So You Want a Brittany Spaniel? Knowing These 3 Things Could Make You A Better Brittany Dog Owner! 

Let us know your experience or your questions about the Brittany spaniel in the comments below!

Loved your video. I am with my 3rd Brittany (Ariel) she is a great dog like my first two. She is 10 yrs old now and still high energy. She has some separation anxiety but not bad. She is so sweet-I love Brittany’s. We play mind games, fetching the Ball/Frisbee and going on walks. 🥰

Love, my dad had Britts, he hunted. Youngest brother has a Brit, and has had and bred Brits. I had 4 brits that were non-hunting. Two at a a time, Mindy & Alex and Dottie and Popper. Dot was the runt of my brother's litter. All four were such wonderful puppers. Alex had separation anxiety when I was traveling, but we treated with vet recommended Rescue Remedy. Alex was a rescue and sweetest guy. He got along with everyone, as long as his mum & Dad were nearby. My 4 Britts became lake doggies. We moved to a house on a lake and they loved it! They had a custom made double dog door to a fenced partial yard to run. Lots of wildlife to entertain them, and most of all our pontoon boat. They all loved standing at the head of the boat, noses sniffing the air and wind in their ears. They are high energy pups and some are very sensitive, Alex and Dot were. Mindy and Pops had fewer worries. All four were the loves of my life. Some of the ashes of all four are in Beaver Lake near Lawrenceburg, Ky.

If you can...they are excellent dogs to have in pairs. We've had two at a time and it's great fun and helpful since they are high energy. Honestly, the work isn't that much more with two. But it is the twice the fun.

WOW, YOU ARE RIGHT ON THE MONEY ON EVERYTHING, MY BRIT. HAD ANXIETY, HE WAS A RESCUE, ABOUT 1 YR 2 MONTHE OLD. OMG. I JUST LOVED HIM, APART OF ME DIED, WHEN HE PASSED AWAY AT 4 YRS. OLD, HEART, dilated cardiomyopathy, was not picked up by vet, even thought he got checked out every 6 months. He was hacking then a short cough but nothing came out. Diagnosed a Monday died the following Tuesday evening, only go his 3 heart meds in HIM in a day, was so distraught. He was just a beautiful baby. I MISS HIM SOOOOO MUCH. He passed away June 21 2020.

You nailed it! My two year old Brittany is the sweetest dog in the world. And so snuggly. Very much like a lap cat. We don’t hunt or do long runs or walks, but his high energy is satisfied by our fenced three acres and doggie day care a couple times per week. But, like you, I took him everywhere in the beginning and he definitely has separation issues, even though we have another dog (that tolerates him surprisingly well). And, he’s very well-behaved unless excited by COMPANY!!!!! Whoo hoo!!! And the coming when called issue when something else is more interesting. I’m hoping he’s like my other two brittanies, who in their third year seemed to just grow up one day. Although, that recall will need more work for sure. Glad we live in the country at the end of a dead end dirt road as sometimes he has slipped out the gate when visitors or workers didn’t know to close it behind them. He always returns within ten minutes, so that good, but coming when called is just so necessary.

Squirrel killin machine

Best dogs ever!!-- my 3 month Brittany just watched this video with me. :)

Thanks for the video, this was extremely informative 👍.

I have 3 Brittany spaniels. Best friends I’ve ever had.. My 13 year old female is in her finals hours......Shot over 200 birds over her back. Like losing your best hunting buddy.

I took my French Brittany hunting his puppy year and ran into a guy hunting with a German Shorthair. He was well past retirement age. He told me he considered getting a Britt, but he said, "You can't own a Brittany and be a couch potato." This is absolutely a true thing. Beau requires a minimum of two 15-minute periods of intense play at home and a daily trip to the wildlife area for an hour of field work (at minimum), weather permitting.

Rescued mine at 12 months old. Had two working Cocker Spaniels in the past and adored them. This Brittany though is on another level. He's chill in the house, sweet, kind, gentle and innocent. Sleeps through the night in his bed and is thrilled to see me every morning. I've taken him camping and he sleeps in my sleeping bag next to me and doesn't move all night. Outdoors, he's really good at absolutely everything. Not great trying to walk him on a lead though for the first half of the walk as he's too excited, so they're bred for independence outdoors and working/activities, not for urban walks on a leash just until they've pooped and then ignored in the house. That won't go well. But engage with them and they reward you 10 fold. He's an olympic ball catcher and retriever too. They are exceptionally intelligent, capable dogs. For the record he's walked 1.5 hours - 2.0 hours every morning and has another hour or 15 mins chasing his ball in the evening and that's it. He's really chilled right out the rest of the time, more so than my cocker spaniels were They only slept at night and always wanted to know "what are we doing next?". He naps through the day if there's not much happening and can be left without any drama but he's never left for more than 4 hours - same as any of my previous dogs. Not once were they left for more than 4 hours. He settles down about 7pm on the sofa and sleeps until I put him to bed at 10pm. Just fits right in and around whatever I'm doing. Incredible animal and companion.

Had a half Brittany half springer. First two years were a nightmare. After he calmed down, best dog ever.

All good information. Crate training and using a ecollar are beneficial too. If the owner is not active it’s not going to be a good match.

Our Brittany never chews or misbehaves, no matter bored or not. Just want to put that out for records

I have had various Brittny’s for over 50 years. Best hunting buddy anyone could have. They do need daily exercise…the owner can discipline the dog but use your voice not your hand…they love to be around people. Some I have had are more aggressive when we play but they learn to stop when you say no. None of my dogs every bit anyone. If you are looking for a duck or goose dog realize the Brittany does not have the oil…and smell…of a lab. So if the water is cold the dog will hunt and retrieve but then gets cold as you sit in your blind waiting for the next duck or goose. The dog will hunt in very cold weather for pheasant/grouse without a problem because it is running and moving constantly. I prefer the female Brittanys over the males. The females I have had seem less hyper and were easier to train. Good luck with whatever breed you choose. The dogs love training and repetition If you loose you patience during a training episode…call it a day…don’t take it out on the dog.

I have a Brittany mix, a rescue from Spain. I was told she was an English Pointer X. She is 54% Brittany, 23% pointer a couple of Spanish breeds and 3% Chihuahua. Oh boy, I did wonder if I’d taken on to much. First day I had her she broke through the dog guard and out an open widow in the car. It was three days before we caught her. On a lead she pulled like a train. I introduced an e collar and this changed our lives. Only once did I actually shock her, she accepted the vibrate very fast and in a matter of a couple of days she was obedient to recall. I’m in the UK and fortunate to have access to many acres of walking where dogs can run free. She loves it! Crashes through gorse (furze) and brambles like they aren’t there. Any rabbits she catches she returns to me. She takes no notice of other dogs, is a great companion and laid back. I’ve had many breeds of dogs through my life, multiple dogs at a time, she has beeb one of the most interesting.

Hi! Thanks for the video, really spot on! I have a 1 year old brittany and have really struggled with recall, especially once he hit adolescence. I use a whistle and keep him on a long line consistently and have tried just about everything except an ecollar. how long would you say it took you to get to a reliable recall with the ecollar? and are you able to call him back when he's not wearing it?

I had my last Brittany, and then got a husky/pitt mix. She copied my Brit, and I had a pointing husky. 😂. I miss having a Brit. They have the best personality ❤

Awesome Brittany! i love my french brittany Rhodey! indeed Brittany's are the best! ;)

My French Brittney, Finn is a year old and I would not trade him for anything. Hes goofy, smart, energetic, keeps us active, independent, loving and mischievious! If you want a calm dog dont get a Brittany.

When Brittany's and Springer's turn it on It's On.

Cool video. Btw, the AKC dropped “Spaniel” from the name in 1982 because they don’t hunt like Spaniels. However, you accent sounds Canadian, and they still call them Spaniels in Canada.

Lookin to get my 5th brittany in two months. Needs room, needs imput, and an other dog if possible. I will never have just one brittany again. Yes they need some training, but can be your very best friend.

This was so helpful! I'm a big fan of the breed and have an active lifestyle with a ton of parks and dog runs in walking distance, but I do live in an apartment...would this be a problem with my neighbors if I'm committed to taking my brittany out every day?

Its funny that 99% of the people commenting here only needed 1 minute to find something to get outraged about before leaving a comment and not realizing that he says that "spaniel" was dropped from the name at around the 4 minute mark 😂😂 Gotta love the internet

Interesting what you say about being independent because I don’t find my brit to be that independent. My brit trusts competence. If she feels she’s competent, then she won’t rely on me and she will think for herself. Otherwise she’s looking over her shoulder. Pointers range wayyyy further than Brits and I often have to encourage my brit to range ahead without me. The standard is that a brit will range at around the effective distance for birdshot and they circle back in a clover leaf pattern. My girl does this. She’s also very attentive when birds are around. Recall off point is the only thing that doesn’t work, but she will heel off point. If your brit bolts a lot, you need to staunch their point and do woah training. Brits have amazing inhibition for a dog that is so emotionally expressive. Even my brit in her puppy phase would be as calm as your dog in this video if she knew she had a job or I had something. Also proper socialization just after whelping will prevent Brits from chasing things they shouldn’t, but you have to trust the breeder to do this. My brit has never chased a squirrel. I’m sure she’s like to befriend a squirrel. She’s also offended that cats ignore her

Did you go to any training by a professional dog trainer to deal with recall or anxiety?

Does anyone have any tips please. 2 months ago adopted a 2 or 3 year breton spaniel. A rescue dog who had a bullet taken out of her front left shoulder. The leg is fused. She was abandoned. She has loads of energy but can't run so much.

French Brittney: dna shows not a Spaniel. don't blame me, blame dna. hugs

Not sure I would call them predators exactly. Our 4-year-old Brittany has gotten hold of one of our banty chickens twice for an unknown duration. Probably just a few minutes as we're careful about keeping track of him. In any case, all they ended up with was a very terrifying slobbery bath. Maybe unwitting predator's assistant or fully on board, but short-circuits when it gets one alive. Wait. What? Where's the guy with the gun? The photos are not going to turn out with this thing still moving about.

You nailed it! ours is 3 years old right now and we love her to death but man first 3 months I was ready to give her up. So funny if mine is couped up in the house for a day without getting out for at least an hour of exercise she will drive you crazy! Def not an apartment dog. you need lots of land so they can run. Awesome dogs though!Very smart.

Yep... my brittany took an entire door down because of anxiety

or do they also come in brown like that? looks like french spaniel but now i see the docked tail...damn!!! i stunk hard into that one LOL my bad :D but eather way a gourgious boy

I just rescued a Brittany three days ago. She is almost 2 and absolutely perfect in the house, with people, and the other dog. The only problem I am having is outdoors. If anyone even cracks the back door open she tires to bolt. She has escaped twice so far and ran the town only to return on her on when tired. Chasing her is no use! She is so quick. Any advice on calming her down or will it get better with and time and getting used to us and her new home??

I rescued a Brittany, Border Collie mix at 6 months old. Oh had I known what the next 2 1/2 years were to bring. Smile. She’s 6 now and is smarter than most humans I know. She loves to hunt, point, squirrels, moles, armadillos, opossum, etc. She’s fast! She also herds her humans and cats, and doesn’t like it when her humans are all gone at once. She’ll plant herself at the corner of the house where no on but us knows where she is and defends her home by offering kisses. Geez. I will say, she’s very protective of me. She puts herself btwn me and every man and dog, or both. She’s awesome. I’d take a bullet for her. I think she knows it, too. If I were younger, I’d have a few more and let Lady train them. I’m not and I can’t keep up with young blood anymore. 😊

Fur and feather.

And they have 600+ dual champions. Show and field. Huge deal. 😊

You got much of it right. You even acknowledge that the Brittany is NOT a spaniel (so why did you keep using the term?) I bred, trained, trialled & showed Brittanys for over 20 years & NONE of mine had anxiety issues. Perhaps you should consider crate training.

I’ve only had frenchies, but IMO the best breed ever created! Angels in the house and demons in the field! And I might be wrong, but they aren’t spaniels. They dropped spaniel from the name in the 80s.

AKC re classified them in 81, American Britney, just a title. Remember, they all go deaf at six mo. I hear you just have not decided if i want to do it yet or not. Their smell is untouched, don't be surprised to find a 4 or 5 foot hole in the yard With an old root on the berm. My joke, they can track a gold fish Through water 10 minutes before it gets there

Gosh, that that dog looks just like my springer.

Looks like a Springer spaniel to me

They haven't been referred to as a Brittany Spaniel in many years. The breed is a stand alone Brittany as per the AKC. I've had one in my home for over 50 years. Do your homework people. They are incredible bird dogs and family pets.

You are too generous. I had 2 Brittanys after a Doberman. Brittanys are STUPID compared to the Doberman. Brittany ranks at about the top 20% in terms of intelligence, whereas the Doberman ranks in the group of 3 (Golden Retriever, German Shepherd and Doberman) after Border Collie and Poodle. Having the most dual champions means the breeders have not separated the bench type and the field type, which means Most Brittanys can hunt. On the other hand, Springer Spaniel breeders decided to go two different directions. Now, you have the bench type (pet) Springer Spaniels and the field type (hunting) Springer Spaniels. They look totally different. I think the last time a Springer Spaniel became a dual champion was back in the 60s. They are practically two different breeds. Another notable thing about their hunting abilities: Brittanys probably has the most natural abilities for hunting. I mean, they require less training to go hunting than other hunting dogs -- including German Short-hair Pointers. I see GSP playing fetch, while there are birds sitting on the field. Brittanys don't fetch, but they will bring back a dead bird or a squirrel. When my Brittany was only 2 months old, we turned on a RU-vid video with bird chirping noise. He immediately looked up at the ceiling as if to look for a bird. These natural abilities also make them abandoned a lot at the end of the hunting season. People think they can just get another puppy next year, because it doesn't cost them money to get them hunting, whereas if you have a GSP, you need to spend a lot of money to make them go hunting. Brittany dropped the Spaniel part from the name after DNA analysis revealed that they are not at all related to Spaniels. They are actually related to English Setters.

American Brittney.

Nobody: Truly absolutely nobody: This guy: “ BoNa FiDe HuNtInG DoG”

They dropped Spaniel from the name, because DNA test revealed that they are not at all related to Spaniels. Strange, isn't it? Both breeds are very old. Brittanys are actually related to English Setters. I got my Brittany from a show breeder, but most of her puppies go to hunters. Brittanys are the only breed that can go hunting without any training. Other breeds such as German Shorthair Pointers need training to be useful in hunting.

Why don't people do their homework before posting a video? These dogs are NOT spaniels. Anyone with a modicum of basic dog knowledge knows this. It ranks right up there with people who swear they can tell a German Shepherd from an Alsatian.

OMG, please stop adding spaniel to this breed. It's just plain Brittany. Your dog is beautiful.

eehhh thats a french spaniel...not a brittany XD

they are NO LONGER referred to as Spaniels...

You know they are just Brittany now AKC dropped the spaniel Because they are not a spaniel

One other thing to know...they are NOT spaniels😮

Let’s be clear - there are American Brittany and French Brittany but there are NO Brittany spaniels.

They arent spaniels.

Not a fan of the breed. Have one currently and can’t stand him. Energy is unreal and the dog will never listen outdoors. Doesn’t and hasn’t fit my lifestyle what do ever

Brittanys are NOT spaniels

They are not Spaniels. Period.

My golden eye Orange boy is a bird machine. There is no bird he does not point to whether on air or on ground. I lucked out when I got him because his prey instinct is high! He is a great hunting partner. We have a trust that is unbreakable thus I do not use an e-collar. I can trust him with my little nieces and he will protect them from strangers, I can trust him to have a chick in front of him and he will not touch it. My Milo only got better and better as he got old. I got him at 4 months old and we know each other so well that I do not even have to use words he reads my body language and I his. The most important advice I would give peeps is not to let them off leash for at least the first year and a half of their lives. Establish a strong command base. Brittanies are very emotionally intelligent. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER yell at them or hit them. Teach them scents and the words associated with the scents. The more patient work you put in, the more rewards you will have as your Brittany ages. I say Brittanies begin to connect the dots by their 3rd year. I agree with the notion that Brittanies are high energy dogs, yet, we have to ask ourselves at what point do we condition our dogs to be hyper active and anxious. I had to teach my Milo to be calm and relax, gentle. I did not get exited when training or used high pitch voices to praise him. Remember Calm is the key!! I think this was the most powerful tool I discovered with Milo. The first year and the second year we worked hard with commands, recall and ways to redirect his energy by rewarding him for being calm. Rewarding him when he did not asked for a treat. I know this is counter intuitive, but trust me. It works! By Year 3 I let him loose in the field for the first time, He knew heal, find, point, wait, down, left, right, turn, crawl, Bird, rabbit, grouse, goose, git it, bring it, leave it, give it, ready, watch, stalk, hold, back and side. By years 4 and 5 he began to read my body language and I his. I began substituting commands for hand gestures and sounds. He now knows the sound of Starlings, grouse, turkeys, quail, ducks and geese. I think all this work has allowed him to feel confident on his own and not feel anxious. I think it also helped that I had a Border collie that would teach him dog manners and to be independent. Now he is six and I can say without a doubt in my mind and heart, he is the best four legged companion I have ever had.