The Brittany is a small dog, about 35 to 45 pounds, and from 17-1/2 to 20-1/2 inches at the shoulder. He looks somewhat like a small setter or a large cocker.
His small size suits him for apartment living and makes him easy to carry in a car. His short tail, which can be either natural or docked, is an asset. He has enough coat to protect him from the briars but not enough to catch burrs at any great extent.
He can be either white with liver(brown) spots, or white with orange(tan) spots. He is not a heavily coated dog, but is lightly fringed.
He works in the same manner as a pointer but without the great range. He points and holds his game. He retrieves both on land and in water. He is used primarily on upland game in the United States but is used on both fur and feather in France.
He is noted for an exceptionally keen nose and very biddable disposition. Many of the countries' top dogs have been house pets as well as field winners and fine gundogs.
He has a typical friendly disposition and is very willing to please his master. Many train without use of the whip, needing only a sharp scolding or slight punishment. The natural ability of the Brittany sells him as a breed to many neophytes in the field of hunting as he seems to know better what to do than his master.
He gains admirers from his excellent working ability. The Brittany, with his shorter range, is becoming more popular as hunting becomes limited to smaller fields with more fences. His exceptional nose which guarantees that he will pass up few birds also helps to account for his popularity.