
Quick Facts
History and Origin
In the rough country of northwestern France, where small farmers and poachers needed versatile hunting dogs, they created the Brittany. This was not a rich man’s hunting dog. This was a worker’s dog, and that fact shaped everything about its development.
The first solid records come from medieval times. In the Brittany province, particularly near the town of Pontou, church tapestries and paintings from the 17th century depict orange and white dogs pointing game. These dogs worked differently than other hunting breeds. They pointed like setters but were built like small spaniels. Though no formal breeding records exist from this era, the artistic depictions suggest a local hunting tradition with distinctive dogs.
The French hunting archives provide critical insights. While wealthy estates bred specialized hunting dogs—pointers for pointing, spaniels for flushing, retrievers for retrieving—the Brittany farmers needed one dog that could do it all. Their dogs pointed partridge, flushed woodcock, retrieved waterfowl, and still came home to be part of the family. The hunting records from the region show they succeeded in creating this all-purpose dog.
By the mid-1800s, detailed descriptions of these dogs began to emerge in hunting documents. They describe small, quick dogs that worked close to the hunter, pointed staunchly, and retrieved naturally. Breeding records from the period show increasing consistency in type: predominantly orange and white or liver and white, with natural pointing ability and intelligence that made them easy to train.
The pivotal year was 1907. That year, Boy, the first officially recorded Brittany, was registered in France. Registration documents from 1907 describe a distinctive type of hunting dog that was already well-established in the region. That same year, the first breed standard was written, describing a compact, energetic pointing dog—a blend of pointer and spaniel in both form and function.
French breeders like Arthur Enaud began organizing field trials specifically for Brittanys in the early 1900s. The trial records provide precise documentation of the breed’s working abilities. These were rigorous tests, proving what local hunters had known for generations: the Brittany could compete with prestigious pointing breeds and often outperformed them.
The breed faced a crisis during World War I, but its practical value saved it. Hunters still needed efficient dogs that could help put food on the table. The Brittany survived not because it was fashionable, but because it worked well in tough conditions.
American soldiers discovered the Brittany during the war. The first documented imports to the United States occurred in 1931, and by 1934, the American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the breed. At the time, they were called Brittany Spaniels, but this terminology was deemed incorrect. In 1982, the AKC dropped “Spaniel” from the name, recognizing that the Brittany worked more like a pointing dog than a spaniel.
The evidence of the Brittany’s development is clear in hunting records, field trial documents, and registration archives. While the medieval origins remain speculative, the practical hunters of Brittany province developed a distinctive pointing dog that could work all day, handle any game bird, and adapt to changing hunting conditions.
This is the documented history of the Brittany. Everything else is folklore or conjecture. The breed stands as proof that practical hunters, breeding for function over form, can create a dog as distinctive and capable as those produced by formal breeding programs.

Fun Facts About the Brittany
-
Dual Champions: The Brittany is one of the few breeds that regularly achieves Dual Champion status, which means they excel in both conformation shows (judging their physical traits) and field trials. This speaks volumes about their versatility and adaptability.
-
The Natural Tail: Most Brittanys are born with a natural bobtail, meaning they have a very short tail from birth, typically 1-4 inches long. Those that are born with longer tails are sometimes docked, but natural bobtails are a distinctive feature of the breed.
-
One of the Fastest Learners: Brittanys rank high in intelligence and trainability. In fact, they’re often considered one of the easiest hunting breeds to train. However, their quick learning abilities also mean they need plenty of mental stimulation to stay out of trouble.
-
A Nose for Business: Brittanys are known for their exceptional scenting ability. Their noses are so sharp that they can pick up game from hundreds of yards away. This isn’t just useful in the field—many Brittanys have been trained as detection dogs for search-and-rescue and drug detection.
Myths and Misconceptions
-
Hyperactivity Makes Them Unmanageable: It’s true that Brittanys are high-energy dogs, but with proper training and regular exercise, they’re very manageable. A well-exercised Brittany is a well-behaved Brittany. The key is channeling their energy through activities like agility training, fetch, or long hikes.
-
Not a Family Dog: Some people assume that because Brittanys are hunting dogs, they’re not suited for family life. In reality, Brittanys are incredibly affectionate and gentle, particularly with children. They do, however, need an active family that can meet their exercise needs.
-
Strictly an Outdoor Dog: While Brittanys are tough, they’re not meant to live exclusively outdoors. These dogs are deeply social and bond strongly with their families. They need plenty of human interaction and thrive when they’re part of the daily hustle and bustle of home life.
-
Too Difficult for Novice Owners: Although Brittanys are energetic, they are not overly challenging for first-time dog owners who are committed to providing exercise, training, and stimulation. Their natural intelligence and eagerness to please make them quick learners, which offsets some of their energetic demands.
Conclusion: The Brittany’s Lasting Appeal
Whether you’re an avid hunter or just someone who appreciates a spirited, affectionate companion, the Brittany offers the best of both worlds. Its rich history as a hunting dog is matched by its versatility in modern life—equally at home in the field or as a family pet. With their boundless energy, sharp intelligence, and endearing personality, it’s easy to see why the Brittany has captured the hearts of dog lovers around the world.
In short, if you’re looking for a dog that’s always ready for the next adventure, the Brittany might just be your perfect match.