Skipping ear checks until the drop ears develop a chronic infection

Family and environment

Kids Good
Playful and gentle; energy suits active older kids best.
Dogs Good
Sociable and usually happy in multi-dog homes.
Cats Conditional
Bird-dog instinct can mean chasing; better raised together.
Apartment Not suited
Too high-energy unless you commit to hours of daily activity.
House with a yard Suitable
A fenced yard helps, but does not replace real exercise.
City Conditional
Workable with a very active routine and outlets.
Countryside Ideal
Space, fields, and room to run suit it perfectly.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Light

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Hip dysplasia Screen breeding stock
Chronic ear infections Drop ears trap moisture; check regularly
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Inherited eye condition
Dental disease Routine dental care needed

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Similarly active, more tolerant of alone time
Labrador Retriever
A friendly, forgiving all-rounder that tolerates family chaos - if you keep its weight and exercise honest.
View profile →
Gentle sporting dog for active families
Golden Retriever
A gentle, biddable family dog that fits almost any household - as long as you accept heavy shedding and one of the higher cancer burdens among popular breeds.
View profile →
For owners wanting even more drive and training
Border Collie
An exceptionally quick-learning working dog that needs daily physical and mental work - without it, it invents a "job" of its own.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Brittany Spaniel cost?
Expect roughly $800-$2,000 from a reputable US breeder, with proven field or show lines at the higher end. The purchase price is minor next to the lifetime cost: food, routine and preventive vet care, gear, and training add up to many thousands of dollars over the dog's life. Budget for insurance or a savings buffer rather than the sticker price alone.
How much exercise does a Brittany really need?
A lot. Plan for at least an hour or two of genuine activity every day - running, hiking, field work, or dog sports - plus training to engage its mind. This is a working bird dog, not a couch companion. An under-exercised Brittany becomes restless, anxious, and often destructive, so honestly matching your lifestyle matters more than anything else.
Is a Brittany Spaniel good with kids?
Yes, Brittanys are typically playful, gentle, and affectionate with children. Their energy pairs best with active, older kids who can join in games and walks. As with any dog, supervise interactions with small children and give the dog a quiet place to retreat, since a sensitive breed can get overwhelmed by chaos.
Can a Brittany be left alone during the workday?
Not comfortably on a regular basis. Brittanys are very people-oriented and bond closely, so long daily stretches alone often lead to separation stress, barking, and destructive behavior. Around half a workday is a more realistic ceiling, and only after exercise. A household out 8+ hours daily needs a dog walker or daycare plan.