The Brittany is a happy, alert, and active dog. He loves to work and is eager to please. With his medium size, beautiful orange- or liver-and- white coat, and soft expression, he is an appealing dog. He thrives on challenges and exercise, work and friendship, and makes an ideal dog for someone who can give him a serious daily workout.

Brittanys are hunting dogs; they point to birds hidden in forest brush or fields and then retrieve downed game. They get their name from their place of origin: the northern area of France called Brittany. Though lighter and taller, they look similar to Welsh Springer Spaniels. They may share the same ancestors. Brittany and Wales traded goods historically, and dogs could also have been exchanged or imported. In fact, Brittanys used to be called Brittany Spaniels, but in 1982, Spaniel was dropped from their name.   

Brittanys need brushing or combing every few days and a scissors trim every few months.

Excerpts from the Standard

General Appearance: A compact dog of medium size, with legs long enough to allow agile, broad ground coverage. Strong, vigorous, energetic, and quick-moving. Rugged without being clumsy.

Size, Proportion, and Substance: Height—17 1/2 to 20 1/2 inches at withers. Weight—between 30 and 40 pounds. Proportion—height equals length of body. Substance—not too delicate in bone, yet never heavy-boned or cumbersome

Fun Facts

In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, wealthy landowners in Europe had huge forests filled with game birds and animals to hunt for fun. Meanwhile, their farm workers would sometimes hunt secretly at night with the help of their trusted dogs. This “poaching” or stealing of game, was illegal. If caught, poachers were punished severely by the local judges—often the very owners of the estates where the birds or rabbits were poached. Brittanys were considered excellent poaching dogs because they were obedient and quick as lightning in their work.

Excerpted from The Complete Dog Book For Kids © 1996, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.