Most important facts
- Group
- Gundog
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 13–18 kg
- Lifespan
- 12–14 years
- Coat
- Medium-length, dense
- Energy
- High
- Height
- 47–51 cm
- Colours
- Orange, liver or black with white, including roan
- Shedding
- Moderate
- Est. feeding cost
- ~£29/mo
- Gear to consider
- Retrieving dummies, no-pull harness, slow-feeder bowl
Typical dry food, adult
About the Brittany Spaniel
The Brittany takes its name from the region of north-west France where it was developed, most likely from crosses between local land spaniels and visiting British setters and pointers in the nineteenth century. Bred as an all-round rough-shooting companion for farmers, it became prized for pointing and retrieving in equal measure. It remains one of the most popular hunting dogs in France and has a loyal following among British gundog enthusiasts.
Sociable, affectionate and eager to please, the Brittany is often described as an ideal all-round family gundog when its exercise needs are met. It's generally good with children and other dogs, and its biddable nature makes it responsive to training, though its strong hunting instinct needs a proper outlet.
As a genuine working hunt-point-retrieve breed, the Brittany has real drive and stamina, and can become highly strung, vocal or anxious if under-stimulated. It thrives with an owner who can offer structured exercise or scentwork, and it doesn't cope well with long periods alone.
Common health conditions
Things Brittany Spaniel owners commonly watch for. Guidance, not veterinary advice.
Hip dysplasia
A hereditary joint condition the breed is screened for. Keep body condition lean and puppy growth steady to protect the developing joints.
Lens luxation
The lens slips out of position in this inherited condition, and sight goes with it. Book regular vet checks, as it can progress quickly.
Glaucoma
Often linked to lens luxation in the breed, this causes a painful pressure build-up in the eye. Redness or squinting needs prompt veterinary help.
Epilepsy
Some lines are prone to seizures. If diagnosed, ask your vet about diet and feeding routine alongside medication.
Feeding a Brittany Spaniel
This is a high-energy breed, and a Brittany doing regular fieldwork will need a noticeably more energy-dense diet than one living as a family companion. Look past the bag's headline guideline and portion to the dog in front of you: a visible waist from above, and ribs that are easy to feel but not see. Weight can creep on quickly once exercise drops off, particularly after neutering or into the senior years.
Hip dysplasia and the eye conditions the breed can inherit are the main concerns to feed around. In puppyhood that means steady, controlled growth rather than overfeeding for size. In adulthood, a diet with joint-support nutrients such as glucosamine, chondroitin and omega-3s is a sensible long-term choice. Speak to your vet if persistent itching or recurring ear trouble suggests a food sensitivity.
Every dog is different — weight, age and activity all shift what a Brittany Spaniel needs. The turns these breed tendencies into a shortlist matched to your dog’s age, size, budget and needs.
Typical adult weight
13–18 kg
Est. daily calories
580–1,100 kcal
A broad guide for an average-activity adult in good body condition — not veterinary advice. Real needs vary with age, neutering, activity, health and body condition, so no two Brittany Spaniels eat exactly the same. Get a personalised estimate or estimate feeding costs.
- Per day
- ~£0.96
- Per month
- ~£29
- Per year
- ~£351
A broad typical monthly budget guide, not a live price quote. Food format, calorie density, pack size and retailer pricing all change the real cost.
Find the right food for your Brittany Spaniel
Foods ranked to your dog
Answer a few quick questions and the Food Finder ranks foods to your Brittany Spaniel by score, price, life stage and fit.
Breed at a glance
- Exercise needs9/10
- Appetite7/10
- Trainability8/10
- Good with children8/10
- Shedding5/10
- Tolerates being alone3/10
The good & the worth-knowing
The good
- Athletic, biddable and eager to please, rewarding for active owners
- Friendly, affectionate temperament that suits family life and other dogs
- Compact size with real stamina, excelling at agility, flyball and field trials
Worth knowing
- Needs a genuine two-plus hours of exercise and mental work every day
- Can develop separation anxiety and become vocal if regularly left alone
- Prone to hip dysplasia and inherited eye conditions, so health-screened parentage matters
Best matched accessories
All accessories →The collections that suit the breed, judged by the same independent standard.
Common owner questions
How much exercise does a Brittany need?
Plan for at least two hours of proper activity a day, mixing walking, running and retrieving or scent games. Feeding needs to track this, so review portions whenever the exercise routine changes.
How much should I feed a Brittany?
There's no single correct amount, as it depends on your dog's activity and age. Feed to body condition rather than a fixed cup measure, and adjust down as exercise reduces with age. Our Food Finder can help match a food's energy density to how active your Brittany actually is.
Is a Brittany easy to train?
Generally yes. They're biddable, quick to learn and bred to work closely with a handler, which makes reward-based training a pleasure. They do best with an owner who can channel that gundog drive into structured games and jobs.
Can a Brittany be left home alone?
Not for long stretches without preparation. The breed can be prone to separation anxiety, so build up alone time gradually from puppyhood and offer plenty of exercise beforehand.