Brittany Spaniel Pros and Cons
“Gorgeous Britt you got there!”
That’s just one of the compliments you’ll hear when you take your Brittany Spaniel out for a walk! Brittanys are one of the most popular dog breeds around, and in this blog we’ll go through plenty of reasons why.
Brittany Spaniels are hunting dogs, part of the bird dog group. They help hunters find birds using a strong sense of smell. The skills are impressive, but so are the looks and the personality. These white-and-orange dogs turn heads wherever they go. They’re smart, energetic, funny, and affectionate. But will one actually make a good pet for you?
Quick snapshot before we dig in: a Brittany stands about 17–20 inches tall, weighs 30–40 pounds, and lives around 12–14 years. Small enough to be easy to handle, sturdy enough to keep up on a long hike.
Table of Contents
Let’s get into the Brittany Spaniel pros and cons!
Brittany Spaniel at a Glance (Quick Facts)
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 17.5–20.5 inches |
| Weight | 30–40 lb |
| Lifespan | 12–14 years |
| Energy level | Very high |
| Shedding | Moderate (seasonal) |
| Good with kids | Good |
| Apartment-friendly | Low — needs room to run |
| Trainability | High |
| Average price | $800–$1,800 (from a breeder) |
Key Takeaways
- Best for: active, outdoorsy people and families who want a friendly, highly trainable sporting dog.
- Biggest strengths: athletic and energetic, affectionate, smart, and good with children and other dogs.
- Main trade-offs: needs 1–2 hours of exercise daily, is prone to separation anxiety, and has a strong prey drive.
- Care needs: lots of daily activity plus mental work, weekly brushing, and reliable recall training.
- Think twice if: you’re sedentary, away for long hours, or want a low-energy lap dog.
Pros and Cons of Brittany Spaniels
Brittanys are loyal and bond hard with their owners. Some people fall for that alone. But they can also act out when they don’t get what they need, so it’s worth weighing everything before you commit to a dog for the next decade-plus.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Energetic and athletic | Needs 1–2 hours of exercise a day |
| Friendly and affectionate | Gets destructive when bored |
| Intelligent and trainable | Prone to separation anxiety |
| Good with children and other pets | Sheds seasonally, needs regular brushing |
| Versatile hunting dog | Strong prey drive around small animals |
Pros of Owning Brittany Spaniels
People love keeping Brittany dogs as pets, and assistants in hunting. Their personality traits are a key reason most people love them. If you wanna keep one of them as your own, you should study the following pros:
Energetic and Athletic
If dogs were people, the Brittany would be the one always training for something. They love walks, fetch, tricks, and just moving all day. If you’re active yourself, you’ll get along great.
Friendly and Affectionate
Brittanys are social. They’re warm with people and usually happy to meet other dogs. That easygoing streak is a big part of what makes them good house pets.
Intelligent and Trainable
These are smart dogs and quick learners. Basic training tends to click fast, which makes life a lot easier, especially early on.
Good with Children and Other Pets
It’s normal to worry about how a new dog will handle the kids. Brittanys usually do well here. Their friendly nature extends to children and other animals, so this is rarely the thing you’ll lose sleep over.
Versatile Hunting Dog
Brittanys are mainly pointers, but they flush and retrieve well too. They’ve been reliable partners for bird hunters for generations.
Cons of Owning Brittany Spaniels
Brittanys are wonderful, and most of the downsides are just the flip side of that energy and affection. Here’s what you’ll actually have to manage:
They need a lot of exercise: Plan on one to two hours of real activity a day. A smart, high-energy dog has to burn it off somewhere. Skip it and you’ll get a bored, cranky dog, and over time the lack of movement can lead to weight gain and other health problems.
They get destructive when bored: An under-stimulated Brittany finds its own entertainment. Think dug-up flower beds, chewed pillows, and a lot of restless pacing. Keep them busy and most of this disappears.
They’re prone to separation anxiety: If you travel a lot or work long days, expect a rough homecoming. Brittanys hate being left alone and can panic when they are, barking a lot or going after the furniture. Training and gradual alone-time help, but this is a real commitment.
They shed and need regular grooming: The medium-length wavy coat isn’t high-maintenance, but it isn’t wash-and-go either. A weekly brush usually does it, with more during the spring and fall shedding seasons. A bath every couple of months is plenty unless they’ve found some mud, which, being hunting dogs, they will.
They have a strong prey drive: Chasing small animals is baked in. Spot a squirrel and a Brittany may bolt after it, so a secure yard and a reliable recall matter. Giving that instinct an outlet, like scent games or supervised field work, keeps it from becoming a problem.
Who Should Own a Brittany Spaniel
Should you own a Brittany? It comes down to you as much as the breed. If the pros excite you and the cons feel manageable, you’re a good match. Brittanys tend to suit:
- Active people
If you already run, hike, or bike, you’ve basically found a built-in workout buddy.
- People who are home a lot
Fewer hours away means more time with your dog, which is exactly what a Brittany wants.
- Experienced owners
They’re trainable enough for beginners, but someone who’s raised a dog before will handle the energy with less stress.
- Active families
Brittanys thrive in a busy household. Families with older kids tend to be a great fit, since there’s more play to go around.
- Hunters and outdoor types
This is a working breed that loves being outside. If you hunt or just live for weekends in nature, you’ll be a great owner.
Who Should NOT Own Brittany Spaniels
Brittanys get demanding when their needs go unmet. If you can’t give them time, or you’d rather not deal with a bit of mess, a calmer breed is the smarter pick.
You might want to skip a Brittany if you’re:
- Not very active: These dogs need to move. If a quiet evening on the couch is your ideal, you’ll both end up frustrated.
- A first-time owner: They’re trainable but a lot to handle at first. Starting with a mellower breed can make for an easier introduction.
- On a busy schedule: Long, unpredictable days plus a dog prone to separation anxiety is a tough combo, and you’ll struggle to keep up with grooming too.
Short on space: Brittanys need room to run and explore. In a small home with no outlet, they get bored and restless fast.
Brittany Spaniel Quiz
Is a Brittany Spaniel Right for Me?
Take this quiz to figure out if Brittanys are a right fit for you?
Personal Experiences from Readers
Have you owned a Brittany Spaniel, or do you have one now? We’d love to hear about it. Use the link below to share your story.
Our little pup was so easy to train. She picked things up fast and knows a bunch of tricks now. She’s full of energy and loses her mind with excitement the second we grab the leash.
Jane
I’ve got a Brittany and he’s wonderful when I’m home. But when I leave for the day, let’s just say the state of my living room tells me exactly how he felt about it.
Austin
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Brittany Spaniels smart?
Yes — Brittanys are among the more intelligent sporting breeds. They learn quickly and respond well to positive, reward-based training, which is why they excel in obedience, agility, and field trials.
Do Brittany Spaniels shed a lot?
Brittanys are moderate shedders. Their medium, wavy coat sheds seasonally rather than heavily year-round. Brushing two to three times a week keeps loose hair under control.
Are Brittany Spaniels good family dogs?
Generally yes. They’re affectionate, gentle, and playful, and usually do well with children and other pets when socialized early. They suit active families who can meet their exercise needs.
Do Brittany Spaniels have separation anxiety?
They can. Brittanys bond strongly and dislike being alone for long periods, which can lead to barking or destructive behavior. Crate training and enough daily exercise help reduce it.
Are Brittany Spaniels good for first-time owners?
They can work for committed first-timers who are active and home often, but their high energy and exercise needs can overwhelm someone completely new to dogs.
Do Brittany Spaniels need a lot of exercise?
Yes — plan on at least one to two hours of activity daily, plus mental stimulation. Walks alone usually aren’t enough; they thrive with running, fetch, training games, or field work.
