The Brittany: Versatile Dog from France

The Brittany is very active; built for hunting and does best with plenty of exercise and an active owner. They are incredibly intelligent, easily bored, and not a couch potato. You must provide them with plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and a job to do or you won't be able to live with them. They are wonderful family pets; good with children, other dogs, and cats. The Brittany is a great companion, loyal family member, and outstanding hunter.

The Brittany originated in its namesake region of France. The Brittany was originally used by the peasants to poach on the rich landowner's land. The Brittany would point the birds and the peasant would throw a net over them to capture the birds. They were originally bred to hunt both furred and feathered game. Breed historians believe early Brittanys were crossed with setters and spaniels from the British Isles. From these breedings the Brittany developed its adaptable manner of hunting; unlike other spaniels, the Brittany points. In addition, the Brittany doesn't hunt in a zigzag pattern or spring in the field and flush game from cover. Instead, it ranges over the ground like a setter or pointer. Early Brittanys were orange and white, liver and white, black and white or tri-color. Hunters favored tailless dogs.

The Brittany Spaniel Club of France formed in 1907 and set an official standard for the breed to stabilize these physical characteristics. Although a few Brittanys arrived earlier, the first major influx of breeding stock arrived in North America in the 1920s. The first importers were Juan Pugibet of Mexico and Louis Thebaud of New Jersey. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed in 1935. They were known as the Brittany Spaniel until 1982 when AKC dropped the Spaniel part. The Brittany is 17 ½ to 20 ½ inches tall and approximately 30 to 45 pounds. Colors acceptable by the US standard for the breed are orange and white, liver and white, and tri-color (liver, orange, and white). The Brittany is born tail-less or the tail docked so it will be no longer than four inches in length.

Potential owners attracted to the Brittany by its looks should keep the history in mind when deciding if the breed is right for them. These dogs are pretty, compact, and can live in the house, but they are bred to hunt which is the Brittany's first love. Unlike some breeds, the Brittany has retained not only its hunting heritage but its conformation to the breed standard. Meaning they hunt and still look like Brittanys. A lot of breeds have split into different factions for hunting and different factions for showing. The Brittany has more dual champions (show and field champions) than all other sporting breeds combined. It takes a lot of work and dedication on the part of its owner to complete this lofty achievement. In addition to show and field competitions you will find Brittanys excelling in agility, obedience, rally, tracking, flyball, and as therapy dogs.

The Brittany demands an owner who is willing to make sure he gets regular, adequate exercise and keeps him as a house pet. The Brittany does not do well as a kennel dog; they prefer to be with their family. While apartment living is not ideal, a dedicated owner can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to channel the dog's abundant energy. For a young Brittany, at least 30 minutes of exercise twice a day is ideal. It's not so much the amount of activity as the type of activity. More important than physical exercise is mental exercise. Brittanys need something to occupy their brain. The Brittany's love of running makes it a great self exerciser, but its drive to hunt dictates that you should not turn a Brittany loose in an unfenced area. Brittany's are great escape artists.

Brittanys tend to be softer in personality than a lot of the other sporting breeds. They don't respond well to harsh training methods or shock collars. They greatly benefit from positive training methods. Usually just a look is enough for them to realize you are displeased with something they have done. Brittanys learn new commands quickly and are eager to please their owners.

Brittanys are good watch dogs, sounding the alarm if a stranger enters your yard but they are not guard dogs. They think everyone loves them and will do their best to convince visitors that they need to be petted. Brittanys are good natured and generally get along with children, other dogs, and cats. It is important to introduce them to cats properly as a young pup since some dogs can view them as prey. Generally your Brittany will understand that your family cats are part of the pack even if they try to chase stray cats out of the yard. While they are wonderful with children they can be a bit rambunctious for small children easily knocking them down with their exuberance.

The Brittany doesn't require a lot of grooming. Their coat requires a once or twice a week brushing to keep it looking its best. Be sure to regularly trim its nails, clean the ears, and brush the teeth.. If the dog has a lot of hair you may want to trim your pet's ears, feet, and around the tail. Show dogs require more extensive grooming. Your family pet will only require a bath periodically unless it has gotten into something smelly.

Brittanys have relatively few health problems. The most common health problems are hip dysplasia and epilepsy. Potential owners should ask if a puppy's parents have been X-rayed, and OFA certified clear of this genetic disease. Parents will need to be two years old to be certified by OFA clear of hip dysplasia. Epilepsy is also genetic. While some dogs live relatively normal lives without much intervention, others need medication to control seizures. Epilepsy generally shows up around three to five years of age so ask the breeder if this disorder runs in their lines. With proper nutrition, exercise, and veterinary care the average lifespan for a Brittany is 13 to 15 years.

If you think the Brittany might be the breed for you, buy your puppy from a reputable breeder. If you prefer an older dog, there are always rescue dogs that need a good home.