Brittany
Compact French pointer with endless energy and dual pointing/retrieving ability
Breed Origins
The Brittany originated in the Brittany region of northwestern France, with images of orange and white Brittany-like dogs appearing on tapestries and paintings from the 17th century. The first written record dates to 1850 when Reverend Davies described hunting with small "bobtailed" dogs that pointed and retrieved.
Modern breed development began around the 1850s, rumored through breeding with English Setters. The first official registration was in 1907 in France with an orange and white male named "Boy," and breed standards were outlined that same year.
The breed was recognized in America in 1931 and approved by the AKC in 1934. In April 1982, the AKC removed "Spaniel" from the name because Brittanys are pointing dogs, not flushing dogs like spaniels.
Development as a Hunting Dog
The Brittany was developed as a versatile pointing dog capable of both pointing and retrieving game. After World War II, French breeders allowed black-spotted dogs due to depleted gene pools, though U.S. and Canadian breeders did not follow suit—black remains a disqualification in North America.
American and French lines diverged over time, with American Brittanys tending to be larger with blockier heads. French Brittanys typically range closer, while American field trial lines produce larger-running dogs.
Since the 1940s, over 700 Brittanys have earned AKC Dual Champion titles (both Field Champion and Show Champion)—more than all other sporting breeds combined.
Physical Characteristics
- Height: 17.5-20.5 inches at shoulder (any variance is disqualified)
- Weight: 30-40 pounds
- Build: Square and compact body (height equals length), leggy for a spaniel
- Coat: Dense, flat or wavy texture, never curly or silky; lightly fringed
- Colors: Orange and white, or liver and white (clear or roan patterns)
- Tail: Short, natural bobtail or docked (over 4 inches severely penalized)
Disqualification: Black coloring is disqualified in U.S. and Canada (accepted elsewhere).
Breed Standard
The Brittany should present a picture of grace, speed, stamina, alertness, and balance. The head is of medium length with a rounded skull and pronounced stop. Eyes are well-protected by heavy, expressive eyebrows that also protect from briars.
Movement should always be smooth with powerful drive from the hindquarters, single-tracking as speed increases. The gait conveys the well-balanced, agile, athletic capability with great stamina that the breed is known for.
Balance and overall symmetry are more important than specific measurements. A smooth, balanced dog is preferred over one with strongly contrasting good points and faults.
Personality
The Brittany is described in the AKC standard as "happy, alert, neither mean nor shy." They are friendly, bright, and full of energy with a sweet disposition and sensitive nature. Highly intelligent (ranked #19 out of 130+ breeds), they are eager to please and quick to learn.
- Energy Level: Extremely high—ranked among top 5 most energetic breeds
- Intelligence: Excellent working dogs, learn new commands in 5-15 repetitions
- Trainability: Easy to train with gentle, positive methods
- Sensitivity: May quit if discipline is too harsh
Family Compatibility
Brittanys are excellent with children of all ages—sweet, well-behaved, and tolerant of roughhousing. They may accidentally knock over small children due to their exuberance, so supervision is recommended with toddlers.
They thrive on companionship and do not do well when left alone for long periods. They're sensitive to tension or loud voices and need to be with family (house dog, not outdoor-only).
With Other Pets
Generally excellent with other dogs. Can learn to get along with cats if raised together, but their strong prey drive means they should be kept separated from small unknown animals.
Training Approach
Positive reinforcement is essential for Brittanys due to their sensitive nature. Harsh discipline causes them to shut down. Training sessions should be short, fun, and varied (10-15 minutes) to maintain focus.
- Start immediately: Begin basic obedience when bringing puppy home (8 weeks)
- Best learning period: 6-16 weeks old for optimal retention
- Early exposure (5-7 weeks): Noises, people, kennel crate, vehicle rides
- Consistency: Essential but with patience and gentle handling
Field Training
Many Brittanys show natural pointing instinct early—some puppies point at 10 weeks old. Trust the breeding, especially with field-bred lines. First level training typically takes 60-90 days.
Puppy Training Program Includes:
- • "Here" (come) and "Whoa" (stay) commands
- • Introduction to birds, gun, and e-collar
- • Quarter pattern work
- • Holding steady on point
Pro tip: Brittanys often seem to intuitively understand hunting tasks. They're described as naturally absorbing training better than many other pointing breeds.
Common Health Issues
- Hip Dysplasia: Most common issue, affects ~10% of UK Brittanys. Genetic condition where hip joint doesn't fit properly.
- Epilepsy: Inherited condition causing seizures. No pre-breeding test available.
- Eye Conditions: Cataracts (most common), glaucoma, lens luxation, progressive retinal atrophy.
- Ear Infections: Common due to floppy ears trapping debris and moisture.
Lifespan & Genetics
Average Lifespan: 12-14 years, with many reaching 14-15 years. UK average is 12 years 11 months.
Recommended Health Tests:
- • Eye screening examination (annually, ages 2-8)
- • Hip dysplasia testing
- • Patellar luxation evaluation (optional)
- • Elbow dysplasia evaluation (optional)
- • Autoimmune thyroiditis testing (optional)
Weight matters: Even slight excess weight causes joint problems. You should be able to feel but not see ribs, with a defined waist when viewed from above.
Hunting Style
The Brittany is a pointing dog (not a flushing spaniel) with secondary retrieving abilities. They work at medium range with a fast gallop, holding a tense, motionless stand when detecting hidden game birds.
- Primary Style: Pointing and holding game
- Secondary: Excellent retriever on land and water
- Range: Medium range (becoming more popular as hunting fields get smaller)
- Work Ethic: Relentless, "all business" attitude in the field
Best Game Types
The Brittany excels at upland bird hunting and is considered one of the best all-round hunting dogs for upland game.
Versatility: Capable of flat-out running most of the day on rough terrain. Also a good water dog "in a pinch"—capable but not their primary specialty.
Exercise Needs
Brittanys require 1.5-2+ hours of high-impact exercise daily. This should include a mix of brisk walks, jogging, running, and retrieving games.
- • Two 30-minute walks OR 20-minute jogs/bike rides per day minimum
- • Fetch, Frisbee, hide-and-seek
- • Canine sports: agility, flyball, obedience trials
- • Swimming, hiking, off-leash running
Puppies (until 12-15 months): Avoid high-impact exercise (running on pavement, agility jumps) until growth plates close. Stick to off-leash time on grass/soft earth and swimming.
Grooming & Nutrition
Grooming
- • Weekly brushing to remove excess hair and dirt
- • Shedding: Moderate year-round, heavier in warmer months
- • Professional grooming not typically required
- • Regular ear cleaning (critical due to floppy ears)
Nutrition
- • Protein: 20-22% of diet from high-quality meat
- • Fat: 8-20% for energy and coat health
- • Adults: 1.37-2.34 cups per day, twice daily
- • Avoid free-feeding; maintain regular meal times
Finding a Breeder
When looking for a Brittany, choose between American lines (larger running, often field trial bred) or French lines (closer working, more compact style). The American Brittany Club is a good starting resource.
- • Look for breeders who health test (hips, eyes minimum)
- • Ask about field titles in the bloodlines
- • Meet the parents if possible
- • Request references from previous puppy buyers
- • Expect to pay $1,000-$2,500 for a well-bred puppy
What to Look For
- Health clearances from both parents (hips, eyes)
- Hunting bloodlines and field titles
- Temperament testing of puppies
- Breeder reputation and references
- Written contract and health guarantee
Best for: Active families, hunters wanting a versatile pointing/retrieving dog, those with fenced yards and time for daily exercise.
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