Brittany Breed Caring and Family, Social Life, Physical Traits, Diet Info

Named after the northwestern French region in which it was first developed, the Brittany is a sturdy and robust hunting dog specializing in fowl types, including ducks, woodcocks, partridges, and pheasants. It originated between the 17th and 19th centuries, perhaps first used by peasants and poachers in France. 

The breed was once called the Brittany spaniel. However, since this dog is a pointer and does not flush out the game like a spaniel, the full name was eventually shortened in 1982 to its more proper form. Today, it is considered an all-around versatile dog: good in the field, good in the show ring, and good at home as a loving companion.

Adult Brittanies stand 14 to 21 inches tall and weigh between 30 and 40 pounds. The Brittanies’ expected lifespan is 12 to 15 years, and the females give birth to 1 to 11 puppies per litter. Brittanies are known by several names, including Epagneul Breton, Brittany Spaniel, America Brittany, and Brittany Wiegref.

What are the Breed Traits and Characteristics of Brittanies?

The Brittany dog is friendly and eager to please. Brittanies hunt more like Setters due to their pointing ability and are higher on their legs than other Spaniels. The Brittany does not require a heavy hand in training, and in fact, they may quit if the discipline is too stern.

A gentle hand can accomplish much more. Brittanies seek human attention, making them easier to train than other hunting breeds. They make close working hunting dogs, fine companions, and family pets.

Are Brittanies Good Family Dogs?

Brittany dogs need a home where they’ll get lots of love and exercise. They need a house with a fenced backyard where they can safely run around and stretch their legs during a rousing game of fetch. Therefore, Brittanies aren’t ideal for smaller places like apartments.

The Brittany breed is an exceptional family dog who loves kids. However, you’ll want to supervise them around smaller kids and babies. Your pup may accidentally knock a tot over in their enthusiasm. Brittanies get along great with other dogs in the home, and they can get along with cats if raised together from puppyhood. But they do have strong hunting instincts, and they will chase small animals.

If you’re lucky enough to work from home, you might be your Brittany pup’s favorite person. When you have to be gone for long, schedule time at doggy daycare or arrange for a neighbor or pet sitter to come by and play with your pup. If you travel a lot, this may not be the dog for you; they will miss you way too much.

How Does the Brittany Interact with Other Dogs?

Brittanies are open to friendships with other dogs. However, they are a bit shy when it comes to the owners of other dogs. Socialization and frequent trips to a dog park where your Brittany is exposed to many dogs and their owners may help to reduce that shyness. 

Exposure to different social settings with walks in the park, visits with other people, and interactions with other dogs may help break down their natural shyness around strangers. Socialization from a young age can help Brittanies feel more comfortable in the presence of strange dogs.

How are Brittanies with Older People?

Most seniors will find that a Brittany fits perfectly into their golden years’ lifestyle even though a few potential problems could arise. However, Brittanies are very active and need long, vigorous walks, which might challenge older dog owners. Their high energy levels make small apartments unsuitable for Brittanies, but fenced-in outdoor spaces or play areas can solve that problem.

Seniors who can’t take their Brittanies for walks can hire dog walkers to ensure their furry friends get the necessary exercise. Likewise, groomers are available to take care of Brittany’s brushing, ear cleaning, nail clipping, and occasional bathing.

How are Brittanies with Children?

Brittanies are happy, affectionate dogs who enjoy the company of kids. However, they may accidentally knock over small children during play because of the breed’s exuberance. Attentive training and supervision can prevent mishaps.

Early socialization of the Brittany and the children could prevent unpleasant incidents when the Brittany feels threatened and needs to protect itself. Therefore, children who are not yet old enough to learn how to interact with dogs should not be left in the company of any dog without adult supervision.

How are Brittanies with Neighbors or Guests?

Brittanies are friendly dogs who love just about everybody. They might be a bit withdrawn when they encounter strangers. Still, if the neighbors or other guests are frequent visitors, the Brittanies will likely welcome them as members of their pack.

What are the Physical Traits of the Brittany?

In terms of its physical attributes, the Brittany is characterized by floppy ears, a short bobbed tail, and featherings around the ears and legs. It also has a flat or wavy coat of fur colored orange and white or liver and white. Brittanies are compact dogs with well-muscled frames and long legs.

They are known for their ruggedness and agility, which make them ideal dogs for the challenging terrain, changing weather conditions, and physical requirements of long days spent hunting. Brittanies can be without tails or have tails up to four inches long. They are alert and eager, with the intelligent, soft eyes essential in bird dogs. 

The Brittany’s physical traits are summarized in the table below. 

** Docking tails is illegal in most of Europe.

How to Feed a Brittany?

Your dog’s adult size determines its dietary needs through all life stages. Thus, base your Brittany’s diet on a medium breed’s unique nutritional and digestive needs throughout its different life stages. Brittanies fall in the medium-sized breed class, and most dog food companies have breed-specific formulas for small, medium, large, giant, and even toy breeds. 

It is always good to discuss your dog’s dietary needs with your vet to prepare you to deal with age-related issues as your Brittany grows. A veterinarian can advise on diets, portion sizes, meal frequencies, and all nutrition matters to ensure your furry friend lives a long life with optimal health. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times, and some of the essential nutrients are listed below:

• Protein
• Fatty acids
• Carbohydrates
• Minerals
• Vitamins

Avoid feeding your Brittany from the table; all it does is add weight. Instead, follow the advice below to ensure your furry friend’s optimal health.

The Brittany is an active, athletic breed type, needing food that contains animal proteins and carbohydrates for energy, vitamins, and minerals for digestive and immune health, and omega fatty acids for coat and skin wellness. A dog of this size, activity level, and demeanor will thrive best on premium dry food because this food type contains balanced portions of the above-listed ingredients.

Your Brittany’s daily food portion depends on life stage, health, metabolism, activity level, and the brand and formula of food it eats. For example, suppose you hunt with your Brittany, who weighs about 35 pounds, doing moderate fieldwork. In that case, you might need to feed your Brittany somewhere around 1673 calories per day. 

Feed your Brittany a food formulated for active and medium to large working dog breeds. Choose the appropriate recipe for puppies, adults, or seniors, or look for a brand developed for all life stages. Feeding Brittanies several meals instead of one meal per day can prevent life-threatening bloat. Fresh drinking water must always be available for your furry friend. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian. 

 An example of premium food for Brittanies and its benefits is listed below. 

The best dog food for adult Brittanies is Stella & Chewy’s Wild Red Classic Wholesome Grains Red Meat Dry Dog Food.

The high-protein content of this food comes from 83% quality meat sources. It contains less filler that may trigger those dramatic blood sugar fluctuations and leave your Brittany hungry for more food. There’s taurine for clear eyes, glucosamine for sturdy joints, and plenty of nervous system and immune system supporting omega 3s for wellness from the inside out.  

Below is a list of the benefits offered by Stella & Chewy’s Wild Red Classic Wholesome Grains Red Meat Recipe Dry Dog Food recipes in this range:

• Protein-Packed: With responsibly sourced real meat meal, containing almost 300% more protein than fresh meat, as the first ingredient, these recipes are packed with animal protein for strong, lean muscles in small breed dogs.
• Omegas 3 and 6: Naturally occurring omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids support skin and coat health.
• Antioxidants: Antioxidant-rich vegetables and fruits help support immune health.
• Probiotics: Guaranteed levels of live, natural probiotics are included to support your dog’s digestive health.
• Glucosamine: An Essential to promote the formation and maintenance of strong bones and joints since Brittanies are predisposed to hip dysplasia.

When Brittanies are healthy and active, every day is an adventure. Stella & Chewy’s Wild Red Classic Wholesome Grains Red Meat Recipe Dry Dog Food is crafted with everything dogs need to thrive, starting with real protein as the first ingredient.

How Much Should a Brittany Puppy Eat? 

Growing puppies consume more calories than adult dogs and so do young adult dogs. A young Brittany puppy, age 4-12 months and weighing 20 pounds, needs an estimated 733 calories per day. You always need to adjust your dog’s food intake based on his activity level and other factors.

It is essential not to feed puppies all their food at once, and they should have it spread over the day. When Brittany puppies become three months old, owners can provide them with three meals per day until they reach six months, reducing the food intake to 2 meals per day. Only high-quality and branded puppy food is acceptable. Guidance for feeding puppies is listed below.

• Brittany puppies need slow, sustained growth to help prevent orthopedic problems, such as hip dysplasia. Raise them on a diet designed for medium-breed puppies. Whatever diet you choose shouldn’t overemphasize protein, fat, and calorie levels.
• Brittanies should be fed according to a schedule, spreading meal times two or three times per day. Getting the puppy accustomed to meals at specific times is better than leaving food out to allow feeding throughout the day.
• The exceptions are Brittanies with medical conditions like hypoglycemia or low blood sugar because they need to nibble bits of food throughout the day.
• Never feed your puppy from the table. It only encourages begging. Everyone in the family must follow this rule.

What are the Health Tests that a Brittany Should Take?

The Board of Directors of the America Brittany Club, Inc recommends that Brittany breeders should have purebred puppies undergo the tests listed below as recommended by CHIC.

• OFA or PennHip evaluation for hip dysplasia

• An eye exam by boarded ACVO Ophthalmologist each year from 2-8 years of age.

• One of the following health exams submitted to OFA:

  • Cardiac evaluation or

  • Elbow dysplasia or

  • Patellar luxation or

  • Thyroid evaluation from an approved laboratory

Additional Tests: General health check, including heart, vaccines, fleas, and worms.

If a breeder tells you those tests are unnecessary because they’ve never had problems in their lines, and their dogs have been “vet checked,” you should go find a breeder who is more rigorous about genetic testing to ensure you buy a healthy puppy.

What are the common health problems of Brittanies?

Brittanies are widely recognized as a healthy and hardy breed. However, this breed is predisposed to several hereditary diseases and health problems. Even healthy Brittanies should have regular veterinarian checkups, and owners should ensure the following list of health conditions are monitored throughout the dog’s life.

• Obesity: Brittany dogs are active. When they don’t get enough exercise or too much food, it is a recipe for obesity. Your dog should have a trim, muscular form that tapers from the ribs to the hips. If your dog doesn’t have a defined waist, talk to your vet about how to lose weight and still get the nutrition they need.
• Hip Dysplasia is a deformation that occurs and develops as Brittany puppies grow. It is caused by loose joints that prevent the ball part of one bone from sliding smoothly in the socket of the other joint bone. Instead, it grinds and rubs in the joint, causing painful wear and tear damage as the Brittany ages.
• Elbow Dysplasia: When the growth of the elbow is disturbed, a condition called elbow dysplasia may ensue. While this condition is generally inherited, other factors, such as nutrition and exercise, also play a role in its development. Most dogs will display symptoms before the age of one – though some may not show any signs until they are several years old.
• Eye Problems: Sometimes, Brittanies inherit eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) gradual failing eyesight with no cure. These dogs can also develop glaucoma (eye pressure that leads to optic nerve damage) and primary lens luxation (dislocation of the lens in the eye). Medication or surgery may be an option with glaucoma (if caught early enough) and lens luxation.
• Hypothyroidism is insufficient thyroid hormone production, causing hair loss, dry skin and coat, and susceptibility to other skin diseases in some breeds.
• Epilepsy Seizures: A disorder that causes seizures in the dog. Epilepsy can be treated with medication, but it cannot be cured. A dog can live a full and healthy life with the proper management of this hereditary disorder.
• Patellar luxation occurs when the dog’s patella (kneecap), which usually sits on the groove of the femur (thighbone), shifts out of alignment. When luxation of the patella occurs, your dog may experience intermittent hind limb “skipping,” lameness, or a locking up of the limb at an odd angle.

What is the Exercise Need of a Brittany?

The Brittany is an outdoor dog of seemingly boundless energy, so an adult needs at least an hour of exercise every day. Simply taking it on walks will not suffice, however. It will need plenty of room off the leash to run around and play, and you can combine it with other games, toys, and even flyball or agility challenges. Exercise time should be limited to no more than half an hour in dogs younger than two years of age to avoid early damage to hip joints.

What are the nutritional needs of Brittanies?

The nutritional needs of a Brittany include high levels of specific nutrients. The essential nutrients for the Brittany are listed below.

• Protein: Brittanies need natural animal protein, valuable for the amino acids essential for Brittany’s health. Equally important is the fact that protein builds lean muscles and provides energy.
• Fat: Animal protein provides adequate fat, an additional energy source that boosts the Brittany’s metabolism. However, there is a fine line between enough and too much. Excessive fat levels in the dog’s daily diet could result in weight gain and obesity. Most importantly, adults and senior Brittanies need lower fat levels than puppies.
• Carbohydrates: Although carbs are not essential nutrients, they are crucial energy sources. Giving the Brittany sufficient carbs will provide energy, encouraging the body’s protein absorption to build lean muscle. Beware, though, too many carbohydrates can lead to obesity.
• DHA: DHA is one of the components of omega-3 fatty acids. It promotes proper eye and brain development in Brittany puppies, and DHA develops cognitive development in puppies and slows cognitive decline in older dogs. Furthermore, omega fatty acids benefit aging Brittanies by treating chronic kidney disease and canine arthritis. Omega-3 oils improve the coat health of the Brittany.
• Micronutrient: Taurine is one micronutrient that aids heart health, and other valuable micronutrients for promoting strong joints in Brittanies are chondroitin and glucosamine.
• Minerals: Beneficial minerals for a Brittany’s growth include a healthy balance of phosphorus and calcium. Pre- and probiotics and chelated minerals provide additional health to the diets of Brittanies.

What is the Shedding Level of Brittanies?

Brittanies shed an average amount of hair throughout the year, but significantly more when they blow their coats in the fall and spring as they prepare their coats for the heat of summer and the cold of wintertime.

What is the Coat Grooming Frequency of Brittanies?

If Brittanies are groomed from an early age, they will be excited to see you getting ready for a grooming session. Any attention from their beloved humans is welcome, and frequent grooming allows more bonding time even though they have low-maintenance coats.

Brittanies have short, dense coats that require weekly brushing, but there are no rules against more frequent grooming. A good brush is necessary to remove loose hair, and a comb is best for grooming the long feathery parts of the coat like the tummy, ears, and legs.

Bathe your Brittany only if you have to, and then, no more than once per month. The chemicals in many dog shampoos remove the necessary oils that keep your furry friend’s coat healthy and shiny. However, you can use fresh water to rinse dirt off your Brittany without problems since their coats are made to get wet when they retrieve bird prey from the water. 

Coat grooming is essential for various reasons, as listed below.

• Grooming gives your dog a healthy look and promotes hygiene. 
• Proper grooming lowers the risk of matting.
• Your Brittany smells nice through grooming, thus raising the hygiene conditions.
• Grooming promotes the growth and development of a lustrous and shiny coat that makes your dog attractive.
• Grooming allows you to check for fleas and take early preventive and treatment measures.
• Proper grooming lowers the risks of ear infections since you can check the ears and wipe them dry after grooming regularly.
• While grooming, you can check for any skin problems and alert the vet before they worsen.
• Grooming boosts the bond between you and your Brittany.

To lower the grooming frequencies, you should keep your dog’s surroundings clean and the coat short. Your dog should be calm during grooming. If your Brittany shows anxiety, short walks before the grooming will calm your dog, thus ensuring they remain still during the grooming process. You can also give your Brittany its favorite treat to munch on while grooming them. Grooming must be enjoyable and a stress-free process for your Brittany.

What is the Drooling Level of Brittanies?

The drooling level of Brittanies is low, and they are not slobbery dogs at all. However, drooling is a natural process, and if your canine companion drools more than usual, it might indicate a health problem to report to your vet. The primary triggers of drooling are listed below:

• The thought of delicious meals like a favorite treat or meat
• Mouth and throat problems like fractures in the mouth, throat, or esophagus.
• Plaque build-up can also irritate the mouth and cause excessive saliva.
• A foreign object stuck in the throat prevents swallowing, thus causing drooling. Growth in the mouth also stimulates drooling.
• Stomach upsets.
• Excessive heat, especially during summer.
• The main symptom of diseases like kidney disease, liver problems, seizures, botulism, and rabies is drooling.
• Motion sickness and anxiety. Dogs who do not like traveling will get anxious whenever they board a car. Stress makes dogs pant and breathe with their mouths open, thus causing drooling.
• Excitement and agitation make dogs drool.
• Sexual excitement, like when a male Brittany spots a female Brittany in heat, causes drooling. Likewise, a female in her heat cycle might drool if she picks up the scent of a male.

What is the Coat Type of the Brittany?

Brittanies are known for their characteristic medium-length coat. Their silky coat can either be wavy or flat, but not curly,  and typically has feathering on the ears, legs, chest, and belly.

What is the Coat Lenght of the Brittany?  

Brittany’s medium-length coat can be flat to slightly wavy with a light fringe of hair, called feathering, on the ears, chest, legs, and belly. The length of the feathering depends on the owner’s choice to trim it or leave it to grow longer. What are the Brittany Colors?

The Brittany’s coat color can be any of those listed below.

• White and orange
• Orange and white
• Liver (reddish-brown) and white

Markings may include

• Spots
• Roan (an even mix of white and another color that doesn’t fade as they age)
• Ticking (which is flecks of color on a white-coated dog)

What are the Social Traits of the Brittany Breed?

Brittanies may be bird hunting dogs, but they’re adorable, which probably has affected their popularity. Brittanies are friendly, sociable, and intelligent, and they make good family pets. They are good with children and other dogs, and their temperament is highly stable. Brittanies are eager to please, and they love attention. You would be hard-pressed to anger or annoy a Brittany. Other social traits of Brittanies are listed below.

• Elderly-friendly: Brittanies love the interaction with the elderly. However, they are highly energetic and may exhaust the seniors if playtime is long. In addition, Brittanies enjoy playing rough and can easily hurt fragile seniors.
• Children-friendly: These dogs often make a great family dog. They have a very friendly and gentle personality, making them excellent dogs to have around children. Suppose you have younger children who are more unpredictable. In that case, it may be best to wait until they are old enough to understand how to interact with a dog appropriately.

As with all dog breeds, being in the same room and supervising your children when they are with the dog is a good idea. This will prevent any accidental injuries to either your child or the dog if your toddler should seek unsolicited hugs, play horsey, or grab your Brittany’s wagging tail.

• Family-friendly: The Brittany is a friendly, social dog that does best in an active family environment with lots of outdoor action. It has lots of energy to spare, so be sure to give this dog plenty of exercise. Brittanies are extremely adaptable to different environments as long as you expose your dog to plenty of social interaction and give it ample opportunity to burn off excess energy. Brittanies also love attention, so be sure you lavish your dog with lots of love.
• Cat-friendly: Brittanies get along great with other animals, including cats. Of course, each dog and cat has its own preferences and temperament. Still, you can feel reasonably confident your Brittany and other pets will get on just fine, especially if they were all raised together or socialized at a young age. However, if you have pets of the feathered kind they might not be safe, considering your Brittany’s innate skills in duck hunting.
• Dog-friendly: When socialized with other dogs and cats from an early age, Brittanies are perfectly amiable with other furry family members. The same holds true for strange dogs; Brittanies will be well mannered as long as they have plenty of experience with dogs they don’t know.

How Do Brittanies Interact with Strangers?

Brittanies are alert and friendly enough to bark every time a stranger makes their way to your door. However, once a newcomer is inside the house, Brittanies are far too welcoming to have any strong territorial traits. 

Is the Brittany Playful?

Yes, Brittanies are playful, and if there are no human playmates, they will be quite pleased playing with other dogs in the family. When a Brittany is happy, though, he loves to romp and play and will amuse his family by tearing through the house or running in circles around the yard for the sheer joy of it. Brittanies usually get along well with other pets.

Are Brittanies Protective?

No, Brittanies are not typically very protective. Their friendly disposition creates the opposite, and instead of trying to scare away potential intruders, their barks will likely be welcoming instead of warning them. 

What is the Adaptability Level of Brittanies?

Brittanies are highly adaptable. Even if their families relocate from a farm or a ranch to an apartment in the city, they will quickly adapt if the move does not separate them from their human families. 

People whose employment includes frequent relocation can be sure their canine companions will not suffer emotional trauma with moving to each new address. They will be happy as long as Brittanies have their beloved human family with them and their new accommodation offers reasonable playspace in the backyard. 

What are the Personality Traits of Brittanies?

The Brittany is a bright, fun-loving dog that combines a sensitive personality with a hyperactive nature. They love to interact with everyone: adults, kids, strangers, and even other pets. They don’t necessarily do well in loud and stressful environments. Therefore, small apartments with several children might be a dicey proposition. 

The Brittany personality ranges from mellow to active, soft to stubborn. They can vary by gender, and neutered males have a reputation for being calmer and sweeter than females. Still, of course, every dog is an individual with unique personality traits.

The Brittany constantly craves attention and needs frequent supervision from its owner. Suppose the owner doesn’t attend to the Brittany’s social and mental needs. In that case, it might eventually resort to destructive and unwanted behavior.

How is the Brittany Dog’s Temperament?

The Brittany dog is a friendly, affectionate pet that loves spending time with its human family. A true companion dog, they want to be with you all the time and would really prefer to be in your company than anywhere else.

Bred to be versatile hunting dogs, Brittanies are intelligent, adaptable, and ready for action at a moment’s notice, whether competing in a tracking event or taking a walk in the park. And these high-energy pups enjoy a lot of activity, so plan on them running with you every morning. As long as you praise and shout encouragement, your friendly canine companion will manage not to lose a step as it rewards you with a cheerful smile and a butt wiggle.

Though playful and energetic, Brittanies are not fans of homes with a lot of chaos. These pups are truly sensitive souls who want harmony in the home. Even if you cheer loudly for your favorite team or shout at a referee on TV, raised voices may cause the dog stress.

Brittany dogs aren’t known for biting or aggression. Born to be a bird dog, they have a “soft mouth,” like a Labrador Retriever, which means they can control the strength of their bite. They’ll even gently carry their favorite toy around the house. Their happy-go-lucky personality means they’re happy to share that toy with their two and four-legged family members. Be warned; you will be expected to participate in a few games of fetch with a slobbery tennis ball.

Can Brittanies be Aggressive?

Brittanies are not typically aggressive, and they are tirelessly active and affectionate. Some Brittanies also tend towards aggression around other dogs, but only if they were not socialized early. Be consistent and firm with your Brittany and use positive reinforcements.

Can Brittanies be Dangerous?

The Brittany is not a dangerous dog, and they are often deemed over-friendly because they trust everybody.

Do Brittanies Ever Attack?

Brittany dogs are not known to be aggressive, and they tend to make friends easily. As with all breeds, proper socialization and training will set the tone for your Brittany. However, it depends on the way the dog was raised. 

Many non-aggressive breeds become excessively aggressive if they live in environments where they have to defend themselves from abusers or if they must attack to stay alive. Therefore, it is never wise to approach strange dogs before talking to the owners. Do not misjudge a dangerous situation by thinking it would be mostly a show of teeth and lots of barking because it might not be.

Can Brittanies Kill Humans?

No, Brittanies are not likely to kill a human. These dogs are so fond of people that they would have to be severely abused or threatened to react in a way that could cause a human’s death. 

Do Brittanies cope with being left alone?

If you’re lucky enough to work from home, you might be their favorite person. However, if you have to be gone for long, schedule time at doggy daycare or arrange for a neighbor or pet sitter to come by and play with your pup. If you travel a lot, this may not be the dog for you; they will miss you way too much.

Can I leave my Brittany at home?

Brittanies form strong bonds with their human families. They become dependent on their relationships with their family members, and to be left alone could lead to separation anxiety. However, if it is possible for at least one person to be home, your Brittany will calmly wait for the return of the rest of the family members.

Can Brittanies be left alone for 8 hours?

Brittanys are not comfortable being alone. Eight hours is a long time for any dog to be alone, and not even the most independent dog would thrive if such isolation happened every day. Leaving them alone for extended periods could be traumatizing. It could lead to destructive behaviors, such as barking, digging, and ultimately separation anxiety, which they might never overcome. You can train your Brittany from the time they’re a puppy to be happy alone, but even with this training, they’ll be happiest when they’re with you.

How to Train a Brittany?

The Brittany is an intelligent and trainable dog that should pick up quickly on a wide variety of human commands. Because of its sensitive nature, owners need to be extra calm and relaxed around this breed. Positive reinforcement methods and encouragement work best; do not raise your voice or show the Brittany any anger. If you need help with the process, then you should contact a local trainer in your area.

If you wait until he’s six months, you’ll have a much bigger task and a more headstrong dog. Puppy kindergarten by the time he is 10 to 12 weeks is recommended. But a word of caution: the Brittany is easy to train when your voice is calm, and your touch on the leash is light. Give only verbal corrections to this sensitive breed, for example, praise, gentle guidance, or food rewards. Below are some matters to keep in mind when training your Brittany.

• Praise good behavior by making a fuss. Your Brittany will know if you fake it.
• Time commands wisely because corrections after the fact will confuse your Brittany.
• Be consistent and persistent. Never let it slip because your Brittany will learn to obey only sometimes.
• Be the pack leader and show happiness while training your Brittany.
• Making your Brittany sit and wait for your command to start eating will confirm your status as pack leader.
• Training your Brittany with love in your heart will avoid your Brittany seeing training as punishment.

Are Britanny Dogs Good at Hunting?

Nancy Anisfield,  an outdoor photographer/writer, sporting dog enthusiast, and bird hunter who serves on Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s National Board of Directors, wrote the following: Sometimes referred to as “pocket pointers,” Brittanys deliver the search, point, nose, and skills of a German or English pointing breed but in a smaller package. 

This appeals to many hunters simply for their portability – think trucks, kennels, and boats – and their presence in the house. While some Brittany folks will argue that the breed’s shorter stature means they won’t range as far as a long-legged German shorthair or pointer, don’t be fooled. Depending on the lineage (think: field trial lines), some American Brittanys have the speed and stamina to match the bigger dogs’ range.

 Rick, a pheasant hunter, says, “My Britts have been dogs with strong drive, wanting to please and willing to work. The more you work them, the more cooperative and wanting to please you they are. They have a stylish point, are steady, and retrieve to hand. Whether it be the pheasant fields, grouse woods, or duck swamps, I never see the switch turn off.”  

How Frequently does a Brittany Bark?

Brittany dogs are not excessive barkers; they mostly bark when they feel it’s necessary, either when someone comes to the door, a squirrel’s in the backyard, or while playing. Brittanies are vocal dogs and bark whenever they see unfamiliar people or pets. Their barking levels are, however, moderate. For many dogs, the triggers for barking include loneliness, threats, excitement, being territorial, attention-seeking, and even frustrations. Most dogs have different bark types based on the situation.

Below is a list of bark types that owners will learn to recognize. 

• Brittanies hate being left alone, and one way of coping with loneliness is barking. 
• A lack of exercise and anxiety can also trigger barking.
• Alarm barking is when your Brittany barks to alert you of approaching danger. Alarm barking can save you from danger; however, Brittanies may bark before ascertaining that there is a real danger.  
• Another type of barking is demand barking, where a Brittany feels entitled to something or your attention and would bark as a way of demanding their rights. This type can be lowered through proper training and ignoring the barking.
• The Brittany uses arousal barking to show their frustrations.
• Boredom barking signals that your Brittany is tired or bored due to being left alone or infrequent exercise. 
• Frequent barking can be a nuisance to both the owner and neighbors. Some types of barking tend to be monotonous and continuous. 

You can train your Brittany to stop barking by using positive and negative motivators.

• Whenever they start barking, command them to be quiet and if they obey, reward them with their favorite treat or toy. If your Brittany disobeys your command, you can withdraw some benefits like not giving them their best toy.
• Engage your dog in their favorite activity or exercise. Tired Brittanies might sleep while you are away.
• Look for attractive toys that would keep your Brittany busy while away.
• Continuous barking might call for a visit to the vet.

What is the need for Mental Stimulation of a Brittany?

Providing mental stimulation of a Brittany is essential as it lowers the risks of destructive behaviors resulting from boredom. Brittanies are smart and learn fast, and they need regular mental stimulation. Brittanies’ playful and intelligent nature further calls for frequent mental activity. There are different ways of mentally stimulating your Brittany, and some of them are listed below.

• Playing with interactive games or toys, including dog puzzles and canine board games.
• Encourage sniffing during regular evening walks.
• Provide healthy chews like dehydrated sweet potato strips. Chewing for more extended periods calms the brain, thus lowering stress levels.
• Hide and seek games
• Drop and fetch games
• Regular walks

These mental stimulation techniques should start at an early stage. Brittanies who are eight years and older tend to have problems with their thinking ability. The primary signs of mental disorientation are listed below.

• Excessive anxiety.
• Frequent accidents.
• Failure to recall previously learned commands.
• Changes in sleep and wake patterns.
• Low interest in physical activities.
• Poor social skills.

What are the Breed Standards of Brittany?

Muscular and agile, the medium-sized Brittany is both graceful and quick. Usually white and orange in color, the breed’s short, easy-to-maintain coat makes it a dream to groom. The Brittany is a tireless and agile hunter with a “soft mouth.” It is a sweet and loyal family companion, ready to play, protect, or just run all day long.

Some of the breed standards of Brittanies are given in the table below.

What is the General Information about Brittanies?

Legend has it that the Brittany breed of dogs were poacher’s dogs before they became gun dogs. Before the French Revolution, France was an absolute monarchy with feudal privileges in the aristocracy. Under this regime, land in France was owned mainly by a privileged few. It meant that only noblemen and their fortunate guests could enjoy hunting and fishing. Generally, the commoner was not allowed to enjoy these sports.

According to legend, the French peasants developed the Brittany as the ideal poaching dog. As so aptly described by Michael McIntosh in A Feisty Little Pointing Dog, the Brittany was bred to be “compact and biddable, close-working and quiet, the perfect accomplice for clandestine sport and the companion of choice among those whose favorite game was someone else’s.” With their big running pointers and setters, the landed nobles did not recognize these shaggy, tailless mongrels for what they were, bona fide hunting machines. Of course, this was all part of the ruse.

Where to Buy or Adopt a Brittany?

If you are looking to bring a Brittany home, you should not rush. The only “purebreds” available upon request are not the real thing and are likely bred on puppy farms. The more realistic way is to put your name on a breeder’s waiting list, and while you’re waiting, learn as much as you can about this amazing bird hunter-stroke-companion dog.

Finding a reputable breeder or rescue facility is crucial. A good breeder will match you with the right puppy and will, without question, have done all the health certifications necessary to screen out health problems as much as possible. They are more interested in placing pups in suitable homes than making big bucks. 

Be wary of breeders who only tell you the good things about the breed. Brittany puppies are adorable, and it’s one of the reasons they are so popular. Cute puppies sell, and that makes the Brittany a favorite of puppy mills and greedy, irresponsible breeders. Do your homework before buying a Brittany, and you’ll be well rewarded with one of the best family dogs out there.

The best way to ensure you get a healthy Brittany puppy from a breeder or a rescue organization is to reach out to the registered organizations for the specific breed, if available. The Brittany is recognized by the AKC, UKC, and FIC, listed below, along with other registered kennel clubs that might put potential Brittany owners in touch with reputable breeders. 

• Fédération Cynologique Internationale (International)
• United Kennel Club (International)
• The Kennel Club (United Kingdom)
• American Kennel Club
• The American Brittany Club
• The Brittany Club of Great Britain

• Canadian Kennel Club
• Continental Kennel Club
• United All Breed Registry
• International Canine Association
• Stonewalker Kennels, Hickman, TN
• Stillwater, MN
• Ryglen Gundogs, Brownston, IL
• Bellamy Brittanies, Gardnerville, NV

If you manage to track down Brittany breeders, make sure you go to the facility and insist on meeting both the puppies’ parents so that you can get a feel for their temperament. Brittany puppies are often peppy and playful, they should all have cheery expressions and kind eyes.

It might take some time to find a legitimate breeder, and travel may very well be in the cards. Steer clear of backyard breeding by avoiding sales sites and ad pages. When you select a breeder, make sure they have proof of successful, healthy litters with any documentation necessary.

Although you might find a Brittany puppy or a rescued adult to adopt or buy from abroad, not all countries allow importing adopted dogs. Those whose countries will enable the importation of Brittanies may find the logistics challenging. 

Procedures include obtaining certification from a vet to prove the Brittany is fully vaccinated and providing all the additional required veterinary documents before the travel. Furthermore, your country must approve the veterinarian to authorize the importation, and it will be your responsibility to ensure you use the services of a certified vet.

What are the Rescue Clubs for Brittanies?

There are millions of homeless dogs across the country; many are purebreds needing homes. Adopting a Brittany can be life-changing, not only for the dog but also for the adopting parent. 

If you prefer adoption over purchasing a pup from a breeder, then your first stop should be the Brittany Rescue Inc. website. a Brittany rescue group is an excellent idea if you want to adopt an older dog or even a Brittany mix.

If you are looking for a purebred (or almost purebred) Brittany, try a dedicated Brittany rescue instead because they will, hands down, have the most varied selection.

You can also reach out to your local rescue organization or animal shelter and ask if they have any Brittanies or related mixes available for adoption. If not, you can always put your name on a list so that when one comes in, you’re the first one they call.

Below is a list of registered rescue centers and kennel clubs

• American Brittany Rescue, Inc
• National Brittany Rescue and Adoption Network (NBRAN)
• Brittany Club Of Canada [National]
• Brittany  CKC
• Independent Brittany Rescue and Rehabilitation
• The Brittany Foundation
• Germany Brittany Rescue ― ADOPTIONS
• Brittany Rescue USA.
• UK Brittany Rescue ― ADOPTIONS
• Camp Brittany, Los Angeles, CA
• Abandoned Angels Brittany Rescue, Flushing, NY
• Brittany Adoption Centre, Westminster, MD

NOTE: Many of these Kennel Clubs assist potential Brittany parents in finding reputable breeders and rescue centers.

What is the History of the Brittany?

The Brittany draws its name from the French province where it was originally bred when spaniels first arrived in the region several centuries ago. Local hunters began crossbreeding the spaniels to create a hearty, versatile breed that could withstand Brittany’s cold climate and dense underbrush. 

In addition to strong hunting skills, desired traits included a smaller stature than their forebears, trainability, and versatility. They have evolved into the smallest and among the most versatile gun dogs. The exact breeds used to create Brittanys are unknown, but they assuredly include a mix of spaniels, pointers, and setters.

First recognized as a distinct breed in France in 1907, the Brittany’s skill as a hunting dog soon made him popular with hunters in other countries. The first Brittanies came to the U.S. in 1931. Also, they became popular family dogs because of their moderate size and friendly personality. Brittanies rank 30th among the breeds registered by the American Kennel Club and have held that position for over a decade.

What is the Average Maintenance Cost for Brittanies?

The price of Brittanies ranges between $700 and $1,500. The cost of a puppy from a registered breeder could be as much as $3,000, depending on the breeder you select, the location, the sex of the puppy, and the demand for the breed at the time. 

The bloodline of the puppy and its parents could also affect the price. You will be hard-pressed to find this breed in a shelter, but if you do, the price could be $200 to $350, based on the cost of care provided while keeping the Brittany.

It is always best to consider annual expenses related to maintaining your Brittany and its well-being before purchasing. The first year will be the most expensive, as puppies require extra vet care and more one-time purchases like microchips, spaying or neutering, etc. You can expect to spend about $4,500 for your dog’s first year. After that, the price will go down to about $1,300 a year.  

The typical annual costs of having a medium-sized canine such as a Brittany will not necessarily be much less than a larger dog. Medical expenses throughout the Brittany’s life could be more than average because some smaller breeds are predisposed to more health problems than some larger dogs.

Except for the lower food volumes, vaccinations, microchips, and other expenses are the same, regardless of the dog’s size. Food and medical only, excluding toys, food and water bowls, cages, doggy blankets, beds, etc., could cost an average of $650. The most regular annual expenses for dogs similar to the Brittany are listed below.

• Food items
• Veterinary care
• Vaccinations
• Preventive medicine
• Toys
• Pet insurance
• Pet Supplies

Other potential expenses include training, socializing, doggy daycare, dog sitters, dog walkers, etc. Grooming would only affect the maintenance costs of long-haired Brittanies, and the weekly grooming of both types of Brittanies is minimal. 

How to Name a Brittany?

Choosing a name for your Brittany involves essential building blocks, including the significance of the sound. The Brittany’s name will mean something to the humans in the dog’s life, but as far as your canine companion goes, only the sound matters. Brittanies respond best to two-syllable names that are not short enough to be confused with single-syllable command words like “sit,” stay,” “come,” and “down.” However, the names should not be long enough to become puzzling.

It is always a good idea not to rush into choosing a name. Spend a week or so with your new Brittany pup, and its character traits might be all the inspiration you need. Call out any name ideas, using different tones and sounds for the two syllables, and watch your puppy’s reaction to the sound. Remember, you must compose a sound that your Brittany will recognize from a distance, among many other sounds. 

Choose a name that could sound different in regular interaction and yelling or calling your Brittany. Below is a list of suggestions of names for your Brittany.

What are the Different Types of Brittanies?

Although there are multiple bird hunting breeds, only two of them are Brittanies. 

There are two types of Brittany dogs: American and French. The only difference between them is that the American Brittany is larger and faster. The Brittany is a medium-sized dog with a compact and athletic frame. Males and females are very similar in size.

What Dog Breeds are Similar to the Brittany?

Purebred Brittanies are expensive and involve long waiting lists. Finding a Brittany at a rescue center might be an equally challenging process. However, below is a list of similar breeds that might be a good match for your family.

• English Setter – Developed in the 19th century, the modern English setter is a hunting dog that would quietly freeze and point when it is located a game bird. Provided they receive enough exercise, these friendly, calm, and good-natured dogs also make great companions for the entire family.
• Irish Setter – Like its English relatives, the Irish setter is a high-spirited hunting dog with long, droopy ears and a dark red or chestnut coat of fur. Beloved by many owners, this is a particularly popular dog in the show ring. It has won the sporting group competition at the Westminster Kennel Club 11 times.
• Braque Saint-Germain – Also known as the St. Germain pointing dog, this active and upbeat hunting breed is somewhat obscure outside of its native France. It’s recognized by the United Kennel Club but not the American Kennel Club. The Saint-Germain are close relatives of other French hunting dogs or gundogs.