Brittany Spaniel Overview
Brittany Spaniels are compact, energetic gun dogs renowned for their eager nature and soft temperament. Originally developed in Brittany, France, they are slightly smaller than English Springers and possess a distinctive sweet expression. In Australia, they are valued hunting companions and family pets, thriving in active households with access to space and regular exercise.
These spaniels excel in field trials and obedience competitions. Their intelligence and desire to work make them responsive to training, though they can develop anxiety if left alone for extended periods. They bond strongly with their families and demonstrate genuine affection towards children and other pets.
Brittany Spaniel Personality & Temperament
Understanding the Brittany Spaniel temperament is the most important step before bringing one home.
Friendly, energetic, and eager to please. Brittanys are known for their enthusiastic nature and soft mouths (bred to carry game gently). They thrive on human companionship and become distressed by prolonged isolation. Kids: excellent playmates for active families. Pets: generally good with other dogs and animals. Barking: moderate; alert but not excessive. They prefer company over solitude.
Breed Ratings at a Glance
How the Brittany Spaniel scores across key traits (1 = Low, 5 = High).
Is a Brittany Spaniel Right for You?
❌
Apartment
CHECK_CROSS Too energetic; requires yard and outdoor space
❌
House with yard
CHECK Ideal with regular exercise and engagement
❌
First-time owner
WARN Possible with active, committed owners
❌
Renters
WARN May mark territory; requires landlord approval
❌
Hot climate (QLD/NT/WA)
WARN Moderate tolerance; needs shade, water, and rest during extreme heat
❌
Cold climate (VIC/TAS/ACT)
CHECK Thrives in cooler regions
❌
Elderly/retired owners
CHECK_CROSS Too high-energy for elderly care
❌
Working owners (8hrs alone)
CHECK_CROSS High separation anxiety; unsuitable for long alone periods
❌
Rural/acreage
CHECK Excellent for farms and rural properties
❌
Active lifestyle
CHECK Perfect match for runners, hikers, and field sports enthusiasts
Separation Anxiety: Moderate — this breed may struggle if left alone for long periods.
Brittany Spaniel Size & Appearance
Size
Medium
Weight M
16-20 kg
Weight F
14-18 kg
Height
47-52 cm
Coat
Medium-length, wavy to curly
Colours
Orange and white, liver and white, black and white, or tricolour
Variations
None
Brachycephalic
No
Hypoallergenic
No
Brittany Spaniel Health & Lifespan
13 years
Average Lifespan
Known Health Conditions
Inherited joint condition affecting rear legs
Est. treatment: $2,000-$5,000
Common due to floppy ears; requires regular cleaning
Est. treatment: $200-$500
Eye degeneration leading to blindness
Est. treatment: $1,500-$3,000
Seizure disorder requiring lifelong management
Est. treatment: $800-$2,000
Thyroid hormone deficiency
Est. treatment: $300-$800/year
Pet Insurance for Brittany Spaniel
Avg Annual Insurance: $700
Monthly Estimate: $35-$65/month; Petplan, Nib Pet Insurance, Medibank Pet
Recommended Insurers:
• Bow Wow Meow
• PD Insurance
• Petinsurance.com.au
• Budget Direct
• Petcover
• NRMA
TIP: Insure before 6 months.
Compare insurance policies for your Brittany Spaniel
Given this breed's known health conditions, comprehensive coverage is recommended for Australian owners.
Compare Pet Insurance →
Brittany Spaniel Cost of Ownership (AUD)
| Category | Amount (AUD) |
|---|
| PURCHASE |
$1,000 - $3,000 |
| Food |
$1,700 |
| Vet |
$500 |
| Grooming |
$200 |
| Insurance |
$700 |
| TOTAL/yr |
$2,252 |
| Monthly |
$121 |
| LIFETIME (13 yrs) |
$29,276 |
| FIRST-YEAR EXTRAS |
$1,200–$2,200 (desexing, vax, microchip, setup, puppy school) |
$29,276
Estimated lifetime cost (13 years)
All prices in AUD. Costs vary by state, vet, and lifestyle. Sources: PetSure, RSPCA, Animal Medicines Australia.
Brittany Spaniel Grooming Guide
Frequency
2-3 times per week
Brushing
Regular brushing to prevent matting
Professional Cost
$60-$100
Coat
Medium-length, wavy to curly
Shedding
★★★☆☆/5
Tools
Slicker/pin brush, deshedding tool, nail clippers
Nails
Every 4–6 weeks | Ears: Monthly | Teeth: 2–3×/week
Brittany Spaniel Exercise Needs
Daily Exercise
90 minutes
Type
Hunting, running, retrieving, agility
Energy
★★★★★/5
Separation Anxiety
Moderate
Mental Stimulation
Puzzle feeders, sniff walks, 10min training/day
Sports
Agility, flyball, scent work, swimming (breed-dependent)
Training Your Brittany Spaniel
Trainability: ★★★★★/5
First-Time Owner: ★★★★☆/5
Highly intelligent and eager to please. Responds well to positive reinforcement. Requires consistent training from puppyhood.
Tips: Positive reinforcement only | Puppy school 8–12 weeks
Short 5–10min sessions | Socialise early with dogs, people, sounds
Brittany Spaniel Feeding Guide
Annual Food Cost: $1,700
2-2.5 cups daily. High-quality active-dog formula recommended. Prone to bloat; feed twice daily in smaller portions.
Tips: Premium kibble + 2 meals/day | Monitor weight | Fresh water always
Avoid: grapes, onion, chocolate, xylitol, macadamias
Finding a Reputable Brittany Spaniel Breeder
REGISTRIES:
• ANKC (ankc.org.au)
• RightPaw (rightpaw.com.au)
GREEN FLAGS: Health tests, ANKC/RPBA reg, visits allowed, health guarantee, screens buyers
RED FLAGS: Always available, multiple breeds, no health tests, Gumtree/social media sellers, pet shops
✅ Green Flags
- Registered with ANKC, RPBA, MDBA, or RightPaw
- Invites you to visit and meet the mother (dam)
- Provides health test results for parents
- Includes vet certificate, microchip, and vaccination records
- Has a waiting list (sign of demand, not a puppy farm)
❌ Red Flags
- Multiple breeds always available with no wait
- Won't let you visit or meet the mother
- No health testing mentioned
- Price significantly below market average
- Meets in a public place instead of their property
Trusted Australian Registries:
ANKC (ankc.org.au) · RPBA (rpba.org.au) · RightPaw (rightpaw.com.au) · Dogs Australia · ACF
Adopting a Brittany Spaniel in Australia
RESCUE OPTIONS:
• Spaniel Rescue Australia
• PetRescue.com.au
• RSPCA Australia
Adoption Cost: $250–$600 AUD
(includes desexing, microchip, vaccinations)
Search PetRescue.com.au — Australia's largest adoption platform
❤️ Thousands of dogs need homes. Rescue dogs come desexed, vaccinated, and microchipped.
Brittany Spaniel — Frequently Asked Questions
Are Brittany Spaniels good for apartments?
No - they require significant daily exercise and space. Apartments cause frustration and anxiety.
How much exercise do they need?
Minimum 90 minutes daily, preferably including retrieving games or field work.
Do they shed heavily?
Moderately; regular brushing (2-3 times weekly) manages shedding and maintains coat health.
Are they easy to train?
Yes - they are intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement. Early socialisation is essential.
What is their lifespan?
12-15 years with good care and health screening.
Do they get along with other pets?
Yes - they are sociable with other dogs and cats, especially if raised together.
What are grooming costs in Australia?
$60-$100 per professional session; home grooming reduces costs significantly.
Are they suitable for first-time owners?
Possibly - they need confident, active owners committed to daily exercise and training.
Do they have breed-specific health issues?
Yes - hip dysplasia, ear infections, and progressive retinal atrophy are common. Health screening recommended before purchase.
What is their insurance cost in Australia?
$35-$65/month with major providers like Petplan and Nib Pet Insurance.
