When we are in new, unfamiliar environments I will often keep her on lead as a precaution. Since adopting her and networking with other owners of the breed, it is safe to say that I have fallen head over heels in love. Brittany Spaniel Dogs are high energy couch potatoes, 8. Just make sure you've mastered a heel or recall command if you're in an area where they're allowed to go off-leash. The Brittany is a high-energy dog who will need daily exercise. Weekly brushing and a bath or dry shampoo when necessary would keep your Brittany looking good. The Irish Doodle Your Ultimate Breed Review Full of energy and eager to please, the Brittany is a medium-sized breed that delights in all kinds of outdoor adventures with their owners. As with many energetic breeds, if left on its own too often the Brittany may become bored and can be prone to barking, roaming, or other destructive behavior. At the same time, dog shows were growing in popularity in Britain and France, and, as it turned out, the Brittany was as natural in the ring as in the field. A weekly brushing will help you control that shedding, although you may also want to give them a quick once-over after they've gone springing through the bushes to check for ticks, burrs, mats, and any cuts or abrasions they may have gotten. They love to plays so keep the dogs active! The Pitbull Poodle Mix Your Guide to the Boodle Schipperkes (pronounced SKIP-per-key) are small dogs weighing 12 to 16 pounds (five to seven kilograms). And the thing that makes them happiest is to be included in whatever activity their owners are doing.". As with all dogs, we always recommend making sure that you introduce children and dogs carefully and make sure that any children spending time with your dog interact kindly and gently, giving them space when needed. Lots of Brittanys take part in agility and flyball too. Avoid jerking them around, or being harsh during training. Exercise Requirements: >40 minutes/day Energy Level: Very energetic Longevity Range: 12-13 yrs. Also, you should keep them occupied if you ever want them to always learn. They have dense and wavy fur that is not really curly or silky, just flat. The English cocker spaniel is cheerful, playful and thrives on companionship and being part of the family. Young children should always be supervised when playing with any dog, regardless of size or breed. Find more dog breeds and dog care information at Hillspet.com. The coat comes in a variety of colors-orange and white, liver and white, black and white, and some tri-color. Bathe them only when dirty, trim their nails as needed (if you hear them click-clacking on the floor, that's a cue their nails are too long), and brush their teeth regularly. Check her regularly for ticks, burrs, mats, and any cuts or abrasions she may have gotten on her adventures. We always recommend keeping an eye on their ears. Consistency, positive reinforcement, and a gentle approach are vital when working with this emotional breed, as even a few harsh words can shatter their spirits. Because of their long legs and excitable personality, they can accidentally knock over smaller family members as they bound around. Annie has a lovely, long and feathery tail. Left: Brittanys enjoy a good romp through the snow, but because their coat isn't the thickest, they shouldn't be left outside for long periods of time. And though they love to be on the move, always keep watch for telltale signs your Brittany is getting a little too much exercise. The Brittany life expectancy is around 12-14 years, and they're a relatively healthy dog with only a few breed-specific health concerns to consider, says Dr. Holly Weber, DVM, CVA, of Best Friends Animal Clinic in Sarasota, Fla. "Major disease predispositions for the Brittany include hip dysplasia, which is, unfortunately, a common finding in most sporting breeds," Weber says. The English cocker spaniel is slightly taller than long. An independent, strong-willed dog, the Afghan can be downright standoffish, but also quiet and clownish when the mood strikes. Roans and tricolours are also often seen. The Vizsla Weimaraner Mix Your Ultimate Breed Information Guide Also, you can brush your Brittanys teeth at least two times a week to prevent bacteria from lurking inside. Where relevant and helpful to the reader, we may link to products. Irresponsible breeders and puppy farms perpetuate cruel conditions for mothers and their pups, further genetic health problems and poorly socialised, and often, sick puppies. Annie loves to snuggle with her people, even stopping for a cuddle when enjoying some beach fun! They are basically two types of Brittany dogs: the American Brittany and the French Brittany with the American variety being generally larger in size than their French counterparts. A little bit of Brittany Spaniel history, 2. Leggy and agile, the Brittany is a muscular, medium-sized, happy dog that ranges from 3040 pounds. As long as they get enough exercise, they are usually quiet and settled when in the home and love nothing better than stretching out on the sofa for a snooze. Exercises would always make them stay happy, feel less bored, and help improve their mental stimulation. The best food to feed your Brittany pet is dog food high with animal protein, while meal time should be observed twice a day for adult Brittanys, three times a day for young Brittanys and up to four times a day for growing puppies. PennHIP is also considered a good certification option. This enthusiasm, along with their big brains, joyful disposition, and a willingness to please, makes training a treat for dog and human alike. When I adopted Annie, she had experienced a bad start in life in Spain and was very nervous of people. Therefore, they need ample daily exercise daily; otherwise, they become mischievous or high-strung. Bred as gundogs, they're often used as hunting companions. The color black is one of the big differences between the breed standard in the U.S. and Canada compared to all other countries. Some Brittany puppies are born with long tails, while others only have little nubs. Annie has travelled across Europe with me and has proven to be an adaptable, fun loving travel companion that I wouldnt want to be without! Helps keep immune system, joints, heart & kidneys healthy. bodies and brains need serious stimulation, local French sportsmen began crossing their spaniels with English setters, Although the Brittany has never won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club. They tend to respond positively and offer a great level of companionship when they are aware of your love for them. Their gorgeous coat, which can be either flat or wavy, comes in eye-catching white and orange or white and liver. Brittany coats are for more than good looksa little feathering on their ears and legs gives them just enough fur to protect them when they're working, but not enough to get tangled or caught in branches. Brittanys thrive when given a job to do, whether that's working as a bird dog or turning heads in dog sports. They may not be ready to beat you in a game of chess, but these brainy dogs are easy to train and generally eager to please you. Used to working in the field, they LOVE being out exploring on walks. The breed was officially recognized in France as the "Epagneul Breton," or Brittany spaniel, in 1907. Regular visits to your veterinarian can help you stay on top of these and other health conditions. Despite all of this she is the most loving and sweet dog you could ever wish for. As always though, we like to remind owners not to clean out the ear canal with a cotton bud. Whilst they are referred to as a Spaniel, it is widely suggested that their breed traits are more similar to a Pointer/Setter. You know they can hunt, but is a Brittany spaniel a good family dog? That being said, room to roam isn't all you need. You should also keep such food away from the reach of your pets. Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. At the end of the day, they love to curl up and watch TV with the family, but they want to have done something during the daywith you." 1. Promotes healthy brain, eye, muscle & immune system development. They are the smallest of the breeds known as the versatile gun dogs. Like many Spaniels, Brittanys are generally a foody breed. Unsurprisingly, the breed originates from France and they are a working breed that is still, to this day, used for hunting and retrieving. Annie came from a Perrera (animal shelter) in Spain after she had been abused and abandoned by her hunter owner. Some lines are not usually affected, but below are some of the common diseases which the Brittany dogs are prone to. This hunting dog is a medium-sizeddog and is usually very leggy. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive regular updates, .wp-show-posts-columns#wpsp-13583 {margin-left: -2em; }.wp-show-posts-columns#wpsp-13583 .wp-show-posts-inner {margin: 0 0 2em 2em; } In Europe, there are, sadly, an awful lot of beautiful Brittany Spaniels in shelters. As we always say, every dog is different and they dont always comply to what is generally expected of a breed, but we love the gentle and friendly nature of most Bretons. They are not very big dogs, but they do know how to play a lot. They are smart, active, agile and easy to train ESA doggie companions. Get the dog moms and dads in your life something unique this year. When first letting them off lead, we would always recommend doing this in a secure space and working on getting a reliable recall in this space before moving onto more open areas. Ensure you check with your veterinarian to know which human food your hunting dog could possibly be allergic to and avoid having these foods in your dog's diet. Of all the Spaniels, they are probably one of the least well known and there are LOTS of them in rescue in Europe. Tail docking is no longer legal in the UK though. Annies recall, whilst I have worked hard on it, can be a little shaky if there is a squirrel or low flying bird around. They are point and retrieve dogs rather than flushing dogs, like other Spaniels. Legend has it that the first ancestor of the modern Brittany was bred about the mid-1800s in a town in the Valley of Douron. We agree with this decision as sometimes the docking has been done improperly, causing pain and injuries. Historically, Brittany dogs were bred as gun dogs. This is often easiest to achieve in a home with access to a large, securely fenced-in yard or lots of land where your perky pet can cover some ground all year round. Find more dog breeds and dog care information at Hillspet.com. Brittany spaniel dog stands on point in water, Medium shot of brittany spaniel wearing a rust-colored bandana, Two brittany spaniel puppies play in grass with dog toy, Close up portrait of black and white brittany spaniel, | Credit: Arman Werth Photography / Getty, Brittany spaniel stands in middle of road, Brittany spaniel stands on point in grass, Credit: Oszkr Dniel Gti / Adobe Stock. If you plan to do this, we always recommend you do LOTS of research and pick a top notch and responsible breeder where you can see mum and her pups together in a well-adjusted, home environment. Their friendly demeanor also make them outstanding therapy dogs, and when it comes to obedience, they're champs. Brittanys can be exceptional running buddies, and if you're not a runner bringing your Brittany along as you bike or hike will give her a chance to stretch those long legs. Today, they're still faithful and steadfast hunting dogs. Annie LOVES Cani-cross (cross country with your dog on a running harness). Although they are commonly affected by several diseases, it is important you know about them if you are considering this breed of dogs. You want to keep their ears as dry and as clean as possible. The breed is one of the most popular pointing breeds for bird hunting. She does shed a lot more than my Cocker Spaniels, so a good hoover is recommended! Life with a Brittany is never dull. The Brittany is a compact dog of medium build. Their not-too-large size is also tied to a mischievous past: They were used by poachers to illegally hunt pheasants and other game. The breed we recognize today, though, really began showing up in the mid-1800s, when local French sportsmen began crossing their spaniels with English setters, resulting in a bob-tailed dog that pointed and retrieved quickly and obediently. "Many people think that because they have a fenced backyard, their dog will self-exercise; most do not," Hanson says. Which Type of Dog Fence Is Right For Your Pet? The Husky Poodle Mix Your ultimate breed information guide Usually bred for their hunting prowess, the adult dog is curious, aristocratic, and charming in appearance. The nails of Brittany dogs have a tendency to grow long and unruly if left untrimmed.
things to know about brittany spaniels