Brittanys were originally bred as hunting dogs, so it's no surprise that they have a keen interest in birds. While Brittany Spaniels are commonly referred to as "spaniels," they were officially renamed by the American Kennel Club in 1982.
Unlike other pointing breeds, these boisterous dogs make excellent household pets as well as hunting partners. If you can keep up with their high levels of energy and physical activity, you may want to choose this breed. Below, you will find a complete list of Brittany dog breed characteristics and statistics.
Highlights
- As previously said, Brittanys have a lot of energy. They require at the very least an hour of daily, vigorous exercise. This breed is prone to becoming agitated and destructive if not given enough exercise.
- Brittanys are intelligent and require both mental and physical activity. Training for dog sports is an excellent approach to accomplish this objective.
- If you're going to be tough with your Brittany, don't be. Do not allow them to take control of the household.
- People-oriented Brittanys don't want to be left alone for long periods of time without anything to occupy their attention. Consider having two Brittanys to keep each other company if you work outside the house.
- When it comes to playing with your Brittany, it's best to keep an eye on them, even if they're friendly. This is why you need to be careful when you let Brittany play with your child; he is so enthusiastic and energetic.
- A healthy dog should never be purchased from an unreliable breeder or puppy mill. To avoid passing on hereditary disorders to their offspring, a respectable breeder would do temperament and health testing on all of her breeding dogs before they are allowed to breed.
Characteristics
Social Appearance
Adaptability
It's a common misconception that a little dog is better suited to living in a limited space. Many tiny dogs have too much energy and are too yappy to live in an apartment building. An apartment dog's best attributes include being quiet, low energy, somewhat peaceful indoors, and respectful to the other inhabitants. Your dog's personal space in your apartment can be improved by purchasing one of these fantastic dog cages.
Sensitivity Level
Depending on the dog, a strong rebuke can be taken in stride by some, while others regard even the tiniest hint of disapproval as a personal attack. If you have a loud or pushy owner, a chaotic home, or a routine that is unpredictable or variable, your low-sensitivity dog, often known as "easy-going," "tolerant," "resilient," or even "thick-skinned," will be able to handle it better. Do you have young children, host a lot of parties, or have a hectic lifestyle? Choose a dog that isn't overly sensitive.
Intensity
You can't tell from looking at them whether or not they're hyperactive, but when they do anything, they do it vigorously. They tug at their leashes (unless you teach them not to), they push their way through barriers, and they down their meals in huge, gobbling gulps. A home with young children or an elderly or feeble person may not be the best place for these dynamos to learn proper etiquette. On the other side, a dog with poor vitality adopts a more reserved demeanor.
Potential for Playfulness
The playful nature of certain dogs never fades away, and they're always ready for a game, whereas the reserved and serious tendencies of other dogs develop through time. Think about how many times a day you want to play fetch or tag with your dog, and whether or not you have children or other dogs who can act as substitutes.
Personality Appearance
Intelligence
In the same way as working dogs, such as those that herd sheep, are bred for intelligence and decision-making, working dogs like those who run all day need to exercise their bodies. The two most common activities that a bored pet engages in are digging and chewing, both of which require mental stimulation. There are several ways to keep a dog's brain active, including obedience training, interactive dog toys like tug of war, and dog sports like agility and search and rescue.
Energy Level
Energy-draining dogs are always on the lookout for a new activity. There are several jobs that require a lot of stamina from dogs, such as herding livestock or recovering prey for hunters. Children are more likely to engage in activities such as jumping, playing and exploring new sights and smells as a result of this change in their environment
A low-energy dog is more like a couch potato than a dog that needs a lot of exercise. Think about your level of physical activity and whether or not you find a hyperactive dog irritating before making your final choice.
Easy To Train
Easy to train dogs can more easily form associations between a cue (like "sit"), an action (like sitting), and a reward than dogs that are more difficult to train. Dogs that require more time, patience, and repetition are more difficult to train.
Getting your dog interested in training will require incentives and games because many breeds are intelligent but have a "What's in it for me?" mentality when it comes to learning new things.
Family Affection Level
Affectionate With Family
Since puppyhood, some breeds remain aloof and independent; others form deep bonds with one individual but are uninterested in the rest of the family; still other types shower their entire family with affection. Canines raised in homes with people tend to be more open to human interaction and develop stronger ties, regardless of their breed or upbringing.
Kid-Friendly
Kids-friendly dogs are calm, strong enough to bear the hefty hugs and pets kids can dish out, and have an unfazed attitude about rushing, scream-inducing children. There are several names you may not expect to see on the list: Fierce-looking Both Boxers and American Staffordshire Terriers are regarded as family dogs (which are considered Pit Bulls). Chihuahuas, which are small, sensitive, and potentially sharp, are not always family-friendly.
Dog Friendly
Dog friendship and human friendship are two entirely different things. The fact that a dog is friendly with humans doesn't mean it's immune to aggression or aggression from other dogs; some canines choose to play rather than fight; others will just run away. The type of animal isn't the only consideration. Dogs who have spent a lot of time playing with their littermates and their mother at the age of six to eight weeks are more likely to be socially competent.
Physical Appearance
Amount of Shedding
Having a dog in the house means that you'll have to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothing and in the home. It's worth noting, however, that shedding varies widely among breeds. Some dogs shed all year long, while others ``blow" just during specific times of the year, and still others don't shed at all. If you're a stickler for cleanliness, you'll need to choose a breed that sheds less or lower your expectations. You can use a de-shedding tool to keep your house a little cleaner.
Drooling Potential
While greeting you, some dogs may cover their arms with ropes of drool and create large, wet patches on your clothing. If you don't mind a little drool, go for it; but if you're a stickler for cleanliness, you may want to look for a dog with a low drool rating.
Easy To Groom
Some breeds of dogs can simply be brushed and left alone, while others require frequent washing, trimming, and other grooming in order to maintain their health and appearance. If you don't have the time or money to take care of a dog that requires a lot of grooming, you may want to look into hiring a professional.
Exercise Needs
Evening walks around the neighbourhood are perfectly acceptable for some breeds. Others, particularly those trained for physically demanding vocations like herding or hunting, require regular, rigorous exercise.
They can gain weight and release their pent-up energy in ways you don't like, including barking, chewing, and digging, if not given enough exercise. Those looking to train their dog for an energetic canine activity, such as agility, should consider getting a dog that needs a lot of exercise.
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed
Weight
30 to 40 pounds
Lifespan
10 to 13 years
Height
1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 8 inches tall at the shoulder
History
The Celtic region of northwest France, which was formerly an autonomous kingdom, is where the Brittany region gets its name. There has been a lot of trade between Wales and Brittany throughout the centuries, and dogs are likely to have been a part of that trade at some point. In terms of appearance, it's clear that the Brittany spaniel and the Welsh springer spaniel share a common progenitor.
The first visual evidence of Brittany-type dogs dates back to the 17th century, in paintings and tapestries. Partridge-hunting dog in liver and white is on display. Small-town Brittany's modern Brittanys began to take shape in the mid-1800s. French hunter's white and mahogany female, bred with an Englishman's lemon and white male, and is reported to have resulted in the offspring of these two animals. One of the two pups they produced was regarded as a prominent stud in the neighbourhood because of his hunting prowess. Bob-tailed dogs that were trained to point and retrieve were the result of the experiment. Poachers in the area apparently favoured them because of their quickness, agility, and readiness to follow instructions.
Dog shows also grew popular in Britain and other European countries about the same period, including, naturally, France. It was in 1907 when Brittanys were officially recognised as a breed in France after making the transition from the field to the show ring. This orange and white dog was named Boy, and he was the first French Brittany registered in that country.
The first Brittanys arrived in the United States in 1931, but their popularity grew rapidly afterward. As far back as 1934, Edir du Mesnil was the first Brittany to be registered by the American Kennel Club. To fit their tastes, in 1942 the American Brittany Club modified the French standard.
Brittanys, like so many other breeds, saw a fall following World War II. Brittany breeding was put on hold in France at the time. Because Europe's gene pool was so depleted following World War II, French breeders opted to allow black spotted dogs to be included in the standard. Breeders in the United States, on the other hand, did not follow suit. Brittanys in the United States and Canada are still prohibited from wearing black, despite the fact that the rest of the world accepts the colour.
Breeders have long sought to eliminate the term "spaniel" from Brittany's name because the breed is mostly known for its ability to point rather than flush. The word "spaniel" was dropped from the name Brittany by the AKC Board of Directors in April 1982. However, they are still known as Brittany Spaniels in other places. Brittany is currently ranked 31st out of the 155 breeds and variations recognised by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Personality and Temperament
Brittany is a sociable, energetic dog with a great sense of humour. He's a great guy for kids because he's easy-going and doesn't mind a little roughhousing. Brittanys are eager to please and quickly acquire basic obedience.
Owner involvement in training and hunting is essential, thus they are best suited to a household with a busy individual who has the time to devote to them. At the very least, Brittany should have access to a secure yard in which to exercise. Dogs might be prone to excessive barking or wandering, and this can make them difficult to manage at times. Obedience and socialising should begin at an early age, as well as regular physical activity.
Quick and curious, the Brittany Spaniel is always on the lookout for birds or something exciting to do. They enjoy running, scouting, hunting, and playing. Despite their independent character, they are extremely sensitive and attentive to human commands. When properly cared for, Brittanys make wonderful companions. They might become destructive if they are not given enough exercise.
Care
In order to keep Brittany happy and alert, it will need a lot of activity every day. Barking, hyperactivity, and destructive chewing can all develop in a Brittany dog that does not get enough exercise. Some Brittany dogs display their nervousness by chewing and barking, which can be a sign of stress. The Brittany, like many other breeds, has to be properly trained and socialised. These dogs, when properly socialised, are likely to be kind and calm with both humans and other animals.
Health
Although Brittanys are typically healthy, they are susceptible to a variety of health issues. If you're thinking about getting a Brittany, you should know that not all of these ailments will affect your pet.
Hip Dysplasia
The hip joint deformity is thought to be caused by a combination of genetics, environment, and food. The animal can lead a healthy and active life in mild cases with sufficient nutrition and exercise. Surgeons can do surgical repair in more serious situations. You can have your dog's hips x-rayed by your veterinarian for an evaluation.
Epilepsy
Seizures might be minor or severe in this condition. Ecstasy can be inherited; it might be the result of metabolic abnormalities, viral disease that affects the brain or tumours; or it can be of unknown cause (referred to as idiopathic epilepsy). Unusual behaviour, such as fleeing furiously as if being chased, staggering, or hiding, may be indicative of seizures. The long-term prognosis for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy is often fairly excellent, despite the terrifying nature of seizures. With proper treatment, a dog can enjoy a long and healthy life. Although there is no cure for epilepsy, medicines can often moderate it. Take your Brittany to the vet right away if he has seizures to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Hypothyroidism
The thyroid gland produces an abnormally low amount of the hormone that causes this illness. Infertility may be a modest symptom of the condition. There are more evident indications, such as being overweight, having drooping eyes and poor energy levels, and having erratic heat cycles. The dog's skin gets tough and black as well as its fur becoming coarse and brittle. You may cure your dog's hypothyroidism simply by giving it a pill every day to keep it in check. A long and healthy life can be had by a dog who receives thyroid medication on a regular basis.
Recommended Health Tests
- Hip Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
Nutrition
However, a high-protein diet is ideal for Brittany and should be fed to the dog. They may need more water than the usual dog because they are a breed that is very active. A puppy should eat three to four times a day, whereas an adult Brittany should only eat twice a day.
Grooming
Brittany dogs just require weekly brushing to control shedding and other simple grooming requirements, beyond those already mentioned. Brittany owners who want a slicker-looking dog may opt to have their pet's hair cut around its neck, ears, and sometimes even its pasterns. For a Brittany with a lot of white on its coat, use a whitening shampoo for dog coats.
Brushing your dog's teeth twice or three times a week is a good idea as well.
Exercise
Brittany is a high-energy breed that thrives on spending time outside with its family. An hour or more of daily walking is an effective kind of aerobic exercise, as are frequent excursions into nature. If you enjoy hiking or rigorous games of fetch, this energetic and well-balanced dog is perfect for you.
Training
The Brittany is a delicate breed that does best with calm, methodical training. It is unlikely that these canines will perform well in tense or stressful situations at home or in the workplace. Fortunately, the dogs of this breed are intelligent and ready to please, so training them isn't too tough.
Early socialisation is essential for Brittany puppies who are prone to shyness, submission, and whining. These traits can be overcome through socialising. Overexcited or terrified adolescents, such as those who are petted by an adult, may have an accident due to their propensity for submissive urinating. With patience and training, this problem can be remedied.
Children and Other Pets
With their high level of activity, Brittanys are an excellent choice for families with energetic children. However, Brittanys may be too much for young children.
Constantly teach youngsters how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and small children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the side of either party. Never approach any dog while it is resting or eating, and never try to take the dog's food away from him or her. A dog and a youngster should never be left alone.
It's recommended to expose Brittanys to other dogs and cats as early as possible, as they get along well with both.
Puppies
Developing socially and mentally in Brittany takes place in the first few months of life, as it does in any other dog's. It's possible that some puppies have a tendency to pee themselves when they're very nervous or afraid. The puppies' confidence and behaviour should be shaped by early training and socialising. As a last resort, owners might create their puppy to help with behavioural or house training challenges.
Dog breed Similar to the Brittany
Brittany shows the most striking resemblance to Western European pointers and gundogs. As a result, the following Brittany-related countries might be worth investigating:
English setter
The modern English setter was developed in the 19th century as a hunting dog that would silently freeze and point if it discovered a bird of prey. With adequate exercise, these sociable dogs may also be wonderful friends for the entire household.
Irish Setter
With long, floppy ears and a dark red or chestnut coat, the Irish setter resembles its English cousins. This is a very well-liked dog in the show ring because of its widespread popularity among owners. It has won the Westminster Kennel Club's sporting group competition 11 times.
Braque Saint-Germain
This energetic and joyful hunting breed, often known as the St. Germain pointing dog, is very unknown outside of its native France. Only the United Kennel Club accepts it as a recognised breed. Several additional French hunting or gundog breeds can be considered near relatives of the Saint-Germain.
