Species group: Sporting Group dogs

Other name(s): Epagneul Breton; Brittany Spaniel; French Brittany; American Brittany; Brittany Pointer; Brittany Wi

The basics:
The Brittany, once called the Brittany Spaniel, is a high energy hunting dog that thrives on an active lifestyle with an owner who likes to jog, bike, hunt, or otherwise get outdoors often with a lively companion. Believed to be descended from crosses between local spaniels and English setters, this breed was developed to work closely with hunters to hunt, point, and retrieve. As a result, this sensitive dog thrives on playing and working with its human. Sensitive to small cues, they notice tension in the home. A neglected Brittany could become destructive or depressed.

World War II severely depleted their numbers in Europe, hurting the diversity of the gene pool. Hence, several countries decided to register black Brittanies. However, the United States does not consider black to be a valid color in Brittany dogs.

Appearance / health:
The Brittany is a medium-sized rugged dog with good legs that can cover a good distance. The tail is absent or docked to a length of four inches. The skull is slightly wedge shaped and rounded. The muzzle is of medium length and tapers gradually. The triangular ears are set high, slightly above the eyes. The chest is deep. The back is short and straight. The front legs have some feathering.

They are light shedders. Brushing regularly is necessary to keep the coat in good condition. Specialized grooming is required for show dogs. Bathing and shampooing is done only when necessary.

They require moderate to high amounts of exercise. A walk, jog, or a swim is needed to keep them healthy. An active dog is less likely to become destructive or develop health problems.

Hip dysplasia, a condition characterized by badly formed hips, may occur in Brittanys. Some Brittanys also suffer from seizures.

Behavior / temperament:
Brittanys love to dig, and owners may find large holes in their backyards often. Hunting comes naturally to these dogs. Their alertness and stamina has made them extremely popular with hunters all over the world. They are well suited to hunt hare and partridge. They love to run and roam. Similar to most breeds, they may get bored if kept alone for a long time, and can become destructive or expend their energy in excessive barking or chewing. As is the case with several dogs, owners may find that their Brittanys roll in their feces or eat them, which can be discouraged through the right training.

They are easy to train if patient, kind training sessions are used. Training must being early and should include socialization and obedience classes. They have a high learning rate.

They are average barkers. Some Brittanys do bark a lot.