| Height | 17.5-20.5 inches [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 30-40 pounds [1] |
| Life expectancy | 12–14+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Bright / Fun-Loving / Upbeat [1] |
| AKC group | Sporting Group [1] |
| Origin | France [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 31 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
The Brittany is a bright, high-energy dog who is bred to hunt, and he needs lots of exercise. Brittanys are a good fit for those seeking an all-purpose hunting partner, a dog-sport teammate, or a loyal companion suited to a lively, outdoorsy family life. He enjoys long, brisk walks and hikes or running on a leash alongside his human, as well as a wide variety of activities that occupy both his mind and his body. [1]
Grooming
The Brittany's flat or wavy coat is mostly fairly short and requires minimal grooming. A once-over with a soft brush or hound glove and a quick comb-through of his featherings should keep him looking his best. For the show ring there is some light trimming done to neaten the dog's head and neck. [1]
Health issues to budget for
The Brittany is a very healthy breed, with few genetic health issues. A responsible breeder will screen breeding stock for health concerns such as hip dysplasia and eye disease. Ears should be checked regularly to remove foreign matter and avoid a buildup of wax, and the teeth should be brushed regularly. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a medium dog (median $482) | $239 – $1,107 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, medium dog | $589 – $1,571 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, medium dog | $264 – $2,106 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Brittany in 1934. [1]
- It ranked No. 31 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 26 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Brittany.” [1]
- The AKC lists France as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 2 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 4/5)
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 5/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 5/5)
- ✅ Multi-dog homes (AKC good-with-other-dogs 4/5)
Common questions
How long do Brittanys live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12-14 years.
How big does a Brittany get?
AKC breed information lists height 17.5-20.5 inches and weight 30-40 pounds.
How much are vet bills for a Brittany?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs like the Brittany, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.