Brittany
Trait scores
Health risk profile
Conditions below are ranked by documented prevalence and severity in the Brittany. Risk level drives both veterinary costs and insurance pricing.
| Condition | Risk | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | moderate | The main orthopedic concern; request OFA clearances. |
| Epilepsy | moderate | Seizures occur at above-average rates in the breed. |
| Hypothyroidism | moderate | Common mid-life endocrine issue, easily treated. |
| Ear infections | moderate | Pendulous ears and field work combine to cause recurring otitis. |
| Lens luxation | low | Occasional hereditary eye issue; annual eye exams catch it early. |
Pet insurance for a Brittany
Insurers price a Brittany from the breed's documented claims profile — here, a clean bill of health with no dominant high-risk hereditary condition. Enrolling early matters more than shopping hard: no carrier covers a condition once it is diagnosed.
Annual cost of ownership
Excluding insurance, the recurring cost of a Brittany is driven by how much it eats — which scales with body weight — and how much grooming it needs. At 30–40 lbs and a grooming score of 2/5, the Brittany sits below the average dog on grooming spend. Chronic conditions from the risk table above can add substantially to the medical side of the budget — one reason breed-matched insurance matters. For the component-by-component breakdown, see the average cost of owning a dog, and model your own numbers with thecost of ownership calculator.
About the Brittany
The Brittany is a compact French pointing dog that works closer than most pointers and doubles as an outstanding family companion. It is bright, eager, and famously easy to train, gentle with children, and social with other dogs. The non-negotiable is exercise: this is a high-octane hunting breed that needs an hour-plus of vigorous daily activity and develops behavioral problems without it. Grooming is modest — brushing and ear care. Ideal for hunters, runners, and active families wanting a manageable size.
Origin: France (Brittany)
Temperament
Related reading for Brittany owners
Brittany FAQ
How long do Brittanys live?
The typical Brittany lifespan is 12–14 years. Diet, weight management, and screening for the breed's known hereditary conditions have the largest measurable effect on longevity.
How much does pet insurance cost for a Brittany?
There is no published breed-level price for pet insurance, so we do not quote one. NAPHIA's 2026 industry report puts the US average at $836 a year — about $70 a month — for accident-and-illness coverage on a dog, and insurers price above or below that line based on your dog's age, your ZIP code, and the plan you configure. The Brittany carries no dominant high-risk hereditary condition, which keeps it near or below that average. For real numbers, request quotes for your dog's exact age and ZIP code.
Is the Brittany a good apartment dog?
Conditionally. The Brittany can live in an apartment, but its 5/5 energy level means you'll need a consistent daily exercise routine.
What health problems are Brittanys prone to?
The most significant documented risks are Hip dysplasia, Epilepsy, Hypothyroidism. Ask breeders for the relevant health clearances and budget for insurance early, before any condition becomes pre-existing.