The Brittany or Brittany Spaniel is an active, playful and energetic dog. Often referred to simply as the ‘Brit’ in the United States, this breed has a keen sense of smell. Unlike the rest of the spaniel dog breeds, it makes an excellent pointing bird dog. Originating from the picturesque landscapes of Brittany, France, this dog has boundless energy and is known for its intelligence.
Brittanys are members of the American Kennel Club (AKC) Sporting Dog Group.
Characteristics and Appearance
The Brittany has longer legs and a shorter coat then most spaniels. They are distinguished by an athletic stature, medium size, and expressive eyes that reflect a keen intelligence and eagerness. The coat is often lightly feathered and typically consists of shades of dark-orange and white, or liver and white. Perhaps its most notable physical would be its tail, which is either naturally short or docked to less than 4 inches.
Brittanys usually stand between 17.5 inches to 20.5 inches tall at shoulder height and weigh from 30 to 45 pounds. The males tend to be slightly larger than the females in both height and weight. Males can be a contradictive mix of both hyperactivity and laziness, but make loving house companions. Females tend to be better workers, more focussed on tasks and make for better hunting dogs.
This breed’s lively gait and alert demeanor underscore its hunting heritage and adaptability to various terrains and conditions.
History of The Brittany
This hunting or gun dog likely originated in Brittany, France, but the breed has been pictured in 17th century Dutch paintings as well as those from France. Brits made terrific hunting dogs and especially good pointing bird dogs.
These spaniels were first exported to the U.S. in 1931. In most countries in the world, Brits are referred to as Brittany Spaniels. In the U.S., perhaps out of respect for its hunting prowess, the spaniel has been dropped and the breed is simply referred to as Brittany or Brit.
The Brittany was ranked 30th out of 154 dog breeds registered with the AKC in 2005.
Temperament of The Brittany
The Brit is energetic, playful, curious and busy. This highly intelligent breed is loyal, obedient and easy to train. If the Brittany is socialized early when it is a puppy, then it is very good with children and with other pets.
This breed is a very active and enthusiastic hunter, the females more so than the males. Brits really need plenty of exercise, especially during the first two years, or they can become destructive. They are quite versatile, and with good training can be excellent family dogs. The Brittany make good watch dogs and are suitable for most homes, including novice dog owners.
Training and Exercise
Brits need lots of daily exercise (runs not walks), especially during the first few years. This breed can adapt to apartment living if it gets twice-a-day long runs. However these spaniels would prefer a fenced backyard.
Training a Brittany can be a lot of fun, thanks to the breed’s intelligence and desire to please. Early training and socialization is a great opportunity for form a very rewarding bond. They respond well to positive reinforcement techniques and enjoy the mental stimulation that training provides.
Early socialization and obedience training are key to bringing out the Brittany’s natural abilities and ensuring they develop into well-behaved adult dogs. Given their hunting background, they naturally excel in activities that tap into their tracking and retrieving instincts. Field trials and agility sports are great examples of activities that Brit’s can be particularly good at.
Grooming
In terms of grooming, Brittany’s are relatively low-maintenance. Their medium-length coat requires regular brushing to remove loose hair and prevent matting, particularly in the feathered areas. They need minimal grooming beyond that though.
Bathing should be done as needed, depending on the dog’s activity level and exposure to the outdoors. Regular ear checks are important to prevent infections, especially given the Brittany’s active lifestyle. Nail trimming and dental care are also essential to maintain the Brittany’s overall health and comfort.
Health Considerations and Known Issues
Brittanys are generally healthy and robust, with a life expectancy of around 12 years. They do have a predisposition to certain health conditions though. The most common of these include:
- Hip dysplasia,
- Epilepsy
- Eye disorders such as glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy and lens luxation.
Regular veterinary check-ups, along with proactive monitoring for signs of these conditions, are good practice for anyone that takes one of these dogs on board.
Prospective Brittany owners should also inquire about the health screenings of breeding parents. Such as Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) certification test results for hip dysplasia, or Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) ophthalmologists reports for eye disorders.
Family Compatibility
Brits are known for their friendly, affectionate nature, making them excellent family pets. They thrive in environments where they can be active participants in family activities. They are playful and curious in nature, making them great companions for children, but they need to be trained well and early. Their energy levels are best suited for families that can provide ample exercise and engagement. They are usually sociable with other pets, especially when socialized from an early age.