Brittany: feathering, compact proportions and regular handling
The Brittany has a compact, square outline with a short back and feathering on the legs. That coat work is different from the short, close coat of the Braque d’Auvergne. Its own size clauses and daily activity account are more useful than treating every gundog as having the same routine.
Height clauses in context
The earlier UK guide calls 48–51 cm for males and 47–50 cm for females its ideal height ranges. FCI gives those minimum and maximum heights with a 1 cm tolerance at the boundaries, then specifies ideal heights of 49–50 cm and 48–49 cm respectively. Neither gives a numerical weight here. Preserve the distinction between the UK ideal ranges and the FCI range, tolerance and narrower ideals.
A square body and finer coat
Both describe body length equal to height at the withers, with a short back and strong, short loin. FCI describes a level topline through the loin, whereas UK describes a slight slope from withers to croup. The body coat is fairly fine, flat or slightly wavy, with feathering on the legs. FCI specifies that it is not silky or curly; heavier hair on the backs of the limbs needs its own attention.
Brush, comb and ear checks
AKC suggests a soft brush or hound glove, followed by a quick comb-through of the feathering. It calls for regular inspection beneath the ears, wiping when needed, monthly nail trimming if nails have not worn naturally, and regular tooth brushing in its practical health guidance. UK lists grooming more than weekly. AKC’s light tidying of the head and neck concerns show presentation, rather than a compulsory clipping routine for every pet.
Shared daily activity
The UK category is more than two hours of exercise daily, with a small country house and large garden. AKC describes plentiful activity, including long brisk walks and hikes, without supplying an hourly minimum. Plan outings and coat handling as separate parts of the day. The Braque d’Auvergne offers a short-coated comparison; the American Water Spaniel has its own waved or curly coat, undercoat and seasonal tools rather than the Brittany’s feathering routine.
Sources and further reading
Brittany at a glance
These earlier UK breed guides are starting points for comparison. Details may have changed, and individual dogs vary.
- Breed group
- Gundog
- Size
- Medium
- Daily exercise
- More than 2 hours per day
- Grooming frequency
- More than once a week
- Coat length
- Medium
- Sheds
- Yes
- Suggested home size
- Small house
- Town or country
- Country
- Garden recommendation
- Large garden
- Lifespan
- Over 10 years
FCI breed standard
Standard guidance describes the breed ideal; individual dogs vary.
- Origin
- France
- Group
- 7 - Pointing Dogs and Setters
- Section
- 1.2 - Continental Pointing Dogs, Spaniel type
- Height
- Males: 48–51 cm; Females: 47–50 cm; Males: Ideal: 49–50 cm; Females: Ideal: 48–49 cm; Tolerance: 1 cm above or below
- Weight
- Not specified in this standard
Brittany height limits, narrower ideal ranges and the separate 1 cm tolerance are retained as different source statements.
Official FCI standard (PDF)
Standard effective from 2003-03-25; checked 2026-10-15





