So, remember to keep the French Brittany on a leash in public. Its medium stature and the fact that it is not an excessive barker, also make it a potential apartment-sized breed. The American Brittany is believed to come from pure Brittany stock crossed with English breeds like the Welsh Springer Spaniel, while the French Brittany is a product solely of France. Both are the same breed, but with a very subtle difference. Today, both breeds are celebrated around the world as successful show dogs, hunters and companions. Learn All About the Lovable English Cocker Spaniel, Learn About the Eager-to-Please American Water Spaniel, Learn About the Energetic and Hardworking Pointer, Learn About the Energetic English Springer Spaniel, Learn About the Rare and Devoted Stabyhoun, Learn About the Active, Friendly Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, Learn All About the Welsh Springer Spaniel, Learn All About the Cheerful Norwegian Buhund, Learn About the Athletic Weimaraner Dog Breed. American Brittany dogs are slightly taller and faster than the French Brittany. The American Kennel Club reclassified them in 1984, omitting the Spaniel from their name as they have more in common with Setters, which are pointing dogs. There's a lot you need to know to make things go smoothly with your new friend. Are German Shorthaired Pointers Dangerous? Like the Labrador Retriever, it can switch easily from high-energy outdoors to relaxed indoors. National Brittany Rescue & Adoption Network (NBRAN). They were only officially recognized as a new breed early in the 20th century. This athletic and nicely sized dog is ideal for people with active lifestyles, whether going for hikes or playing vigorous games of fetch. The Brittany dog came to the United States in 1931 and, since then, they have also become popular family dogs because of their accommodating size and affectionate, friendly personality. The Brittany dog, originally thought to be the family of the flushing Spaniels, is proven to be more closely related to the Pointers and Setters. The Brittany is a breed that requires a great deal of exercise, but one that will enjoy every active moment with its family. Pointing dogs usually travel a little or far out of the hunters shotgun range. When determining if the Brittany is the right dog for you, be sure to research all aspects of the breed and consult other Brittany owners, breeders, and rescue groups to learn more. The Brittany, named for the French province where it originated, was bred to be a versatile, all-around bird dog. The hunter needs to know their dogs signals and be ready to take the shot when it is onto a bird. Some Brittany owners choose to take their pet to a groomer to have the hair trimmed from around the neck, ears, and sometimes the pasterns to give the dog a sleeker silhouette. The French Brittany can live as long as 12 years with relatively few health concerns. Brittanys are an excellent choice for people who are new to the sport of hunting because they have a keen hunting instinct that will only be enhanced with proper training. TheBrittanyis a gundogbred for birdhunting. The breeds coat color varies to include either orange and white, or liver and white coat (most common in the American Brittany). They work to chase birds into the air for the hunter to shoot. Easy to groom, just brush its coat several times per week, and clean its ears regularly to prevent infection. The Brittany breed has a kind and friendly disposition and is eager to please its humans. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. Most pointing dogs will re-point after finding and downed birds and usually chase down injured birds (cripples). It is also good to pay attention to dental hygiene and brush your dog's teeth two to three times per week. The Brittany is more than a one-trick pony. A versatile sporting dog, the Brittany also makes an intelligent, affectionate, and playful pet for a family, while also eager and tireless out in the field. Brittanys are lightning quick and often make other fit HPRs look sluggish. When well-socialized, most of these dogs will become gentle and peaceful with both people and other animals. They were officially recognized as a breed in 1907. If you are not a hunter and wont be hunting with your Brittany, maybe consider other dog sports like agility, flyball, or dock jumping to keep them stimulated and as a release for all their energy. Let Dogster answer all of your most baffling canine questions! You may hear breeders refer to Brittany dogs as either American or French. The breed is a bit more prone to some genetic health issues, including: The Brittany will perform well with any high-quality dog food but will thrive on a higher-protein diet. Brittanys have naturally short tails, but on scarce occasions, they are born with long tails. Required fields are marked *. It is very easy to care for. Be sure to check out these otherdog breeds: Theres a whole world of potential dog breeds out therewith a little research, you can find the right one to bring home! American Brittanys are slightly bigger at 17.520.5 inches (4452cm) at the withers. It shouldnt be left alone inside or out for long stretches of time. Brittanys are compact and solidly built without losing their athleticism. Not the best watchdog, it is quite welcoming to new people. The American Brittany Standard includes an acceptable tri-color of orange, liver, and white with precise color placement. When the dog finds a bird, he locks up and points at it while the hunter walks in to flush it out. They have medium-sized heads with triangular, floppy ears and often wear a look on their faces that makes you wonder what they are scheming. They are best suited to open country when game is scarce and requires a good amount of work to find.They are sensitive to harsh correction and are more responsive to positive reward methods of training. Your email address will not be published. The Brittany shares the genes and behavioral characteristics of the Pointing breeds and is most likely to point at a hidden bird rather than flush it out. The Brittany is the smaller of the HPR (Hunting, Pointing, and Retrieving) dogs, but still has a bigger dogs energy and determination. Is a Brittany a good choice for a first-time dog owner? Special Behavioral Problems in Small Dog Breeds. A happy and alert dog, the Brittany is a rugged, high-energy breed that will require daily exercise. Fortunately, the breed is smart and eager to please, so the dogs arent particularly difficult to train. A neglected French Brittany might dig up the garden, chew furniture or get into other kinds of trouble. Whether tracking a critter through the woods or playing in the back yard with children, the French Brittany is focused and friendly. Choosing a new puppy is an exciting adventure but choosing the wrong dog is a mistake that will haunt you for many years. French Brittanys range between 1720.5 inches (4352cm). It loves gamesespecially retrieving gamesis eager to please and easy to train. Brittanys can cover a lot of ground thanks to their speed and agility. The French Kennel Club (Socit Centrale Canine) also accepts black coats in their breed standards. The Brittany is generally a healthy breed. They are most content when hunting at a gallop, often at a substantial distance from their hunting sportsmen. With sloping shoulders and excellent poise, the French Brittany exhibits toughness and agility. Although Brittanys resemble spaniels, the dog actually has more of the working characteristics of a pointer or setter. They are often mistakenly referred to as theBrittany Spaniel, although they are not genetically closely related to Spaniels. Adolescents can be particularly prone to submissive urination, so they may have an accident when becoming over-excited or intimidated, such as when an adult is standing over them or reaching over to pet them. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Stay informed! Other acceptable colors in the breed standard include orange roan and liver roan. Brittanys are named after the province, Brittany, in France, where the breed was developed between the 17th and 19th centuries. The smallest of the Pointers, the French Brittany has a square-built, slightly cobby frameshorter than the American Brittanycovered in a fine, lightly feathered coat. The Brittany is a medium-sized sporting breed developed in France with a dense white and orange coat. A well-trained Brittany is a controlled and graceful hunter, responsive to the whistle and dependable on point. To find Brittanys available near you, visit these resources: Prone to genetic health issues, specifically hip dysplasia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brittany_(dog), https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/8-fun-facts-about-brittanys/, https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/brittany#/slide/1, https://www.quora.com/Is-the-Brittany-Spaniel-a-good-pointer-and-flusher, https://www.gundogmag.com/editorial/gundog_breeds_gd_brittany_0910/175749, https://www.pheasantsforever.org/hunt/bird-dog-breeds.aspx, https://www.thefield.co.uk/gundogs/brittany-spaniel-brittany-endears-36910. The practice of docking tails is still applied to Brittanys. 2016 Reader Survey Sweepstakes Official Rules, Dogster Magazine Subscription Maintenance, Editors Choice Awards 2022 Dogster Approved. The breed is not rare, either, which means you may be able to find a puppy or rescue relatively easily. Flushing dogs usually work the cover within shotgun range, close to the hunter. Expect to pay about $500 to $1,000 for a Brittany pup depending on its lineage. A puppy will do well with three to four meals a day, but stick to two meals a day for an adult Brittany. When heading out on a hunt with your trusty gundog by your side, you need to mirror each others movements and almost know beyond doubt what your partner will do in every possible scenario. A sensitive dog with a softer temperament, the Brittany responds best to gentle, calm training. This trait is highly sought after by falconers, who prefer a dog that will not instinctively try to recover your Goshawk. Although they look like spaniels, Brittanys are true HPR. Today, two types of Brittany exist: The American Brittany (often called the Brittany, for short) and the French Brittany (or, the Epagneul Breton). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A website dedicated to all things bird dogs. Get tips and exclusive deals. Brittanys lock-on game and will retrieve both on land and in the water if trained to do so. Are Brittany dogs good for apartment living? And it loves to wander. Irish Setters (Red and White, and the Red). Bird dog lovers and families alike appreciate the softness of the Brittanys face and its high-set ears, as well as its high energy level and eagerness to please. A healthy Brittany maintains a weight between 30 and 45 pounds (1420kg), depending on height. A Brittany craves companionship, so it's susceptible to separation anxiety when left alone for more than a few hours. Therefore, the American Kennel Club dropped the word spaniel from this pointing breeds name in 1982. The Brittany Spaniel has been bred as, Read More Can Brittany Spaniels Duck Hunt?Continue. Besides basic grooming needs, the Brittany dogs wash-and-wear coat will need just a weekly brushing to control shedding and other basic grooming. Its tail is either very short or non-existent, and its flat coat can come in orange & white, liver & white, black & white and other combinations. Bred as a stylishbird-hunting dogthe Brittany is an agile gundog enjoyed on both sides of the Atlantic. If your Brittany has a lot of white on its coat, opt for a dog coat whitening shampoo. They are very intelligent and sensitive dogs that love to work alongside their humans. Your email address will not be published. Is there a difference between the American Brittany and French Brittany? Today, we have two variations; the French Brittanys, which are used for hunting upland birds and rabbits, and the American Brittanys, which hunt almost exclusively for upland birds. And when guests come over, it knows how to mind its manners. Thoughfew records were kept on this breed, its believed that the dogs that contributed to the Brittanys development were the English setter, Welsh springer spaniel, and possibly some other French spaniel breeds. If you are willing to exercise your Brittany, it is a great choice for a first-time dog owner. The French Brittany is quick witted and loyal, quickly learning commands and instructions. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Brittany dogs earned their name because they were developed in the Brittany province of France between the 17th and 19th centuries. Overall, the French Brittany is a great hunter and an affectionate family dog. Brittanys are not always keen to retrieve downed birds, which stems from their French ancestors who worked with laidback hunters who did not ask the dogs to retrieve. The breed is loving, intelligent, requires low-maintenance grooming, and is easy to train. Retrieving comes naturally to many flushing dogs, and they are easily trained to bring birds back. Like most breeds, the Brittany needs proper training and socialization. Remember that this canine has powerful hunting instincts. Brittany dogs are somewhat low-cost, even if you work with a breeder. Brittany Spaniels, Read More Are Brittany Spaniels Good Family Dogs?Continue, Watching Brittany Spaniels splash around in puddles of water is sure to make anyone grin; however, are they eternal shallow water waders, or are they,, Read More Are Brittany Spaniels Water Dogs?Continue, The argument for specialist versus all-round hunting dogs remains unresolved as the answer lies in the hunters goals. The French Brittany is a people-oriented dog. A pointing breed that was designed to become a versatile gundog, the Brittany was adept at both pointing and retrieving, which made these dogs well-suited to working in an array of country environments. Brittanys are working dogs and need to do just that! Some Brittany dogs may be timid, submissive, and have a tendency to whine, so early socialization will help them develop a confident, easygoing temperament. Whats the Difference Between F1 vs F1B Goldendoodles? Due to their high levels of activity while playing or working outdoors, Brittany dogs may need to be treated for physical injuries, such as lacerations, broken bones, or ligament tears. Some Brittany dogs become anxious, which they will also express by chewing and barking. These dogs are not likely to do well in tense, stressful home environments or situations. Its rounded head has a tapered muzzle, short triangular ears that hang close and dark, deeply set eyes have an inquisitive and alert expression. They have skin and a coat made to resist scratches and tears in thick cover and are generally tough and hardy little dogs. The ideal tail length is between 3-10 centimeters (1.2 3.9 inches). However, a Brittany may be available at local pet shelters or dog foster groups within your area. They need lots of space to run and play and need a good hour of exercise each day to keep them from getting bored and developing bad habits. If the Brittany dog does not receive ample exercise, it is likely to develop behavioral issues, such as barking, hyperactivity, and destructive chewing. As an especially active breed, they may require more water than the average dog. If you can adequately exercise a Brittany, then it could be a good choice for apartment life. The Brittany is a cooperative pointing dog with natural hunting instincts and some retrieving ability. The French Brittany gets along with everyone in the family, including children and other dogs. Exercise can include frequent outdoor adventures or extra long walks every day that add up to an hour or more. Like the Golden Retriever, it can be a gentle, calm and polite member of the household. Pointing dogs arent natural retrievers, but they are intelligent and can be trained to retrieve the bird. This issue can also be corrected with time and training. Lets flush out some more facts about these clever dogs. Some hunters like to keep their pointer within shotgun range in case of unplanned flushes of frightened birds. The Brittanys skills as a bird dog soon made the breed in demand by hunters in other countries. Some bird dogs are incredibly versatile and will to some degree, perform the role of flusher and pointer, but there are a few breeds that are complete naturals at the job they were bred to do. If your family is active and willing to put in the work with this little firecracker, then get ready for a fun, happy, hard-working, and totally loveable dog. Her work can also be found in Whole Dog Journal,Health,Dogster,Catster, andAnimal Sheltering. They usually integrate well with other pets and children, but have incredibly high energy that could cause them to hurt a small child accidentally. If you choose a Brittany to use for hunting, youll find that he is a natural pointer with a closer working range than other HPRs. Jennifer Lesser is a pet health and wellness expert and writer with over a decade of experience covering pet behavior, health, and news. When out on a hike, in a park or out in the countryside, squirrels and other critters can easily distract it. If you are starting the hunting journey with a Brittany dog or adding a different skillset to your existing pack, you will need to know if the Brittanys are pointers or flushers. We 've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to it... To chase birds into the air for the hunter to shoot in 1907 compact and solidly built losing. Available near you, visit these resources: Prone to genetic health issues specifically..., whether going for hikes or playing in the Brittany is a mistake that will haunt for... The American Brittany and French Brittany is a rugged, high-energy breed that requires a choice! When the dog finds a bird by hunters in other countries go in to flush it out been as... 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