Brittany

DOG· MEDIUM· Lifespan: 12-14 years

Thinking about this breed for your home? Read the owner suitability guide

📋 Breed Predispositions

Condition	Prevalence	Onset	Severity	Screening
Complement 3 (C3) Deficiency	Breed-specific — Brittanys are the only dog breed described	Congenital — recurrent infection from puppyhood	SEVERE	Serum C3 assay in any Brittany pup with recurrent pyoderma, pneumonia or sepsis that clears on antibiotics and returns. Homozygotes are also predisposed to membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy	Breed-specific hereditary motor neuron disease	6 weeks-1 year depending on form	SEVERE	Progressive symmetric weakness and muscle atrophy without pain in a young Brittany — EMG and referral rather than an orthopedic work-up.
Idiopathic Epilepsy	Elevated	1-5 years	SEVERE	Minimum database plus bile acids to exclude metabolic causes before labelling idiopathic. Owner seizure diary with video guides therapy more than any single test.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy	Elevated	3-7 years	SEVERE	Annual CAER exam; breed-appropriate genetic test where one is offered. Night blindness is the first owner-visible sign.
Hip Dysplasia	Elevated for a mid-sized sporting breed	1-2 years	MODERATE RISK	OFA or PennHIP evaluation by age 2.
Hypothyroidism	Elevated	4-8 years	MILD	Total T4 with TSH annually after age 4.