Brittany: temperament, size, care and health

About the Brittany

The Brittany is a medium-sized, athletic dog that stands higher on the leg than most spaniels and can look almost square when viewed from the side. The coat is dense, flat or slightly wavy, and usually orange and white or liver and white, with ticking or roan patterns. The tail is naturally short or docked in some places, and a few puppies are born with almost no tail at all.

Despite the older name Brittany Spaniel, the dog works like a pointer. It hunts at a fast pace, finds game birds by scent, freezes on point and retrieves after the shot. Hunters like that a Brittany can do this in a smaller package than many pointers, and companions like the breed for its keen, friendly personality.

Temperament and family life

A Brittany is cheerful, quick to respond and strongly bonded to its household. It is often a mild-mannered dog in the house when it has been exercised, but it tends to be sensitive, and a loud voice or rough handling can cause it to withdraw. Most are good with considerate children and with other dogs.

The breed does not like to be left alone for long. Boredom may lead to barking, chewing or escaping through gaps in the fence. Brittanys can also be reserved or nervous with strangers if poorly socialized, so introductions to people and places in puppyhood matter. Birds, rabbits and other small animals attract their hunting instinct.

Exercise and training

Brittanys are high-energy and need a real outlet every day, not an occasional sprint. Running off leash in a safe area, hiking, retrieving games and hunt training all suit them. A bored, under-exercised Brittany can be restless, noisy and hard to live with.

The breed is intelligent and willing, and learns well from gentle, upbeat methods. Short, varied lessons keep it interested. Many do well in agility, field events and obedience. As with other pointing breeds, recall takes patient work, because a Brittany that catches a scent may range far from its owner.

Grooming and shedding

The Brittany has a fairly easy coat. Brush once or twice a week to remove loose hair and keep the feathering free of tangles, and bathe only when needed. Shedding is moderate and heaviest in changing seasons.

Check the ears after outings, since the pendant ears can collect debris, and trim the hair between the pads of the feet if it gathers burrs. Dogs that work in brush need a look over for ticks, thorns and small cuts. Nails and teeth need ordinary regular care.

Health

The Brittany is generally a hardy breed, though some problems appear in it. Hip dysplasia is the best known orthopedic issue. Epilepsy, hypothyroidism, some eye conditions and a hereditary neuromuscular disorder called canine spinal muscular atrophy have been reported, and a DNA test exists for the last. Responsible breeders usually evaluate hips and eyes and test for known genetic disease. Ear problems can arise because of the drooping ears. Treat this as general information and ask a veterinarian about the dog in front of you.

History

The Brittany is generally traced to the province of Brittany in northwestern France, where hunters kept bird dogs. The modern breed is credited to crosses with English setters around 1850. It was recognized in France in 1907, when its first standard was set. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1934. Its name dropped "spaniel" in 1982 to reflect how it actually hunts.

Is the Brittany right for you?

A Brittany suits a household that runs, hikes or hunts and wants a medium-sized partner that is friendly and trainable. It is a poor match for apartment living, for owners who are away most of the day or for people who want a calm, undemanding pet.

If you like the idea of a spaniel-like face on a pointing dog, compare it with the English Springer Spaniel, which is sturdier and flushes rather than points. The German Shorthaired Pointer and the Vizsla are larger pointing breeds with comparable energy.