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Discover everything about Brittany Spaniel
Explore the breed's characteristics, health, and history — and find trusted breeders
Looking for a Brittany Spaniel?
At a glance
Brittany Spaniel overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
S
A
B
C
D
E
Very healthyHigher risk
The Epagneul Breton is an exceptionally robust hunting breed with a very low genetic disease burden. The primary health risk is hip dysplasia (HD), which is well-managed and minimized through mandatory radiographic screening in breeding programs. Aside from this typical musculoskeletal vulnerability, there are hardly any significant hereditary diseases prevalent in this breed.
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Height
47–51 cm
Weight
13–18 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,200 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Dense, fine, slightly wavy, with or without an undercoat
- Origin: France
Typical coat colors
- Orange
- white
- black
- liver
- tricolor
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Brittany Spaniel, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Brittany Spaniel right for you?
The Epagneul Breton is a lightning-fast, compact Vorstehhund (pointing dog)—bred for endurance hunting of upland game, where it covers vast terrain and reliably points out prey.
Perfect for you if:
- You are looking for a passionate working dog and want to incorporate daily dummy training, scent work, or agility—a true Vorstehhund will wither away with just simple walks.
- You are out in nature in all weather conditions and can provide him with the opportunity to burn off his immense energy in a controlled manner, either off-leash or on a long tracking lead.
- You lead with gentle consistency—this dog is highly sensitive and learns in a flash, but will immediately shut down if met with harshness or loud pressure.
- You want a cheerful, people-oriented companion who rests closely with his family at home, provided his mind has been sufficiently challenged outside.
Less ideal if:
- You expect a dog that stays relaxed on the paths in the woods—he was bred to systematically search the terrain for game, which requires constant management.
- You work full-time away from home and would have to leave him alone for long periods daily—as a cooperative hunting companion, he needs close collaboration with his human.
- You are looking for a low-maintenance city dog who is content with a lap around the park and a bit of ball throwing.
The real vibes check
An Epagneul Breton has a built-in switch: at home, he is a soft, almost invisible cuddle bug—outside, he explodes into a flying nose on four paws. You aren't getting a cozy companion dog in a spaniel costume, but a true athlete who burns for intense collaboration with you.
Breed Profile
The Epagneul Breton, often referred to as the Brittany Spaniel, is a medium-sized dog characterized by its athletic appearance, elegant movements and expressive eyes. The Epagneul Breton's body is robust and well proportioned, giving it remarkable agility and endurance. Its head is elegant and shows a slight stop between the forehead and the muzzle. The ears are set at the level of the eyes, have a slight curvature and fall in soft folds. The Epagneul Breton belongs to FCI Group 7, the pointers. Known for its versatility, it is often used as a game bird hunting dog, but it also makes an excellent family dog. This breed does not differentiate between performance and show lines, meaning that all Epagneul Bretons are typically suitable for both hunting and showing.
- Height
- 47 - 50 cm (Female), 48 - 51 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 13 - 18 kg (Female), 13 - 18 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 12 - 14 years
- Character
- Lively, Intelligent, Affectionate
- Coat
- Dense, fine, slightly wavy, with or without an undercoat
- Coat Color
- Orange and white, black and white, liver and white, tricolor
- Price
- 1200 - 2500 €
History
The Epagneul Breton comes from Brittany, a region in northwestern France, and is one of the oldest pointers in the world. Its history is believed to date back to the Middle Ages and is believed to be derived from hunting dogs popular in France and England at the time. Over the years, the Epagneul Breton has been developed through selective breeding, crossing it with various spaniels and setters to hone its skills as a hunting dog. The Epagneul Breton was recognized as a separate breed in the 19th century and is now known worldwide for its hunting skills and charming personality. The first breeding club for the breed was founded in France in 1907.
Original Use
The Epagneul Breton was bred to be a versatile hunting dog, particularly for bird hunting.
Origin
France
Date
1800
Character & Temperament
The Epagneul Breton is a lively and intelligent dog that is characterized by its affectionate and loving nature. He is very people-oriented and often forms close bonds with his family. His intelligence and eagerness make him a quick learner who enjoys discovering new things and staying busy. He is also a playful dog who loves being outdoors and having fun. Due to its origins as a hunting dog, the Epagneul Breton has a strong hunting instinct and likes to show off its talent as a pointing dog. He is alert and attentive, making him a good watchdog, although he does not bark excessively. In terms of temperament, the Epagneul Breton is more active than calm, but he is also capable of relaxing if given enough exercise and mental stimulation. It is important to note that this dog requires a high level of exercise to be happy and well-adjusted. Walks, games, and the opportunity to roam freely in a safe area are essential for this breed. The Epagneul Breton can learn to stay alone, but as a sociable dog, he prefers the company of people or other dogs. It is advisable to gently get him used to being alone at a young age. When it comes to living with other animals, the Epagneul Breton usually shows friendly behavior, but due to its hunting instinct it may be advisable to introduce it carefully to smaller pets. Overall, the Epagneul Breton is a versatile and adaptable breed that can excel as both a hunting dog and a loving companion. With the right mix of exercise, training and affection, he is sure to be a valued member of any family.
| Trainability Bred to work closely alongside humans. | Highly trainable |
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Neither pushily friendly nor suspicious. | Neutral |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
Known as the smallest of the pointers, the Epagneul Breton has a remarkable ability to adapt to different types of hunting and terrain.
What Awaits You
The Epagneul Breton is considered a passionate hunting dog that is versatile. He must be utilized and kept busy according to his type.
Housing & Care
The Epagneul Breton is an active dog and is best suited to a home with a garden where it can run around. He can also be kept in the city if he gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. The breed is generally good with children, but as with any dog, it is important that interactions are monitored. The Epagneul Breton is also friendly with other dogs and, with proper socialization, can get along with cats and other pets.
- Family Friendly
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Family-oriented - Child Friendly
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Patient with children - Dog Friendly
Actively enjoys the company of other dogs.
Dog-friendly - City Friendly
Can manage in the city, but only with very active owners.
Difficult in cities
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.!
Training & Education
The Epagneul Breton is an intelligent and trainable dog. Because he was originally bred for hunting, he brings a high level of energy and enthusiasm. It's important to offer him a variety of activities, such as nose work, retrieving or agility. Be careful not to “over-occupy” the dog. and to give him enough rest periods. Some Epagneul Bretons tend to become ball junkies, so it is important to encourage balanced playing behavior and not just focus on balls. Frustration tolerance and impulse control are important elements in training this breed. Since they have a strong hunting instinct, it is important to offer them alternatives and make sure they run free in safe areas.
Nutrition & Care
Proper nutrition is important for the Epagneul Breton to keep him healthy and active. It is advisable to choose high-quality dog food that is tailored to the needs of the breed. A balanced diet rich in proteins and healthy fats will help maintain his energy. In terms of grooming, the Epagneul Breton has a medium-length coat that is dense and slightly wavy. He has an undercoat and copes well with the climate in Germany. Regular brushing, about twice a week, is recommended to prevent tangles and remove loose hair. He sheds moderately, but shedding may increase during shedding.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Working-dog energy that needs burning off every single day. | High-drive |
| Shedding Hair everywhere, always — no white clothing survives. | Very heavy |
| Trainability Bred to work closely alongside humans. | Highly trainable |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.!
Health
B
Solid
Health grade
The Epagneul Breton is an exceptionally robust hunting breed with a very low genetic disease burden. The primary health risk is hip dysplasia (HD), which is well-managed and minimized through mandatory radiographic screening in breeding programs. Aside from this typical musculoskeletal vulnerability, there are hardly any significant hereditary diseases prevalent in this breed.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
With joint-friendly rearing, plenty of exercise that meets their needs, and regular eye check-ups, these active dogs usually stay fit and healthy for a long time.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the hips, knees, and eyes of the parent animals tested and pay close attention to their lines to reduce the risk of neurological diseases.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
What owners say about the Brittany Spaniel
Andrea M., Halterin aus Hessen (Rüde, seit 2021)
Wir haben unseren Hannes als Tierschutzhund adoptiert. Er ist im Haus ein absoluter Traumhund: Er bellt äußerst selten, ist extrem menschenbezogen und verträgt sich fantastisch mit anderen Hunden. Allerdings ist er auch sehr sensibel und schreckhaft, was vermutlich an seiner Vorgeschichte liegt.
Was man bei dieser Rasse aber niemals unterschätzen darf, ist die enorme jagdliche Motivation. Draußen ist Hannes permanent mit der Nase am Boden. Wegen seiner Sensibilität und diesem extremen Fokus auf Fährten würde ich einen Bretonen auch niemals in der Stadt halten – dafür ist die Rasse meiner Meinung nach einfach zu reizempfindlich. Wer sich auf das Abenteuer einlässt, sollte sich zudem auf Mittelmeerkrankheiten einstellen; bei Hannes wurde erst Monate nach der Ausreise Leishmaniose festgestellt, die wir nun aber gut im Griff haben.
Markus S., Halter aus Niedersachsen (Rüde, seit 2016)
Unser Bretone ist der perfekte Familienhund: Er versteht sich blendend mit unserer dreijährigen Tochter, verhält sich im Büro absolut ruhig und verschläft den halben Tag, und er fährt Bus und Bahn wie ein echter Profi. Er ist vom Wesen her einfach ein herzensgutes Tier.
Aber das große 'Aber' lauert draußen. Ableinen ist bei uns quasi unmöglich. Wenn er läuft, kommt er zwar irgendwann wieder – aber eben nicht, wenn ich es will. Für ihn ist draußen einfach alles spannender als der Mensch, besonders Vögel und jede noch so kleine Wildspur. Wer glaubt, einen reinen Begleithund zu bekommen, den man einfach so im Wald laufen lassen kann, wird mit dieser Rasse schnell an seine Grenzen stoßen.
Ivan C., Halter aus Bayern (Rüde, seit 2012)
Unser Rüde kam als Welpe zu uns und hat uns anfangs als echter Rabauke ordentlich auf Trab gehalten. Er stand gefühlt nie still, hat in seinem jugendlichen Übermut so einiges im Haus zerstört und zeigte anfangs überhaupt keine Lust, auf unsere Befehle oder Verbote zu hören. Er war ein echter Rebell mit einem extremen Dickkopf.
Schon bei den ersten Ausflügen in die Natur zeigte sich seine unbändige Passion für Wild. Er verfolgte alles von Wachteln bis hin zu Rehen mit einer solchen Entschlossenheit, dass er für jeden Ruf oder Pfiff komplett taub war. Erst durch sehr intensives Training und die richtige Auslastung seiner Jagdleidenschaft haben wir gelernt, seine Energie in geordnete Bahnen zu lenken. Man darf die Erziehung bei dieser Rasse wirklich keine Sekunde schleifen lassen, sonst tanzen sie einem auf der Nase herum.
Paraphrased from real owner reports
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Frequently asked questions about the Brittany Spaniel
Is a Epagneul Breton the right dog for me?
The Epagneul Breton is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Epagneul Breton live?
The average life expectancy of a Epagneul Breton is 12-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Epagneul Breton need?
Epagneul Breton grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Epagneul Breton good for families with children?
The Epagneul Breton can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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