Best Gear for Brittanys
Brittanys are high-energy sporting dogs bred for upland bird hunting, requiring vigorous daily exercise. They're prone to hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and hypothyroidism, with a flat or wavy medium-length coat.
Weight
30-40 lbs
Height
17-21 in
Lifespan
12-14 yrs
Energy
Moderate
Shedding
Moderate
Trainability
Moderate
Life with a Brittany
Your Brittany will freeze mid-stride in the backyard, nose up, every muscle locked, pointing at a bird you cannot see and may never find. You will wait. This is your life now.
You will describe your Brittany as 'high energy' to the vet, and the vet will nod in the specific way that means 'yes, I know, they all say that, but you don't know what high energy means yet.'
Your Brittany is deeply, personally offended by raised voices — not directed at them, at anyone. Yelling at the TV during a game will send them to another room looking traumatized.
You will meet hunters with Brittanys who talk about them the way non-hunters talk about their children, with an intensity that initially seems excessive and eventually makes complete sense.
They will be fully focused on a scent in the hedgerow and then suddenly remember you exist and spin around to check where you are — this checking-in behavior is instinctive, and it means your Brittany is designed to want to work with you, not just independently.
What Owners Say
“r/Brittany hunters and pet owners agree on one thing: this is the bird dog for people who actually want a dog when they're not hunting. Unlike some pointing breeds that are all business in the field and difficult to live with off it, the Brittany is genuinely affectionate, socially versatile, and ridiculously good company.”
Games Brittanys Actually Love
Point and Flush Scent Drills
Even without live birds, you can replicate the hunt experience: drag a bird-scented wing across the field, hide it in tall grass, and send your Brittany to find and point
Disc Dog
Brittanys are among the most natural disc dogs in any sporting breed — they read disc trajectories accurately, have the athleticism to make difficult catches, and sustain enthusiasm across long
Cross-Country Running or Biking
Brittanys range far when hunting — their trot is efficient and nearly inexhaustible. Running or cycling with your Brittany (canicross) on varied terrain is genuinely satisfying for the breed
Top Picks for Your Brittany
| Spec | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Buy | |||
PawBench Scoremethodology → | Nutrition 85 Ingredients 75 Palatability 82 Value 78 Owner Satisfaction 88 | Durability 94 Engagement 76 Safety 85 Value 88 Owner Satisfaction 89 | Durability 79 Comfort 91 Adjustability 79 Value 78 Owner Satisfaction 88 |
| Bag Size | 35 lb | — | — |
| Protein Source | Chicken | — | — |
| Life Stage | Adult | — | — |
| Grain-Free | No | — | — |
| Special Feature | Live probiotics, shredded blend texture | — | — |
| Material | — | Natural red rubber | 300D polyester with foam padding |
| Size | — | Large (dogs 30–65 lbs) | — |
| Chew Strength Rating | — | Power chewers | — |
| Best For | — | Stuffing, freezing, solo play | — |
| Dishwasher Safe | — | No (hand wash) | — |
| Weight | — | 8.8 oz | 5.6–9.5 oz depending on size |
| Size Range | — | — | XXS to XL (13–42 in chest) |
| Clip Type | — | — | Aluminum V-ring (front and back) |
| Closure | — | — | Two side-release buckles |
* Prices are approximate and may vary. Please check the latest price on Amazon.
Prices are approximate and may vary. Please check the latest price on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
About the Brittany
Origin & Build
- •Developed in the Brittany region of northwestern France, likely dating back to the 17th century, where they were
- •They weigh 30 to 40 pounds and stand 17 to 21 inches, making them compact and athletic
- •Their medium-length flat or wavy coat is predominantly white with orange or liver patches and provides functional protection
Temperament
- •Brittanys are among the most people-oriented sporting breeds — they want to be with you constantly and can
- •They're highly trainable and eager to please, ranking near the top of sporting breeds for obedience responsiveness
- •With children they're playful and gentle, and they generally get along well with other dogs, though their prey
Exercise Needs
- •Plan on 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise at minimum — this breed was built
- •They excel at field trials, agility, dock diving, and long off-leash hikes in safe areas
- •A Brittany that doesn't get enough exercise becomes hyperactive, destructive, and nearly impossible to live with indoors
Health Watch
- •Primary health concerns include hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and hypothyroidism, all of which responsible breeders screen for
- •Ear infections are common due to their pendulous ears trapping moisture and debris
- •Lifespan runs 12 to 14 years, and they tend to stay active and athletic well into their senior
Gear Tips
- A lightweight, breathable harness like the Ruffwear Hi & Light is ideal — Brittanys run hot during exercise and their lean build
- Use a 30-foot biothane long line for recall training in open fields. Brittanys have strong prey drive and need reliable recall before
- A medium-firm slicker brush and a steel comb handle their coat easily — weekly brushing prevents mats behind the ears and along
- Choose a comfortable bolster-style dog bed. Brittanys are lean dogs with minimal body fat and appreciate cushioned sleeping surfaces for joint support.
- A field vest or blaze-orange safety vest is essential if you hunt or hike during hunting season — their white and orange
Keep Them Happy
- At least ninety minutes of vigorous daily exercise is mandatory — Brittanys described as 'hyper' by owners are almost universally under-exercised,
- Enroll in a hunt test or field trial class even if you're not a hunter — the structured scent work and pointing
- Brittanys are emotionally sensitive and respond very badly to harsh corrections — training must be upbeat, positive, and consequence-free for errors, because
- Never let a Brittany off-lead in an unfenced area until recall is bombproof — they are bird dogs with a nose
Frequently Asked Questions
- What harness works best for a Brittany dog?
- Lightweight, athletic-fit harnesses work best since Brittanys are lean and active. The Ruffwear Hi & Light or Kurgo Journey are great options that won't restrict shoulder movement during running. Avoid bulky tactical-style harnesses that add unnecessary weight and heat retention.
- Do Brittanys need a lot of grooming?
- Moderate grooming — significantly less than other sporting breeds. Weekly brushing with a slicker brush keeps their medium coat tangle-free, with extra attention to feathering on the ears, chest, and legs. Their ears need weekly cleaning since the floppy shape traps moisture and can lead
- Can Brittanys be left alone during the day?
- Brittanys struggle with long periods of isolation and can develop separation anxiety. If you work full-time, consider doggy daycare, a dog walker for midday exercise, or crate training combined with puzzle feeders. A tired Brittany who's had morning exercise will handle a few hours alone
- Are Brittanys good for first-time dog owners?
- They can be, provided you're genuinely active and committed to training. Brittanys are eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement, which makes them forgiving of beginner mistakes. The challenge is meeting their exercise needs — if you're a runner, hiker, or outdoor enthusiast,