Brittany Dog Breed Information

Group

Sporting

Weight

15-20 kg

Height

43-50 cm

Lifespan

12-15 years

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About the Brittany

Reviewed by:

Dr. Shamsul Alam Roky

Veterinarian

Although they don’t speak the Breton language – we think at least – or hunt game on the Emerald Coast, Brittany dogs, are a favourite of owners on both sides of the Atlantic. Whether you’re on the Southern Coast of the USA or a French province, these dogs make the best pets. Read on for more information on these hyper hounds and how to give them the best life.

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.

What is a Brittany Breed?

Brittany breeds are hunting dogs that were developed to assist hunters in collecting birds, game, and fowl in the fields; they are intelligent, high-energy dogs with a nose for hunting, making them excellent fun on long walks. These dogs are athletic, solid, and medium-sized.

There are some differences between French Brittanies and American Brittanies, most notably their size, but also some behavioural traits. For instance, American dogs are slightly larger, and French ones work closer to the guns; you can find more Brittany dog breed information online.

Who is a Brittany 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.

Brittany Grooming & Shedding

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 Brittanys bark a lot?

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.

What is the average weight & height of a Brittany dog?

Brittany dogs are medium-sized dogs that grow to between 43 and 50 cm in height; 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.

Are Brittanys easy to train?

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.

How do Brittanys behave? A look at their temperament and personality

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.

Does the Brittany have any common health issues?

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 the following diseases:

Hip Dysplasia: This genetic condition affects the hip joint, leading to pain and potential mobility issues as the dog ages.
Epilepsy: Some Brittanies may be prone to seizures, which can vary in frequency and severity.
Hyperthyroidism: This condition occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much hormone, potentially leading to weight loss and increased appetite.

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?

rittanys 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 does a Brittany need to be fed?

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.

How much can you expect to pay for 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.

Brittany FAQs

Is a Brittany ideal for a first-time dog owner?

Medium-sized high-energy dogs like these pups might not seem like an obvious choice for first-time dog owners, but they can be excellent.

These dogs are highly intelligent, which makes them exceptionally easy to train; additionally, they are perfect if you want to take long walks or have an outdoor space. They are not suitable if you have young kids or live in the city centre.

Does Brittany suffer from separation anxiety?

Yes! Like many dogs, these are extremely loyal and attached to their owners; if you leave them alone for a few hours, you can expect them to bark excessively and tear the place to pieces.

If you adopt one of these dogs, you need to stay home most of the time or make sure that they stay with someone they are familiar with so they get reassurance and mental stimulation.

Are Brittany hypoallergenic dogs?

In general, these dogs are not considered to be hypoallergenic because it sheds their fur regularly which can exacerbate allergies. However, that can also be said for many dogs, even ones that are considered hypoallergenic, so it depends on the person and household.

Remember, some allergies can be treated while others disappear with exposure, so it’s not always a barrier.

Will Brittany need professional grooming?

Some dogs need regular grooming to maintain their coats and prevent odours, along with the spread of pathogens, Bird dogs are one such dog, but they only need professionally groomed every four to six weeks. This is good news if grooming your dog regularly is a bit of a chore.