BRITTANY

Temperament: Bright, Fun-Loving, Upbeat
Height: 17.5-20.5 inches
Weight: 30-40 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Group: Sporting Group 

ABOUT THE BRITTANY

Brittanys were bred as gundogs, and they definitely have birds on the brain. Although they’re often called Brittany Spaniels, the American Kennel Club dropped the word “spaniel” from this pointing breed’s name in 1982.

These energetic dogs are versatile family companions and hunting dogs who work more closely to hunters than other pointing breeds.

However, the Brittany isn’t for everyone. For one thing, his energy level might be more than many people bargain for. Brittanys have an irrepressible joy of life and a high level of enthusiasm for everything they do, whether that’s playing with the kids, seeking out birds, or simply enjoying life with a good, stretched-out, no-holds-barred run. If you don’t have the same energy and enthusiasm, it can be difficult to keep up with a Brittany.

If you purchase your Brittany to use for hunting, you’ll find that he works much like a pointer, with a smaller range. Brittanys point on game and willingly retrieve both on land and in the water. Brittanys have a natural instinct for hunting, which makes them a good choice for people who are new to the sport of hunting.

PERSONALITY

The Brittany is a friendly, bright dog who is full of energy. His sweet disposition is good for children and he usually does not mind some roughhousing. Eager to please, Brittanys enjoy being taught basic obedience and they are quick learners.

They are best suited to a home with an active owner who will take time to train and hunt with the dog. The Brittany should at least have a fenced yard to run in. They can be restless and may be prone to excessive barking or roaming. Early obedience, socialization and daily exercise are a must.

FEEDING

Recommended daily amount: 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. 

HEALTH

The Brittany is a very healthy breed, with few genetic health issues. A responsible breeder will screen breeding stock for health concerns such as hip dysplasia and eye disease. Ears should be checked regularly to remove foreign matter and avoid a buildup of wax, and the teeth should be brushed regularly.

Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club:

• Hip Evaluation
• Ophthalmologist Evaluation

CARE

Brittanys are active, indoors and out. They do best if they have a large yard or, better yet, some acreage where they can run off some of their excess energy. They’re not best suited to apartment life or city living unless you truly have the time and dedication to provide them with the amount and type of exercise they need. This breed is resistant to cold and damp conditions when hunting, but should live indoors with the people they love.

Limit exercise to no more than half an hour at a time in puppies younger than two years of age. Their joints aren’t yet fully formed, and neither is their muscle coordination and ability to focus. Take a break from training, play, or other activity any time your Brittany pup seems tired or unenthusiastic.

Brittanys love to run in wide-open spaces. It’s essential to teach them to come when called. Train them with firmness and consistency, but never be harsh. Often, a sharp word is more than enough to stop any misbehavior.

GROOMING

The Brittany’s flat or wavy coat is mostly fairly short and requires minimal grooming. A once-over with a soft brush or hound glove and a quick comb-through of his featherings should keep him looking his best. For the show ring there is some light trimming done to neaten the dog’s head and neck. The underside of the ears should be inspected regularly and wiped clean if needed, and the nails trimmed every month if not naturally worn down.

SOME PICTURES ABOUT THE BRITTANY

Source: dogtime, akc, hillspet.