Brittany Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Brittany?

Brittany dogs look like spaniels, but they have more in common with pointers and setters; that's why they were reclassified as Brittany dogs instead of Brittany Spaniels. These dogs first appeared in tapestries in the 17th century and were officially recognised in the 20th century.

The dog originates in the northern region of France known as Brittany; they are gun dogs and were originally used to retrieve game in the field. Brittany dogs were recognised as a breed in 1907 in France; in 1934, they were recognised by the American kennel club as the same breed.

Who are Brittany dogs best for?

Brittany dogs have energy to spare; they are also highly intelligent and need lots of mental stimulation; despite this, they are friendly, loyal, and make excellent companions. A dog like this would suit anyone willing to spend time with their furry companion and take long walks.

In general, a Brittany dog is a friendly addition to the family and good with children; that said, it's best to keep them away from smaller children since their high energy and enthusiasm might cause an injury. Always supervise small children when interacting with a Brittany dog.

How much grooming does a Brittany need?

The coat of a Brittany is dense and flat; they have wavy hair and a little feathering on their ears and legs. Additionally, they have soft skin that rolls when you grab it making it easier for them to move through bushes and undergrowth without snags. These dogs are pretty easy to groom.

To keep your Brittany in the best condition, groom them once a week or when they come in from a long walk. Bath them or use some dry shampoo once or twice a week. Also, check their ears for signs of infection, especially if they have been running around in bushy terrain.

Do Brittany bark much?

Thanks to their breed, Brittany dogs are prone to excessive barking - they need to have some way to alert their tribe to the presence of a dead bird in the field, after all - but there are ways you can train your Brittany dog to bark less often. Obedience training and socialisation are key.

Brittany dogs are highly intelligent and need to be trained properly from the start. If you don't have much experience training dogs, it's best to get some guidance from a professional trainer or the national breed club. Obedience training and positive reinforcement classes are a must.

Do Brittany bite?

Brittany dogs were bred for dog sports on the Pink Granite Coast of France, in particular capturing birds and game after they have been shot; for that reason, Brittany dogs have a soft mouth and don't tend to bite. They want to carry something gently back to their owners.

While Brittany dogs don't bite, often they do tend to nip and herd; this is something to watch out for if you have children around. If you notice any of these behaviours in your dog, you can train them out of it using negative reinforcement or withdrawing affection.

What is the temperament & personality of a Brittany?

Pointing breeds like the Brittany are curious and independent; they love to run after things in the parks and on walks and bring them back to their owners for a reward. Although they are sporty and independent, they have an affectionate side and love to make their owners happy.

The temperament of a Brittany dog often depends on its breed, heritage and early training. These dogs are often curious and playful, but it's always best to meet at least one of the parents first and choose a middle of the road dog, not one that's hiding or beating up the other dogs.

What is the weight & size of a Brittany?

Brittany dogs are medium-sized dogs that grow to between 43 and 50 cm tall; they tend to weigh between 15 and 20 kilos, making them ideal for dog sports.

These dogs have a tall leggy stature that allows them to cover lots of ground quickly; they also have excellent agility and stamina for their size. This type of dog tends to have a docked tail and sometimes no tail.

How much training does a Brittany need?

When it comes to training your Brittany, you need to roll up your sleeves; these dogs are intelligent and tenacious. One of the best ways to train a dog from Saint-Malo in the Brittany region is to train them for dog sports. After all, that is why they were bred and what they enjoy.

But if you don't have an appetite for that, there are other alternatives; a Brittany can be trained anywhere as long as you have the right techniques and knowledge. Like other dogs, train Brittanies with routines for potty training and positive reinforcements for good behaviour.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Brittany?

Brittany dogs are generally strong and healthy dogs, but there are a few health conditions that you should look out for in your furry friend. Brittanies are prone to Hip Dysplasia, Loire Atlantique, Epilepsy, and Hyperthyroidism. Always remember to buy from a quality breeder and view health clearances for the dog before signing the dotted line and bringing them home.

What is the lifespan of a Brittany?

Brittanys enjoy a long and happy life thanks to their ancestry; if you keep a high energy dog like this in your household, you can expect them to live for between 12 and 15 years, which is slightly above average for most dogs - small dogs and other pets like Yorkipoodles have slightly shorter lifespans. A Brittany is the best family member thanks to its long life and good nature.

How much should you feed a Brittany?

A Brittany dog needs a lot of energy to run after game in the field, so you need to feed them the best raw dog food you can find. Raw dog food is best for Brittanies and other dogs because a dog's stomach is not designed to digest carbs efficiently - such as the carbs found in kibble. Raw food also contains the highest levels of protein and other qualities because it's not processed.

What is the price of a Brittany in Australia?

There are two ways to bring a Brittany into your life if you live in Australia, one way is to buy from a breeder, and the other is to adopt one from a rescue centre. If you choose to adopt a puppy, you can expect to pay between $100 and $500 for one, but if you buy one from a breeder, you will pay between $500 and $1200 for one. Remember, there are also set-up fees.