Think You Want A Brittany?
Known since the mid-19th century in the French province of Brittany, the Brittany is the smallest of the gun dogs. Although he would seem to be a spaniel due to his small size and feathers, he is actually a pointer, not a spaniel. In 1981, AKC dropped the 'spaniel' from the breeds name for that very reason. The Brittany points and holds game, and will retrieve both on land and in water. He is a compact, closely knit dog of medium size (17.5-20.5 inches, 30-40lbs), able to cover ground with agility. The Brittanys medium length coat is flat or wavy and can be orange and white, liver and white, or tri-color, in clear or roan patterns. Their short tail is docked or naturally bobbed no longer than 4 inches.
They are driven dogs, bred to go all day on the hunt for quail, pheasants, or any other fowl, so the
y do require plenty of exercise and room to run. They crave having a job, though once they've been sufficiently exercised they are content to curl up next to you (or on top of you!) and sleep.
Because Britts are hunting dogs, they are not likely to stick around if you let them out for even a few minutes in an unfenced area. They want to go hunt, with or without you! So a securely fenced yard, preferrably 6ft as they are jumpers, is a neccessity to keep your Britt safe and confined. They are just as likely to go over the next hill for a bird as they would be to heed your commands, without proper training.
When properly raised and socialized, Brittanys are very outgoing and friendly dogs. Children are their best friends, and they can play for hours. They are good with other dogs, though two intact males may not get along so well. Because they have such a high hunting instinct, Britts may chase a small furry running critter. So be cautious when first introducing your Britt to a small pet. If introduced properly, your dog and cat can live harmoniously, though the neighbors cat may not be so lucky!
Health
Brittanys typically have fewer health problems than most breeds. Two health problems they are mostly prone to are hip dysplasia and epilepsy. All breeding stock should be certified by the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation For Animals) to ensure both parents are clear of dysplasia. Unfortunetely epilepsy is harder to test for. Therefore you should carefully screen breeders to make certain that epilepsy does not knowingly run in their lines, along with any other health issues. Occasional eye problems will be seen in the breed as well, such as PRA and luxation.
Showing
Showing Brittanys is great fun. They are not an insanely political breed like some can be, so an owner handler can finish a nice dog without a problem. Grooming isn't too much; bathe, trim feet, shave the neck, thinning shears here and there, and tada! You have yourself a show dog.
We compete in conformation to demonstrate how our dogs conform to the written breed standard. A Brittany isn't a Brittany if it doesn't look like one. In order for the dog to be able to hunt efficiently, he has to be built correctly. Without a smooth effortless gait the Brittany cannot cover as much ground and will not have as much stamina due to wasted motion. Without the tight, dry lips, the bird may not arrive to the hunters hand in one piece. Loose skin helps prevent punctures and injuries in the thick brush. The Brittany is built the way he is so he can hunt as well as he does. Conformation is not just about finding the prettiest dog!
Hunting & Other Activities
This is a very versatile breed, excelling in anything you'd like to try out. If you're interested in field events, they are definitely pros. Brittanys have more Dual CHs than all the other sporting breeds combined! Unlike some sporting or working breeds, there is not a show and field division. The Brittany is carefully bred to retain this dual purpose. Brittanys have a keen nose and biddable disposition. They bond and work closely with their human partners, which allows them such success in the field trails, hunt tests, conformation shows, obedience, and just about anything else you try with them.
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