The Brittany Spaniel is a playful and energetic medium-sized dog breed. They tend to have a gentle and sweet disposition that makes them a great family companion. Here are some facts about Brittany Spaniels:

1. They Were Bred to be a Bird Dog

The Brittany Spaniel was originally bred to be a bird dog. They originated in France and were a popular gun dog between the 17th and 19th centuries. They were often used for hunting and retrieving birds. Although they are often referred to as a type of spaniel, their working style out in the field is more similar to a pointer or a setter.

Because of this hunting dog background, the Brittany, as the AKC now calls them, tends to have a high prey drive. This means they will need some extra socialization and training with other small pets in the household as they may not naturally get along as well with them and may have an urge to chase them. If they have grown up together, they tend to do better with smaller pets.

2. Brittany Spaniels Make Great Family Pets

Brittany Spaniels tend to have a sweet disposition, a gentle nature, and a calm demeanor even though they are high-energy dogs. They tend to have bright, cheerful, and upbeat personalities and are known for being loyal and devoted to their families.

The Brittany Spaniel tends to get along well with other dogs and with children. This tends to make them a great companion dog and a great family pet. They may be shy towards strangers at first, but tend to open up after they are introduced.

3. They are Champions At Sporting Events

Their athleticism is a hallmark trait of Brittany Spaniels and sporting events showcase this trait well! Brittanys are bright, quick to learn, and enthusiastic. They excel at dog sports like dock diving, agility, and flyball. This is a great way for this breed to expel excess energy and use their brains!

Brittany Spaniels have earned the Dual Sport Champion title more than any other sporting breed. They earned their 500th title back in 2006.

4. Brittany Spaniels Are Highly Trainable

This dog breed is highly intelligent and eager to please. This means they pick up on things quickly during training, but also tend to get bored easily. This and their high energy can sometimes be challenging for first-time dog owners to handle on their own.

Because of this, puppy training classes are recommended for first-time or novice dog owners. Regardless of your experience with dogs, puppy training classes can still be a good idea. Not only can these classes offer some opportunities to socialize a puppy, but they also strengthen the bond you have with your pup.

5. The Brittany is a High-Energy Dog Breed

The Brittany is a high-energy dog breed that always seems to be up for more activity. In fact, you will probably tire out before they do! Daily walks plus at least one hour of vigorous exercise are the minimum for this dog breed and many Brittany Spaniels require more than that.

The good thing is that this dog breed is also athletic and hardy, which means they tend to be a good fit for a variety of activities. Walking, hiking, or swimming with your dog are great low-impact activities to do while they are still growing.

Once their bones and joints are done developing, you can try higher impact activities like jogging, running, or training for dog sports. The Brittany Spaniel is one of the dog breeds that make good running partners and they also tend to be a good fit for agility, dock diving, flyball, and more.

6. They Can be a Sensitive Breed

Brittany Spaniels are sweet, and are a pretty sensitive breed. They will not respond well to loud, raised voices during training. Always approach your dog with calm tones and positive words. This breed values quality time and positive training.

These are just a few facts about Brittany Spaniels to help you figure out if this dog breed is right for you. The Brittany Spaniel can be a good fit for active owners and families who can give them the exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need to be happy and healthy.

If you think this dog breed could be the right one for you, learn more about them and take a look at the available Brittany Spaniel puppies. You could end up finding your next best friend!