Brittany: the happy hunting dog who is more setter than spaniel

The Brittany is a happy, elegant hunting dog who is both a tireless working dog and a delightful pet. Which of these qualities comes first depends on the lifestyle of the owner. However, it is important to know that he is an energetic hunting dog and therefore needs regular physical and mental exercise. Then at the end of the day, he's comfortably snuggled up on the sofa.

The Brittany is bred to be a hunting dog that seeks out, marks and retrieves prey. It is primarily used to hunt birds and rabbits, but nowadays it also makes a great pet. Although they are often called Brittany Spaniels, the American Kennel Club in 1982 dropped the word “spaniel” from the breed’s name, as it more closely resembles a setter than a spaniel.

History of the Brittany

It takes its name from the Celtic region of Brittany in north-west France, which was once an independent kingdom.
For over a thousand years there was intense trade between Brittany and Wales, and dogs were certainly part of it.
From their mere colouring and other physical characteristics, it is easy to see that the Breton and the Welsh springer spaniel probably had a common ancestor. The first evidence of the existence of Breton dogs is visual, 17. Similar-looking dogs appear in paintings from the 17th century.

The modern Brittany began to emerge in the mid-1800s in Pontoue, a small town in Brittany. They are said to have been derived from a cross between a white and mahogany bitch owned by a French hunter and a yellow and white male brought to Brittany by an English sportsman for hunting. One of the two resulting pups had the necessary hunting skills and became popular in the area. Consequently, short-tailed dogs were created that could mark and bring back game. Apparently, they were much loved by local poachers for their speed, agility and ability to mark game.

Around the same time, dog shows became popular in Britain and other parts of Europe, including France. The Brittany moved easily from the field to the show ring and was officially recognised as a breed in France in 1907. The first French Brittany to be registered in this country was an orange and white dog called Boy. Like many breeds, the Brittany began to decline as a result of the Second World War. Breeding of the breed in France stopped during this time. After the war, French breeders decided to allow black spotted dogs into the standard because the gene pool had dwindled so much across Europe. American breeders did not follow suit. In the US and Canada, black is still not an accepted colour for the breed, but it is in all other countries.

Many breeders have wanted to remove the word spaniel from the breed name because Brittany are primarily game detection dogs, not like spaniels whose main job is to disturb birds. In April 1982, the AKC Board of Directors approved changing the name to Brittany, with the deletion of the word “Spaniel”. However, in other countries, including Hungary, it is still called the Brittany Spaniel.

Breed standard

The Brittany (or épagneul Breton) is a medium-sized hunting dog with a height at the withers of 46-51 cm. It weighs between 13 and 18 kg. The head is slightly rounded and the cheekbones are shorter than the skull. Eyes dark, matching the colour of the coat. Lively, expressive eyes. Ears set on high, slightly short, with wavy fur. Neck medium long, chest deep. Back and loins short. Tail slightly sloping, tail held straight or slightly down, if not tailless, tail short, sometimes slightly curled. There is a fringe of hair at the end. The limbs are straight, muscular and the fingers are closed. Coat fine, rather smooth or slightly wavy. Colours may be white and orange; white and chestnut; white and black or tri-coloured. Expected lifetime 12-15 years.

Character

Because of its extraordinary energy, it is important to give it plenty of exercise. A walk around the house is not enough.
If the basic need for exercise and work to be done is not met, he can become neurotic and hyperactive, and waste energy in ways that in a way that is unlikely to please its owner. The Brittany is notoriously sensitive to harsh treatment. A stern look or a sharp word is often enough punishment when the dog has put the wrong tree on the fire.
Train firmly but gently positive reinforcement techniques, such as praise, play and reward baiting.

The Brittany is happy and alert. He is curious and independent, as befits a wild dog, but responds well to his owner’s commands and likes to please. He enjoys spending time with his family, especially when they are doing something active. This dog is not only energetic but also clever, so he needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation every day.

Ideal environment

The Brittany is not for everyone. For one thing, the energy level may be more than many people think. This dog has an irrepressible zest for life and a great enthusiasm that shows in everything he does. Whether it’s playing with children, finding birds or simply going for a good run. If his owner doesn’t have the same energy and enthusiasm, it can be hard to keep up with a Brittany.

Almost all dogs like to “work”, but the Brittany is particularly task-oriented. You can’t leave him alone all day while you go to work, and you can’t expect him to behave despite this. Being very energetic and affectionate, it is inconceivable that he can tolerate long periods of solitude and idleness. He needs at least an hour or more of vigorous exercise every day, which for many people is an impossible or demanding task.

A back garden is not enough for him, but he is more comfortable in a garden house than in an apartment. Its happy, friendly nature means it gets on well with children, but it can push smaller ones around unintentionally, so always have an adult nearby. Through hunting dogs, it is not recommended with smaller pets, but it does get on well with cats if they have been properly housetrained.

The Brittany has a natural hunting instinct and is therefore a good choice for those who are not yet who are new to hunting. If hunting is not your sport, try it with your pet agility, flyball or other similar activities.
Your dog will love it, and so will you! If he can keep up with his owner’s need for exercise and work, you’ll find he’s a great family pet. It can be the perfect dog for those who lead an active lifestyle, love the outdoors and want to share that with a dog.

Care

Its smooth or slightly wavy coat can be easily groomed by combing once a week. Moderate shedding, but can be controlled by regular brushing. For bathing only when it becomes dirty. Claws should be clipped occasionally, or to keep his ears and eyes clean should always be taken care of.

Common health problems

The Brittany is a very healthy breed, but some problems problems can occur. These include hip joint dysplasia, the epilepsy, and hypothyroidism.

(Literature: International Dog Encyclopaedia)