Dog Breeds for Families Series: The Brittany

History

A Brittany, also known as an American Brittany, Brittany Pointer, or Brittany Spaniel, is a dog originally from France. This dog's working characteristics are similar to that of a setter or pointer, but the dog is most often considered a spaniel. The name Brittany comes from an area in the northwest of France. Brittanys were bred for bird hunting. They were very popular for their agility and speed during hunts.

Brittanys first came to the United States in about 1931 and grew in popularity from then on. Since Brittanys are more of a pointing dog, and are not flushing dogs like other spaniels, "spaniel" was taken out of their original name in the United States. However, other countries still refer to Brittanys as Brittany Spaniels.

Size and Color

Brittanys are considered medium size dogs. They are usually about seventeen and a half to twenty and a half inches high at the withers with female Brittanys being a little shorter than males. Their weight should be between about thirty six and forty three lbs.

Brittanys have either wavy or flat hair, and they don't have a very thick coat. Brittanys don't tend to shed a lot. The most common colors are liver and white or orange and white. Some have all three colors, liver, orange, and white. Many Brittanys have coats that are a roan pattern. Roan patterns are mixtures of white and colored hairs.

Temperament

Brittanys are very active and energetic dogs. They are a perfect match for an active family. This breed is very alert and curious. Though they are independent, Brittanys also want to please people. They are very happy and fun to play with. Since they are smart, they can be taught tricks and need mental stimulation every day along with their physical exercise.

Small children who have a Brittany need to be taught how to come up to and touch the dog. And no matter how well the dog has been trained and how friendly it is, it is important for parents to always watch their small children around the family dog. It is also safe to teach children not to go near dogs while they are eating or sleeping because it could startle the dog and cause a dangerous situation.

Training

During training, Brittanys respond better to consistent but not harsh training. Brittanys are intelligent and learn commands very quickly. Dogs need to be trained to help them overcome their instincts and learn how to live with people. Training the dog properly can help ensure the safest experience for families with small children.

Just like any other dog, Brittanys should be socialized early on. This means they need to be exposed to a lot of different sounds, sights, people, and experiences when they are little. Parents can do this by taking the dog to parks that are busy, inviting people over when the Brittany is a puppy, and even going to stores that allow dogs.

Health

Brittanys have a lifespan of around fourteen to fifteen years. They are usually very healthy dogs but as with any breed of dog, there are certain types of disease that seem to be prevalent among Brittanys. Brittanys have been known to have hypothyroidism, epilepsy, and hip dysplasia. These conditions can be based on genetics, environment, diet, or a mixture of the three. By taking the dog to the vet when it seems like something may be wrong, and treating these diseases with the proper treatment, Brittanys can live happy and full lives.

More Dog Breeds

« Dog Breeds for Familes Series: The Boxer | Only Dog Beds | Dog Breeds for Families Series: Easy to Train Dogs »