Brittany

• ExerciseVery high

  Thrives with a job, sport or serious daily exercise.

• GroomingWeekly brushing

  A weekly brush keeps the coat healthy.

• Living spaceFlexible

  Adapts to most homes with enough activity.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment12–14 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Hip dysplasia · Epilepsy · Hypothyroidism

The Brittany is a compact, athletic bird dog with boundless energy and an eager, affectionate nature — a superb pointing and retrieving companion that will hike, run and work all day and then curl up close all night. This is very much an active-home breed: it needs substantial daily exercise and a job for its quick mind, and without that outlet it becomes restless and frustrated. Bright and highly trainable, it is also famously sensitive and soft-natured, so it responds only to gentle, positive, reward-based handling; harsh methods shut it down. The medium coat is easy, needing only a weekly brush, with attention to the drop ears to prevent infection. The Brittany is one of the healthier sporting breeds, but buy from a breeder who screens hips, and be aware it can be prone to hip dysplasia, epilepsy, hypothyroidism and ear infections. Give a Brittany real daily exercise, gentle training, and inclusion in an active family life, and it will be an energetic, joyful and devoted companion for twelve to fourteen years.

• How much exercise does a Brittany need?

  Very high. Thrives with a job, sport or serious daily exercise.

• How much grooming does a Brittany need?

  Weekly brushing. A weekly brush keeps the coat healthy.

• Is a Brittany suited to apartment living?

  Flexible. Adapts to most homes with enough activity.

• Is a Brittany a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Brittany live?

  12–14 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Brittany?

  Keep an eye out for Hip dysplasia, Epilepsy, Hypothyroidism. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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