Pet Wiki

Brittany

Also called Épagneul Breton, Brittany Spaniel, Breton Spaniel, French Brittany, American Brittany

Recognised breedFCI group 7Short profile

From France, from the region of Brittany in the north-west.123

At a glance the quick version

Weight13.6 to 20 kg24
Height, male48 to 51 cm14
Height, female45.7 to 50 cm14
Lifespan11.1 to 13 years423
Sizemedium

Wikipedia gives 14-20 kg; Hill's gives 30-40 lb (about 13.6-18 kg). Neither splits by sex.

eager to please
energetic and tireless
friendly and adaptable
14

Coat and looks how to spot one

medium, flat or slightly wavy

A fine but not silky coat lying flat or with a gentle wave, short on the head and front legs with feathering at the back. A compact, short-backed body; some puppies are born with a naturally short tail.132

Coloursorange and whiteblack and whiteliver and whiteroantricolour1

Personality what they are like

Bright, friendly and keen to work with its people. It learns quickly, responds best to gentle handling and brings the same sunny energy to family life as it does to the field.142

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A very energetic gundog; the Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise a day. Running, retrieving and scent work keep it happy.34

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brushing about once or twice a week keeps the coat neat; it sheds all year with more in warm months.34

Home where they are happiest

Suits active households with safe, fenced space or regular access to open country.4

Company who they like around

Very people-oriented and sociable; it enjoys being part of family activities.14

The story where it all began

Small spaniel-type bird dogs worked in Brittany for centuries, and in the early 1900s breeders refined them, partly with setter and pointer crosses. The first standard was drafted in Nantes in 1907 and adopted in 1908.123

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It is the most numerous of the French sporting breeds.1

  2. 2

    The first French breed club (1907) was named after the naturally bobbed tails many Brittanys are born with.3

  3. 3

    It is described as the smallest of the versatile gun dogs that hunt, point and retrieve.4

  4. 4

    The first dog registered in France, in 1907, was an orange and white male named Boy.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed originated in the Brittany province of northwestern France, and its name reflects that region. In French it is called Épagneul Breton, or Breton Spaniel.5

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

SunnyCloverBiscuitFleurJetMistyBretagnePoppyRocketCinnamonZephyrLuna

A day in the life told by a Brittany

The morning starts with a game of fetch in the yard – I bring the ball back every time, my tail a blur. After breakfast, we go for a long walk where I point at a rabbit and flush a pheasant. My human laughs and gives me a treat. Back home, I help with chores by carrying socks. In the afternoon, we practice tricks; I learn a new one quickly. Evening is for cuddles on the sofa, tired but happy.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 95 (Épagneul Breton), Group 7 (Pointing Dogs), Section 1.2 Continental Pointing Dogs, spaniel type; official valid standard dated 25.03.2003.1
The Royal Kennel Club
Gundog group (hunt, point, retrieve).3
AKC
Recognised in 1934; 'Spaniel' was dropped from the official name in 1982.2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Brittany. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Brittany, and at what times?

Feed adult Brittanies at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Consistent morning and evening times work well. Follow the food label for amounts and ask your vet for a tailored plan.7

What should a Brittany eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food suited to your Brittany's age and activity level. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always check with your vet for specific dietary advice.8

How often should I bathe a Brittany?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, and general guidance recommends at least every three months. Bathe more often if your Brittany gets very dirty or has skin issues. Use a gentle dog shampoo.9 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Brittany need brushing?

Brush your Brittany once or twice a week to keep the coat neat and reduce shedding. Furry Diary's plan suggests weekly brushing. During warmer months when shedding increases, more frequent brushing helps.34 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Brittany's nails, and how often?

Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Use a dog nail trimmer and cut small amounts at a time, stopping before the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.9 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Brittany need?

Brittanies need more than two hours of exercise daily, with activities like running, retrieving, and scent work. Furry Diary's plan includes daily walks and play. A safe, fenced space or access to open country is ideal.34 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Brittany's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth two to three times a week using dog toothpaste; daily is ideal. Check and dry floppy ears weekly to prevent moisture buildup. Never push anything into the ear canal.9 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Brittany live?

Brittanies typically live between 11 and 13 years. With good care and regular vet checkups, they often enjoy a long, active life.423

Is a Brittany good with children and other pets?

Brittanies are bright, friendly, and very sociable, so they generally do well with children and other pets when properly socialized. For specific advice about your household, ask a good breeder.14

Can a Brittany be left alone?

Brittanies are very people-oriented and enjoy being part of family activities, so they may not be happy left alone for long periods. It varies by individual; consult a good breeder for guidance.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI Standard No. 95 Épagneul Breton fci.beused for recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament, history
  2. Brittany dog (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgused for names, AKC recognition, weight, lifespan, history, facts
  3. Brittany, The Royal Kennel Club royalkennelclub.comused for group, exercise, grooming, lifespan, history
  4. Brittany, Hill's Pet hillspet.comused for weight, height, lifespan, care, facts
  5. petmd.com petmd.com
  6. en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org
  7. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  9. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.