The French dog, Brittany or Brittany Spaniel (as it is known is some countries) looks a lot like Welsh Springer spaniel and that is why some people still believe that they are somehow related. Brittany is a very popular pointing breed for bird hunting.
Physical Traits
Area of Origin: France
Used for: Companion, bird hunting
Average Life Span: 12-15 years
Color: Liver and white, orange and white, liver tricolor, black tricolor or black and white
Coat: Lightly feathered, dense, flat or wavy
Average Height: 17-21 inches
Average Weight: 34-40 pounds
Group: Gun dog
History and Domestication
Brittany was named after the French province of Brittany and was a result of crossing between the Orange and white Setter with some unidentified French dog. Also this dog resembles Welsh springer spaniel; people think there is some sort of connection between the two. This is one of the most popular breeds for bird hunting. In some countries the breed is known as “Brittany Spaniel”, however in the US it is just known as “Brittany”.
Standard Physical Characteristics
Brittany is medium-sized, hearty, leggy dog. It has a medium-sized, wedge-shaped rounded head with a slightly sloping stop. It has a medium length muzzle. The nose comes in a variety of colors such as fawn, deep pink, brown or tan depending on the color of the coat. Even eye color depends on coat color and can be dark brown, amber or hazel. The ears are triangular and set high. It has small feet with thick pads and well-arched toes. The coat is slightly feathered, flat and dense.
Care, Grooming and Health
Its flat coat is all that needs to be groomed to keep Brittany in good condition. Brush regularly and bathe only when necessary. This is a low-maintenance dog but it does require trimming time to time especially if you plan to show it. Check is ears specifically if it has been out in bushy or through terrain. Brittany is a light shedder.
This breed loves and needs extensive exercise and has a great stamina to match its exercise needs. They need active owners and need to be taken or jog and long daily brisk walks. They are prone to seizures, hip dyslexia and breast cancer.
Living Conditions
This breed is very active indoors and needs acreage. They are also not suited for apartment life. Brittany is also resistant to damp and cold weather.
Temperament
Brittanys are easy to handle, trainable and intelligent dogs. They are gentle, loving, obedient and always willing to please. The vigorous breed is very active, happy and alert and a very enthusiastic hunter. Those who do not get enough exercise will get unstable and hyperactive. They need calm, firm and consistent trainers. They need to be socialized extensively while they are puppies to avoid timidity later. Because of their hunting instincts, they love to roam and can adapt to all types of terrain. They will be good with children if they are raised together at an early stage.
