Brittany Dog(Brittany Spaniel)
A hardy hunting dog with pointing and retrieving prowess is the Brittany Dog. The Brittany is a wonderful companion because he is strong, swift, nimble, attentive, and kind. The breed needs routine maintenance because of his thick, feathered coat, which shields him from the elements on the field. This athletic breed benefits from daily strenuous activity and a family that enjoys being outdoors.
These active dogs work more closely with hunters than other pointing breeds and are versatile household pets and hunting partners. This breed could be right for you if you can meet their demanding activity and strong energy requirements! Your medium-sized Brittany will sleep soundly on this dog bed, according to Petlifehealth. For any outdoor adventures you go on with your dog, you should also get this water bottle for dogs!
See the list of Brittany dog breed characteristics and information below!
Brittany Dog Breed More Info
The Brittany Dog is a cheerful, graceful gundog that has been compared to both the ideal family pet and a hyperactive dog. Your personal interests and degree of engagement will determine what the reality is. The Brittany, like other sports breeds, is an Energizer Bunny of a dog and his energy mixed with his other characteristics might make him a fantastic fit for the proper family.
Brittany Dogs are exceptional in a variety of ways. Families and sportsmen alike find their medium size—30 to 40 pounds and 17 to 20 inches tall—attractive. If you love to hunt, they aren’t too huge to live with you or travel with you in your car. They are also adaptable. More dual titles have been won by Brittany Dogs than by any other breed. A dog with a dual championship has triumphed in both field trials and conformation competitions.
The Brittany Dog isn’t for everyone, though. He may have more energy than most people anticipate, for starters. Brittany Dogs are characterized by an unquenchable sense of excitement and a great degree of enthusiasm in all they do, whether it be playing with children, looking for birds, or simply taking life in stride with a nice, extended, no-holds-barred run. It might be challenging to keep up with a Brittany if you lack her excitement and energy.
He has a lot of energy, so you should make sure he gets a lot of exercise. A quick circuit of the block is insufficient. He may become anxious and hyperactive and use his energy in ways you probably won’t like if his fundamental needs for exercise and a task to accomplish aren’t addressed.
While many dogs like having “work” to do, Brittany Dogs are particularly task-focused. You can’t expect your Brittany to be content and want to sleep at your feet when you get home from work after leaving him home alone all day. Not happening with this dog! He will be bursting to release all of the energy and love he has stored up throughout the course of the day. Brittany Dogs are not suited for the majority of apartment residents since they need an hour or more of vigorous activity every day.
You could hear breeders distinguishing between “American” and “French” Brittany Dogs if you’re shopping for a Brittany puppy. The French Brittany, which is smaller and typically works closer to the hunter, is the same breed as the American Brittany, but the American Brittany is quicker and taller.
It is well known that Brittany Dogs are sensitive to hard handling. When your Brittany misbehaves, a hard glance or a sharp word is frequently adequate punishment. Utilizing positive reinforcement tactics, such as praise, play, and food rewards, train them forcefully yet gently.
Brittany Dogs get along well with children and other animals because to their cheerful, amiable disposition. However, their enthusiasm might lead them to unintentionally hurt a young child, so keep an eye on your Brittany when it is playing with your kids.
If you buy a Brittany to use for hunting, you’ll discover that he functions quite similarly to a pointer but has a shorter range. On both on ground and in the water, Brittany makes a point about game and eager retrieval. Brittany Dogs are an excellent choice for those who are new to the sport of hunting since they have a natural aptitude for it.
If hunting is not your activity of choice, think about taking your Brittany along to agility, flyball, or other similar events. Dogs will love it, and so will you!
You’ll discover that the Brittany is a fantastic family friend if you can keep up with his exercise requirements and need for a job. Brittany Dogs are attractive canines that receive comments. Their grooming requirements are rather basic. They are consistently joyful, kind, and loving. They could be the ideal pet for active families that enjoy the great outdoors and desire a canine companion.
Brittany History
The Celtic region in northwest France, which formerly functioned as a separate monarchy, is where the Brittany Dog gets its name. Wales and Brittany are neighboring countries that are separated by the English Channel. For well over a thousand years, there was a tremendous lot of trade between the two nations, and dogs were undoubtedly a part of that trade. The Brittany and Welsh Springer Spaniel presumably shared common ancestors, as is evident from their similar physical features and coloring alone.
Visual artifacts from the 17th century, including paintings and tapestries, provide the first evidence of Brittany-type dogs. They display a partridge-pointing liver and white dog. In the middle of the nineteenth century, Pontou, a little village in Brittany, saw the emergence of modern Brittany Dogs. They are supposed to be the offspring of a French hunter’s white and mahogany female and an English sportsman’s lemon and white male that was transported to Brittany for hunting. One of the two puppies they gave birth to was deemed to have the necessary hunting skills and went on to become a well-liked stud in the region. Bob-tailed canines that could point and retrieve were the end product. They were apparently highly popular with the local poachers for their speed, agility, and readiness to follow instructions.
Dog shows rose in popularity at the same period in Britain and other areas of Europe, including, naturally, France. Brittany Dogs were recognized as a breed in France in 1907 and transitioned easily from the field to the show ring. Boy, an orange and white dog, was the first French Brittany to be registered there.
Brittany Dogs didn’t arrive in the United States until 1931, but once they arrived, their popularity grew gradually. In 1934, Edir du Mesnil became the first Brittany to register with the American Kennel Club. In order to better fit themselves, the American Brittany Club modified the French standard in 1942.Brittanys saw a fall as a result of World War II, like so many other breeds. During that time, Brittany breeding ceased in France. Because the gene pool had been so severely decimated throughout Europe, French breeders opted to accept black spotted dogs in the standard after the war. American breeders didn’t do the same. Although it is now recognized in other other nations, black is still not a popular color for Brittany Dogs in the United States and Canada.
Since Brittany Dogs are pointing dogs rather than flushing dogs like spaniels, many breeders have long wished to have the term “spaniel” removed from the name of the breed. The AKC Board of Directors decided to change the name to Brittany in April 1982, eliminating the term “spaniel” from the original name. However, they continue to go by the name Brittany Spaniels in several other nations. Currently, of of the 155 breeds and variations that the AKC has registered, the Brittany ranks 31st.
Brittany Dog Size
Brittany Dogs are about 30 and 40 pounds and between 17 1/2 and 20 1/2 inches tall. The Brittany is a medium-sized, compact dog. Orange and white, liver and white, black and white, and occasionally tri-color are among the hues available for the coat. They have a leggy look and are quite agile and strong. The Brittany Dog can swiftly traverse a lot of ground because to its structure. The breed either lacks a tail or has one that has been docked. The Brittany’s double coat is thick and can be flat or wavy. The coat is not intended to retain or absorb dirt or water.
Brittany Dog Personality
The Brittany Dog is a lively, intelligent, and sociable dog. He typically does not mind some roughhousing and his pleasant demeanor makes him a wonderful choice for kids. Brittany’s are quick learners and eager to please. They appreciate being taught the fundamentals of obedience.
Brittany’s are content and attentive. They are independent and curious, as is appropriate for a pointing breed, but they also respond well to their owners and want to please them. When it comes to birds, they may be ruthless, but when they’re not hunting birds, they like to spend time with their humans, especially if they’re engaged in an activity. Because Brittany’s are intelligent as well as active, they require a ton of physical activity and cerebral stimulation every day. Be constant in your teaching methods, but never harsh.
They thrive in a home with a busy owner who will spend time training and going on hunts with the dog. At the very least, the Brittany should have a secure yard to play in. They could have excessive barking or wandering tendencies and be restless. Daily exercise, socializing, and early obedience are essential.
Brittany Dog Temperament
Various factors, including training, socialization, and inheritance, have an impact on temperament. Puppies with good dispositions are interested and lively, approachable, and want to be cuddled. Select a puppy that is in the midst of the pack rather than one that is bullying its littermates or cowering in a corner. Always meet at least one parent to make sure they are pleasant and comfortable with you. Usually, the mother is the one who is available. It’s also beneficial to meet the parents’ siblings or other family members to get a sense of what the puppy will be like as an adult. As with other dogs, young Brittany’s require early socialization, or exposure to a variety of people, sights, noises, and experiences. In order to guarantee that your Brittany puppy develops into a well-rounded dog, socialization is important. He should start by enrolling in a kindergarten class for puppies. Regularly hosting guests, taking him to crowded parks, dog-friendly shops, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will all help him hone his social skills.
Living With
The Brittany Dog needs to have their coat brushed once a week to get rid of extra hair and grime. The breed sheds seasonally, with heavier periods throughout the summer. The Brittany is a clever breed that is both social and simple to teach. In general, they get along well with other animals and are kind to guests. Brittany’s are social creatures and are happiest when allowed to live with their family.
Due to their high energy level, Brittany’s require frequent exercise. The ideal household for this breed is one that is active and can let the dog fulfill its need to hunt and exercise. The nicest houses have a large amount of land or a fenced yard. Like many active breeds, the Brittany might become bored if left alone too frequently and is prone to barking, wandering, or other negative behaviors.
Brittany Dog Health
Although Brittany Dog are mostly healthy, they are susceptible to some health issues like other breeds. It’s crucial to be aware of these ailments if you’re thinking about getting a Brittany, even if not all of them will affect the breed.
Find a reputable breeder that will provide you with the health clearances for both of your dog’s parents if you are purchasing a puppy. Health certifications attest to a dog’s having undergone testing and been declared free of a certain ailment. Expect to find health certificates for von Willebrand’s illness, hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and Thrombopathia from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), Thrombopathia from Auburn University, and normal eyes from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) in Brittany’s. You can visit the OFA website to confirm health clearances (offa.org).
- Hip Dysplasia: It is believed that a variety of variables, including nutrition, environment, and heredity, are responsible for this hip joint malformation. In minor situations, the animal can live a full and active life with the right nutrition and activity. Surgery may be needed for correction in more severe circumstances. Your dog’s hips can be examined by your veterinarian using an x-ray.
- Epilepsy: Seizures can range in severity with this condition. Epilepsy can be inherited, brought on by conditions including metabolic problems, viral illnesses of the brain, tumors, exposure to toxins, or serious head traumas, or it might have an underlying cause that is not understood (referred to as idiopathic epilepsy). Unusual behavior, such as frenzied running as if being pursued, stumbling, or hiding, might be a sign of seizures. While watching a seizure can be terrifying, dogs with idiopathic epilepsy often have a fairly excellent long-term outlook. With the right treatment, a dog may live a full and healthy life. Although epilepsy cannot be cured, medicine can frequently be used to manage it. Take your Brittany to the vet straight soon for a diagnosis and treatment options if he is having seizures.
- Hypothyroidism: An excessively low amount of the thyroid hormone responsible for causing this illness. Infertility could be a minor illness symptom. Obesity, mental dullness, drooping eyes, poor energy, and erratic heat cycles are more overt symptoms. The dog’s skin turns harsh and black, and its coarse, brittle fur starts to fall out. Daily medicine must be given to the dog for the duration of its life in order to cure hypothyroidism. A dog getting thyroid medication on a regular basis can lead a full and content life.
Brittany Dog Care
Both indoors and outside, Brittany Dog are busy. They thrive in homes with a sizable yard or, even better, some land where they can burn off some of their surplus energy. Unless you really have the time and commitment to give them the quantity and kind of exercise they want, they are not well adapted to apartment or city living. When hunting, this breed can withstand cold and wet weather, but they should live indoors with their loved ones. When not being watched, they should be kept inside a securely fenced yard, just like any other dog.
Puppies under the age of two should only exercise for no longer than 30 minutes at a time. Their focus and motor coordination, as well as their joints, are still in the developmental stages. Whenever your Brittany puppy exhibits signs of fatigue or lack of enthusiasm, stop training, playing, or engaging in other activities.
Brittany’s like running in open areas. Teaching kids to respond to calls is crucial. Never be harsh while disciplining them; instead, be consistent and firm. A few strong words may frequently put a halt to any wrongdoing.
Brittany’s may be destructive as pups, just like any other breed. If their requirements for mental and physical challenges aren’t addressed, they may also be destructive as adults. Crate pups to keep them from mischief if you’re not there to watch, and keep them busy with training and exercise.
Brittany Dog Exercise
The Brittany is a very intelligent and active dog that was designed to hunt, therefore he requires a lot of activity. Brittanys are a fantastic choice for individuals looking for a versatile hunting partner, a comrade in dog sports, or a devoted friend who is suitable for an active, active family life outside.
The adult Brittany needs at least two hours every day to walk, run, retrieve, and look for toys that have been hidden since they are intelligent and adaptable dogs with a lot of stamina. They require constructive work in the form of instruction, games, puzzles, and lots of interesting and entertaining strolls. The Brittany is a “do it all” kind of dog, excelling in a wide range of canine sports and activities, from flyball to field trials, man-trailing to agility. He likes a range of activities that occupy both his mind and body, including long, vigorous walks and hikes, jogging on a leash next to his human, and more. Along with field trials, agility, FAST CAT®, and dock diving are additional dog sports that are excellent venues for the aptitude and unbounded energy of the breed.
Brittany Dog Training
The Brittany is vivacious, perceptive, and inclined to be willing. Dog sports are a great way to use the vigor, adaptability, and exceptional working abilities that make Brittanys so successful as hunting dogs. Whatever the discipline, this trainable breed is up for it: field competitions, obedience, agility, flyball. With these kind hearts, training that is patient and encouraging works best. Puppy training sessions and early socialization are advised for all breeds. However, don’t let a Brittany alone since your home or furniture won’t survive if they are left to entertain themselves.
Reward-based training works well with the Brittany, and it is simple to locate rewards for them. Given that this breed enjoys retrieving and carrying objects in their mouths, pay close attention to recall and put a lot of effort into training them to give, drop, or switch items. Food is good for the Brittany, as are retrieval games, scent-based activities that include locating hidden toys, or even hidden humans (man-trailing), as long as they are involved in some activity with their person.
Brittany Dog Food
1.5 to 2 cups of premium dry food should be consumed every day, split between two meals.
NOTE: The amount of food your adult dog consumes is influenced by his size, age, build, metabolism, and degree of activity. Like people, each dog is unique, thus they don’t all require the same quantity of food. A very active dog will require more than a couch potato dog, which should almost go without saying. The kind of dog food you purchase also matters; the better the food, the more effectively it will nourish your dog and the less you will need to shake into the bowl. Rather of putting food available all the time, keep your Brittany in good form by feeding him twice a day and weighing his diet. Give him the hands-on and eye tests if you’re not sure if he’s obese. Look down at him first. There should be a waist visible. After that, lay your hands on his back with your thumbs down his spine and your fingers stretched outward. Without exerting much pressure, you should be able to feel his ribs but not see them. He needs less food and more activity if you can’t.
Brittany Grooming And Coat Color
Brittanys are not dogs with thick coats. They never have hair that is curled, wiry, or silky; it is always thick, flat, or wavy. On the ears and legs, you’ll see some feathering, but not enough to prevent the Brittany from moving through thick undergrowth and bush. Your Brittany’s skin may seem a little flimsy to you. The dog is shielded against puncture wounds by loose skin that sort of rolls when it comes into touch with burrs and thorns.
Brittanys are often liver and white or orange and white. Their coats occasionally feature a roan pattern, which is a subtle blend of colored and white hairs; an example of an orange roan. It’s nice to have some ticking, which are tiny, isolated patches of black hair on a white backdrop. A tri-color Brittany, a liver and white dog with orange markings on the eyebrows, nose, cheeks, inside of the ears, beneath the tail, and orange freckles on the bottom portion of the legs, occasionally appears.
Brittanys are simple to maintain. Brush their coats once a week, and when required, give them a bath or use dry shampoo to keep them looking beautiful. They don’t lose a lot of weight. In particular if your Brittany has been out in rough or brushy terrain, check the ears once a week for symptoms of infection like redness or soreness as well as for foreign objects.
To get rid of tartar accumulation and the germs that live inside of it, brush your Brittany’s teeth at least twice or three times every week. Even better than twice-daily brushing is prevention of foul breath and gum disease.
Once or twice a month, or as necessary, trim your nails. They are too lengthy if you can hear them clicking on the floor. Short, well trimmed nails maintain the feet in good condition and prevent scratches on your shins when your Brittany leaps up to welcome you with enthusiasm.
When your Brittany is a puppy, start introducing the idea of being brushed and examined. Dogs are sensitive when it comes to their feet, so handle his paws regularly and examine his lips and ears. Lay the framework for simple veterinarian checks and other handling when he’s an adult by making grooming a rewarding experience full with praise and incentives.