Brittany Dog: Temperament, Exercise, Health

(Brittany Spaniel)

Group: The Brittany Dog belongs to the group of Gun Dogs. It is classified under AKC Sporting Dogs Group.

AKC Ranking: 31

Also Known As: American Brittany, Brittany Spaniel and Epagneul Breton. It is also often referred to as simply Brittany (as in the US).

About Brittany Dog

Origin of the Breed It is believed that the Brittany Dogs had been developed in the Brittany province of France in the 19th century. Probably a crossing between the Orange and White Setter and some other French Dog (not clearly identified) had given rise to the breed. The dog was first displayed in France in 1896. The official recognition for the breed however did not come before 1938. This implies that prior to receiving a formal standard the breed had been subjected to several fortune changes.

Description of the Breed

The Brittany dog is a medium sized dog having an athletic build- compact and solid but not heavy. It has a fairly short and lightly feathered single coat. The dog has long legs and wears an expression of intelligence, vigor and alertness. The dog is agile and active.

The dog has a rounded skull of medium length. There is a straight or slightly ram shaped muzzle. Depending on the coat color the eyes of the dog are amber or hazel and the color of the nose is more or less dark. The ears are high-set, short and triangular in shape. They are slightly fringed and hang close to the head. The tail is naturally short. It is usually docked to less than four inches.

Coat

The Brittany Dogs come in five colors- orange and white, liver and white, black and white, liver tricolor and black and have tricolor pattern with some ticking.

Height

Dogs have heights ranging between 17'' and 21''
Bitches have heights ranging between 18'' and 20''

Weight

Dogs weigh 35-40 pounds
Bitches weigh 30-40 pounds.

Temperament of the Breed

The Brittany Dog is a loving and gentle animal that stays eager to please its owner/master always. It is intelligent and alert and obedient too. It is a free thinker- having abilities to think independently. The Dog is easy to train. It should not be chastised severely during training for then its spirit might break. The dog is excellent with children and gets along well with other dogs. They enjoy working as team members in a dogs’ team. It is always advised to keep a pair of Brittany Dogs, as these dogs simply love company.

The dog makes a very active and enthusiastic hunter and a great hunting companion for its outstanding instinct for retrieving from water. However, it makes a poor protector dog because of its outgoing nature.

With regards to Brittany Dogs it must be remembered that unless the dogs get their daily requirement of physical and mental exercise they may turn destructive.

Living Conditions

It is not recommended to keep the dogs inside apartments. The dogs are very active indoors and this may create difficulties. Arrangements need to be made for housing the dog in a yard. The Brittany Dog is resistant to cold and damp conditions and can stay fine outdoors.

Exercise

Brittany Dogs are very active by nature and need to be provided with frequent exercising opportunities. The dogs need plenty of room to run. They may turn destructive if they do not get the physical and mental exercise that they need daily. They best serve as companion dogs to active outdoor persons or hunters. A long, brisk daily walk or jog is a must for the dogs.

Grooming

The Brittany Dog is a light shedder and simple regular brushing will help keep the medium-length, flat coat in good condition. Bathing or dry shampooing of the dog may be done when needed. In case of show dogs skillful trimming (preferably by professionals) need be done to secure the proper grooming. The ears need to be carefully inspected for ticks, cuts etc. especially when the dog comes back after being out in some rough or bushy terrain.

Health Problems

This is generally a healthy breed. However, the dogs may be prone to some genetic disorders like hip dysplasia and seizures. The ears of the dogs are also prone to infection.

Life Expectancy: The Brittany Dogs live for 10-15 years.

Breed Club: http://clubs.akc.org/brit

Rescue Link: www.americanbrittanyrescue.org