The Brittany Spaniel originally was found in Breton. In a painting by Oudry in the early 1700s there is a portrait of a tail-less spaniel about the size and color of the Brittany that is pointing a partridge. The breed became popular with local poachers in the 1800s because of its agility and small size and its extraordinary ability to point and flush the birds, combined with a desire to retrieve and a willingness to work.
In modern times, the Brittany has become the most popular of the "pointing" breeds in the United States. It is extremely "birdy" and is tireless in the field. It will retrieve the birds also, which is not common with most of the pointers. The "Britt" also fits well into a household, being affectionate and friendly. He is a small dog with a love of the outdoors, being agile and compact he can fit into an urban household but needs to be well exercised. This is a dog whose first love is bird hunting and it is an independent dog. It loves nothing better than to work with its human master on a "partnership" basis to bring in the birds. There are many hunters who swear by this dog as being one of the best bird hunting dogs they have ever had, once they have had a "Britt" they will never switch their loyalties. This is a breed that has retained a strong hunting presence in both England and the United States and it is not uncommon for "dual championships" (championships in conformation and hunting trials) to be shown in the show ring.
The Brittany is a smaller dog, standing 17 to 20 inches in height, with finer bones than many of the larger pointers. The coat should be somewhat sparse and lying flat with some waviness, although the dogs shown in the ring have a fuller coat it is not necessarily part of the standard of the breed. The coat should not be so heavy as to catch the burdocks and weeds but rather thin enough and silky enough that the dog can travel through heavy underbrush with ease. Colors can be everything from orange and white to liver and white with orange and white being the most popular. Black is not allowed. The Brittany should be an athletic dog with the stride of the rear foot landing in the print of the front foot or beyond when moving. The tail is either short or bobbed.
In matters of temperament the Brittany is not overly aggressive and its behavior befits its function. It has never been used as a "guarding dog" but only as a "bird dog" and this is its first interest. It is friendly to humans but does not "crave" the human companionship as much as it craves the joy of the hunt. It is a willing worker and has a "soft" nature, it is a dog that is easy to train and does not need harsh discipline.
The Brittany Spaniel, a member of the Sporting Dog Group is a fantastic all around dog. Known as a hunter. They also have a great disposition and very friendly. Could a Brittany Spaniel be the right dog breed for you? Choosing the right breed dog is very important for you and for the dog. Here are the dog breed standards and other important information you should read prior to buying a new dog or puppy for your home.
History: Also referred to as the Epagneul Breton or Brittany Spaniel, this breed of dogs derives its name from the French province of Brittany from where it originated. The breed was primarily used to hunt woodcocks in France. Their numbers started declining sharply but due to the breeding programs of Arthur Enaud they have been successfully revived. The Brittany was introduced in the United States around 1925.
The type of work the breed does: The Brittany is extremely popular for its hunting capabilities as it is known to be an exceptional in pointing towards the catch. They are also ranked high as "friendly" watchdogs due to their sharp sense of sight and smell, but have developed into very good companion and family dogs.
Physical Representation: This breed is leggy, medium-sized and has a compact build. The color of the eyes which are either amber or hazel as well as the darkness of the nose are ascertained by the color of the coat. The skull is round and of medium length with the muzzle being ram-shaped and having a distinct stop. The ears are fringed and triangular in shape hanging in close proximity to the head. The tail is about four inches in length and can be naturally short or docked.
Personality and Temperament: The breed is very active, intelligent, loyal and obedient. They grasp every possible opportunity to please their owners. Being essentially good-natured, they take to children very easily. Moderate training is sufficient in order to instill a sense of duty and obedience in the Brittany. However, excessively harsh training or ill-treatment can make them timid or nervous. They have a reputation for developing a special attachment to one particular member of the household but do not undermine the authority of the other members. Early socializing can make them accept other pets and dogs readily.
Care: The Brittany does not require too much of grooming and minimal attention is adequate. Regular brushing of the coat will keep it in good condition. Trimming of the feet and hocks will prevent the unwanted accumulation of foreign substances but more intricate trimming is required for dogs to be presented in shows. Bathing, dry shampoo and clipping of the nails should be done as and when necessary. The ears should be checked when it has been exposed to brushy terrains. The Brittany is considered to be an average shedder.
Living environment: Known to be hyperactive at times, the Brittany requires a back yard and a considerable amount of physical exercise. They are known to be good apartment dwellers due to their small size but are best utilized in the country side when they have been assigned to do a particular job.
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