Brittany Health and Costs
Breed Group
Sporting Dogs
Country of Origin
France
Breed Size
Medium
AKC Recognition
Yes, recognized in 1934
FCI Recognition
Yes, recognized in 1954
Rarity
Most Common1 / 10
Purchase cost
Moderate5 / 10
Life expectancy
Long Lifespan7 / 10
Health
Fairly healthy6 / 10
Health problem risk
Mild health concerns3 / 10
Maintenance cost
Low maintenance cost2 / 10
A Veterinarian's Guide
Brittany Health Problems and Costs
The Brittany is an energetic, athletic bird dog bred for long days in the field, and that working build generally makes for a fairly healthy breed. A handful of issues still repeat: hips, eyes, ear infections, epilepsy, and the thyroid. Knowing them before you bring a puppy home, or while you already share your life with one, makes the screening and the vet visits much easier to plan.
In this guide
Why Do Hips Need Regular Screening in This Athletic Breed?
Hip dysplasia, an inherited malformation of the hip joint that leads to looseness, pain and arthritis over time, is the main joint concern. The word comes from the Greek dys-, "abnormal," and plasis, "formation." In a large North American study, about 4.2 percent of Brittanys were affected, slightly above the 3.5 percent seen across all dogs. Elbow dysplasia, by contrast, was less common in the breed than in most others.
A young, driven dog can hide early discomfort, so a Brittany that favors a rear leg after exercise or seems stiff getting up deserves an orthopedic exam. The breed club recommends a hip evaluation for breeding dogs, which matters more than waiting for visible signs. A lean body protects the joints, so keep your dog fit and do not let weight creep up between hunting seasons or busy weeks.
What Eye Conditions Should Brittany Owners Watch For?
Cataracts, a clouding of the lens that can cause vision loss, are among the conditions listed for the breed, and a veterinary ophthalmologist can sometimes remove them surgically. Cataract comes from the Greek katarrhaktes, "waterfall," describing the clouded look of the lens. The breed club recommends an ophthalmologist eye examination for breeding dogs, and a yearly eye exam is a sensible habit for any pet Brittany.
Cloudiness, redness, squinting, or a dog that starts bumping into furniture should be seen promptly rather than watched. Most dogs adjust well to gradual vision loss in a familiar home.
Why Are Ear Infections So Common in This Breed?
Low-hanging, furry ears limit airflow into the ear canal and can trap debris and moisture, which makes otitis externa, an infection or inflammation of the outer ear canal, more likely. The word comes from the Greek ous, "ear," plus -itis, "inflammation." Dogs that swim or work through brush are exposed to more moisture and debris, and moisture and ear conformation are recognized predisposing factors.
Check the ears after swimming or field work and clean them with a veterinarian-approved cleanser after bathing. Head shaking, scratching at the ears, redness, or a bad smell are reasons to book a visit. Repeated infections can have an underlying cause such as allergies or low thyroid, so recurring problems deserve a closer look.
What Should Owners Know About Epilepsy?
A seizure lasting longer than two minutes, or several seizures in a row without the dog fully waking up in between, is an emergency. Go to a veterinarian immediately.
Epilepsy comes from the Greek epilepsia, "seizure." In dogs the usual form is idiopathic, meaning no underlying cause is found on testing, and it is considered a genetic brain disorder that is listed among the breed's health issues. A first seizure deserves a full veterinary workup to rule out other causes before epilepsy is diagnosed.
Once the diagnosis is made, treatment usually means lifelong daily medication and periodic monitoring. Many dogs live comfortably on a stable plan, and a simple seizure diary with dates and durations helps your veterinarian fine-tune it.
Are Brittanys Prone to Thyroid Problems?
Hypothyroidism, or low thyroid hormone activity, is also listed for the breed. Thyroid comes from the Greek thyreos, "shield," describing the gland's shape. Signs include lethargy, weight gain without a change in diet, and chronic skin and ear infections, and they tend to appear in adulthood. A blood panel confirms the diagnosis, and daily medication manages it for the rest of the dog's life.
What Does Managing a Brittany's Health Actually Cost?
| Condition or Need | Typical Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hip radiographs (certified) | $250 to $450 | Before breeding, ideally |
| Annual eye exam | $75 to $200 | Starting in early adulthood |
| Ear infection treatment | $100 to $250 | Per episode |
| Dysplasia management (non-surgical) | $300 to $800 a year | Weight control, medication, rehab |
| Epilepsy medication and bloodwork | $300 to $600 a year | Lifelong once diagnosed |
| Thyroid testing and daily medication | $150 to $350 a year | Lifelong once diagnosed |
Questions to Ask a Breeder Before Buying a Puppy
Ask for hip and eye evaluation results for both parents, since the breed club recommends hip and ophthalmologist evaluations for breeding dogs. Ask whether seizures or thyroid disease have appeared in either parent's family, and note how openly the breeder answers.
It also helps to ask about adult weight and energy level in the line, since this breed's exercise needs are considerable.
Daily Life With a Brittany
Brittanys are athletic and energetic and need a lot of daily activity with their people, such as fetch, running, hiking, or agility, plus mental work. They also have a high prey drive and do not do well when left alone for long periods, so a fenced yard or a leash outdoors is wise. The personality profile explains the upbeat, people-loving nature that goes with this, and early training gives the energy a job to do.
Coat care is simple, with a weekly brushing usually enough and more shedding in spring and fall, as the grooming profile describes. After outdoor trips, check for ticks, burrs and cuts, and look in the ears.
Keeping Your Brittany Healthy for the Long Run
Schedule hip screening and yearly eye exams, keep the ears dry, and keep your dog lean. Learn the signs of seizures and low thyroid before you ever need them. Pet insurance is worth pricing while your dog is young and healthy.
Final Thoughts From a Veterinarian
Brittanys usually live 12 to 14 years. Screen hips and eyes, keep ears dry and your dog lean, and know the signs of seizures and low thyroid. Your veterinarian can tailor the plan.
Health & Costs FAQ
How much do Brittany cost?
Purchasing a Brittany from a reputable breeder typically costs between $800 and $2,500, with highly-trained hunting lines reaching $4,000. Adoption through rescue organizations is a more affordable alternative, with fees ranging from $150 to $575. Initial supplies and veterinary care add further to the first-year investment.
Purchase cost: 5 / 10
How long do Brittany live?
Brittanys typically live 12 to 14 years. As an active breed, they do best with regular exercise, a lean weight, ear care, and consistent veterinary checkups.
Life expectancy: 7 / 10
Are Brittany healthy dogs?
Brittanys are fairly healthy but have a short list of breed concerns, including hip dysplasia, cataracts, ear infections, epilepsy, and hypothyroidism. The breed club recommends hip and eye evaluations for breeding dogs. A lean weight, dry ears, and routine checkups help catch trouble early.
Health: 6 / 10
What health problems do Brittany have?
Brittanys can develop hip dysplasia, cataracts, ear infections, epilepsy, and hypothyroidism. Hip dysplasia is somewhat more common than in dogs overall, while elbow dysplasia is less common than in most breeds. Hip and eye screening, regular ear care, and knowing the signs of seizures and low thyroid help catch problems early.
Health problem risk: 3 / 10
Are Brittany expensive to maintain?
Brittanys are relatively low-maintenance and cost-effective companions. Their coat needs only about a weekly brushing, so grooming costs stay low. Costs come mainly from quality food, routine veterinary care, and exercise gear, with a little money set aside for ear infections and hip or eye screening.
Maintenance cost: 2 / 10
How much does it cost to own a Brittany per month?
Owning a Brittany typically costs $100 to $180 a month, covering quality food, routine veterinary care, and grooming. Costs climb with age as senior dogs often need more frequent vet visits and possibly medication. Budgeting for pet insurance can help offset unexpected veterinary expenses.
Monthly ownership cost: 4 / 10
How much does pet insurance cost for a Brittany?
Pet insurance for a Brittany typically costs between $22 and $35 per month. Prices vary based on age, location, and coverage limits. Because the breed can develop ear infections, joint problems, epilepsy, and thyroid disease, early enrollment is recommended while your dog is young and healthy.
Pet insurance cost: 2 / 10
Will homeowners insurance cover a Brittany?
Yes, most homeowners insurance policies will cover a Brittany. They are not typically classified as an aggressive breed or included on restricted lists. However, it is always recommended to confirm specific liability coverage with your insurance provider to ensure your policy provides full protection.
Homeowners insurance difficulty: 9 / 10
Are Brittany on insurance restricted breed lists?
No, Brittanies are not typically found on insurance restricted-breed lists. Insurers generally categorize them as low-risk, versatile hunting dogs rather than aggressive breeds. Consequently, owners usually face no breed-specific hurdles when securing homeowners or renters insurance for a Brittany.
Insurance restriction risk: 2 / 10
Can you get renters insurance with a Brittany?
Yes, you can typically get renters insurance with a Brittany. They are not usually found on restricted breed lists due to their friendly and athletic nature. Landlords generally welcome this medium-sized breed, but it is always wise to confirm specific pet policies in your lease.
Renters insurance difficulty: 8 / 10
