Brittany Spaniel
AKA: Brittany Spaniel, Epagneul Breton, American Brittany
Description: The Brittany Spaniel is an agile and active leggy dog with a fairly short feathered coat. Its head is round with a slightly ram-shaped muzzle and a pronounced stop. Ithas an intelligent-looking face and is a very vigorous breed. The eyes are either amber or hazel, and the ears are short with high withers. High-set ears are short and in a triangular shape. The nose is more or less black but not always, depending on the coat color. The tail is either naturally short or docked to less than four inches.
Dynamics: The Brittany is an intelligent breed, easy to train and obedient to its owner. It is loving, gentle, and very enthusiastic. It is good-natured and always eager to please. Be careful not to treat the Brittany roughly because it might grow to be excessively shy or nervous. It has to be socialized as a puppy, and can get along well with children.
The Brittany is very flexible to its surroundings. It can adapt to all types of terrain (woods, plains, hills, etc.) and is resistant to cold and damp conditions. The Brittany is very popular among hunters because of its hunting instincts and moderate size (for transporting them easily). It is also popular as a companion dog because of its jolly and happy nature.
Breed Group: Gun Dog, Sporting
Weight: males 35-40 lbs (16-18 kg), females 30-40 lbs (14-18 kg)
Height: males 17-21 inches (43-53 cm), females 18-20 inches (46-51 cm)
Color: There are five acceptable coat colors when it comes to Brittany Spaniels: orange and white, liver and white, black and white, liver tricolor, and black tricolor.
Country of Origin: The Brittany Spaniel originated in France, where it was thought to come from the crossing between an Orange and White Setter and an unidentified French dog. It was first shown in the the province of Brittany in 1896 and was officially recognized by 1938.
Activities: The Brittany has this innate need and love for extensive exercises. It possesses great stamina and should be taken on long daily walks and outdoor activities. The Brittany has is especially used for hunting woodcock, partridge, and hare. It also has an outstanding instinct for retrieving from water.
Grooming: In grooming the Brittany Spaniel, what’s important is to regularly brush its coat. Bathe and dry shampoo when necessary, and check and clean the ears occasionally. Trimming of the coat is needed for proper show grooming.
Other Info: The Brittany has a life expectancy of 10-12 years. It is generally a healthy breed, although it is prone to hip dysplasia and seizures. The Brittany is not suited for apartment life. It is very active indoors and prefers to be outdoors.
Tags: breed, brittany spaniel, dog