The Brittany is a medium-sized gun dog that originated in France where it was used for bird hunting. Despite being dubbed a spaniel, the Brittany’s hunting characteristics are more like those of setter or pointer breeds. This dog is known by various names including the Brittany, Brittany Spaniel, American Brittany, Brittany Wiegref and the Epagneul Breton. It is believed that Brittany Spaniels have been in existence since at lease the 17th century. The reason for this is because the breed was depicted in several paintings and tapestries of this era. Furthermore, a man by the name of Reverend Davies wrote a description of orange and white, bob-tailed hunting dogs in 1850. While it has not been verified, many people think that the Brittany may be related to such other hunting breeds as English Setters, Welsh Springer Spaniels, and Orange and White Setters. In 1907, the Brittany was first recognized as a distinct breed in France. However, it was not until 1931 that the American Kennel Club recognized the breed.
The Brittany is an athletic dog with log legs that give it the ability to run at great speed. This breed is known for its speed. It’s medium-sized and has light bones, which increases its agility. Some Brittany’s are born tailless and its coat is wavy or straight. It is low maintenance in terms of grooming but should be brushed regularly. As mentioned in the introduction, the Brittany Spaniel is a medium-sized dog that can weigh between 30 and 40 pounds full grown. This is an athletic dog that has medium-length hair which is longer on the ears, legs and chest. Acceptable colors for the Brittany include orange and white, liver and white, black and white, liver roan, and orange roan. The tail of the Brittany is typically docked short, and they have drop ears that hang to about the middle of the neck. The eyes should be dark brown or hazel, and the nose can be various shades of brown or dark pink. A black nose is considered a fault by some kennel clubs. The head of the Brittany is wedge-shaped and graceful in appearance.
Personality
Some people describe the Brittany as hyperactive, but it’s a very eager and inquisitive dog breed. They are very social and love to run, hunt and play. They need to be able to run for long periods of time every day or it will become destructive. It is obedient and makes a great dog for children. It’s generally friendly towards strangers or other dogs. The Brittany is a sweet-natured dog and is generally easy to train. However, some of them can be quite sensitive to harsh punishments. Brittanies love kids, but they may not get along well with such small household pets as cats, rodents, rabbits and birds. These are active dogs that require a lot of exercise and room to run and play.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Hunters |
| Function: | Sporting |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Preferred Climate: | Any Climate |
| Group: | Sporting |
| Life Span: | 12-15 Years |
| Nicknames: | Brittany, Brittany Spaniel, American Brittany, Brittany Wiegref, Epagneul Breton |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Brittany Build Information
The Brittany is an athletic dog with log legs that give it the ability to run at great speed. This breed is known for its speed. It’s medium-sized and has light bones, which increases its agility. Some Brittany’s are born tailless and its coat is wavy or straight. It is low maintenance in terms of grooming but should be brushed regularly. As mentioned in the introduction, the Brittany Spaniel is a medium-sized dog that can weigh between 30 and 40 pounds full grown. This is an athletic dog that has medium-length hair which is longer on the ears, legs and chest. Acceptable colors for the Brittany include orange and white, liver and white, black and white, liver roan, and orange roan. The tail of the Brittany is typically docked short, and they have drop ears that hang to about the middle of the neck. The eyes should be dark brown or hazel, and the nose can be various shades of brown or dark pink. A black nose is considered a fault by some kennel clubs. The head of the Brittany is wedge-shaped and graceful in appearance.
| Size: | Medium |
| Length (Male): | 13-20 in. |
| Length (Female): | 18-20 in. |
| Weight: | 26 – 40 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 5 – 10 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | Docked |
Behaviour and Personality
Some people describe the Brittany as hyperactive, but it’s a very eager and inquisitive dog breed. They are very social and love to run, hunt and play. They need to be able to run for long periods of time every day or it will become destructive. It is obedient and makes a great dog for children. It’s generally friendly towards strangers or other dogs. The Brittany is a sweet-natured dog and is generally easy to train. However, some of them can be quite sensitive to harsh punishments. Brittanies love kids, but they may not get along well with such small household pets as cats, rodents, rabbits and birds. These are active dogs that require a lot of exercise and room to run and play.
| Activity Level: | Very Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Easy |
| Barking: | Moderate |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | None |
| Energy Level: | Very Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | No |
| Independant: | Yes |
| Kid Friendliness: | Very Friendly |
Appearance
The Brittany is a low-maintenance dog that only requires an occasional brushing to keep its coat tangle-free. Additionally, you should only need to bathe your pet once or twice a month if necessary. Since Brittanies are prone to ear infections, you will want to make sure that you check the ears frequently for signs of infection and wax buildup. If you notice that your pet has excessive wax in its ears, you can gently wipe it out using the tip of a clean, damp rag. At times, your dog’s nails may grow overly long, and you will need to cut them. You can do this with a pliers-style nail clipper made for pets. When clipping your Brittany’s nails, take care not to cut into the veins that grow within each nail.
| Colors: | Black & White, Liver, Orange, Tri-Color, White |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Feathered |
Brittany Common Health Conditions
So long as Brittany Spaniels are given the proper care and veterinary attention they can live for as long as 12 to 15 years. However, just as with most other breeds of dogs, they are prone to developing various genetic health conditions. You can find some of the most common of these issues listed here: Hip Dysplasia, Epilepsy, Canine Discoid Lupus Erythematosus, Breast Cancer, Ear Infections, and Lipfold Pyoderma. Whether you are looking for a great family pet or a terrific hunting dog, the Brittany Spaniel may be the perfect breed for you. These dogs are not only excellent bird dogs, but they get along extremely well with kids too. If you choose one of these dogs for your home, you will need to be prepared to provide it with plenty of exercise and space to run.
Brittany Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
Get a Free Pet Insurance Quote
Breed Talents and Facts
Brittany Spaniels can be very shy if they are not socialized at an early age. Brittanies were named after the French province of Brittany. Brittany Spaniels can become easily distracted by wildlife such as squirrels and raccoons.
| Training: | Hard |
| Hunting Companion: | Yes |
| Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | No |
| Retrieving Skills: | Yes |
| Pointing Breed: | Yes |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | No |
| Security Guard Capable: | No |
| Police Performer: | No |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | No |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | No |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | No |
