Overview
Average lifespan
Brittany Spaniels will usually live to 12 years, but cared for with the right nutrition can live up to 14 years of age.
Average size and weight
The female is usually 13kg and 47cm tall and the male is 16kg and 50cm tall.
Care requirements
Breed personality, characteristics & temperament
Although the Brittany was developed as an active hunting dog, it is also biddable and gentle, and almost placid in nature. Generally very good with children, they make a great family dog.
The breed is characterised by ‘the maximum of quality in the minimum of size.’ Despite being a small, compact and elegant dog, it is noted for its endurance, stamina and tenacity. Although traditionally a hunting breed, it is required to come out of the field and into the show ring with a minimum of grooming. This breed will hunt all day and be ready to go again and again. Keen, alert and intelligent, the Brittany is overflowing with boundless energy.
Compatibility with other pets
The Brittany gets on well with other dogs as they help to keep them entertained, plus provide companionship when its owner is not around. Essentially these dogs were developed and bred to hunt birds and that's exactly what they will do, given the opportunity. However if they are brought up from puppyhood with other pets, they will readily learn to accept them.
Care requirements
Give your dog a brush and a bath as required. Feed a quality balanced diet as this breed is very active and depends on good nutrition to fuel its athletic lifestyle.
If used as working and hunting dogs, Brittany's should be wormed twice as often as normal (i.e. every six weeks). Grass seeds can also present a problem, so paws should be checked regularly.
Prospective owners need to be made aware that this is an extremely active dog which needs a great deal of physical and mental exercise, otherwise it may develop destructive tendencies.
Decision time
Ideal owners
People with the time to put into their dogs will get the most out of this breed. If your interest is in hunting, trialing, showing or running, then these dynamic dogs may be the perfect choice for you.
Decision time (resources provided by Kennel Club):
Before making a decision on getting a puppy, here are some articles you might find helpful:
What do I need to consider when thinking of buying a puppy?
How do I find the right breeder, what should I ask them?
How do you check if the breeder is reputable?
What to ask your vet prior to buying a puppy?
Where to find dogs (resources provided by the Kennel Club):
Breeders
Adoption
Shelters
Find out about important information about purchasing dogs from pet shops and traders