The Brittany, otherwise known as the Brittany Spaniel, was originally used for bird hunting. When out with their hunting owner, the dog would run out and retrieve the bird that was shot. Their hunting past earns them a position in the sporting class group as they enjoy mental stimulation and feeling as if they are performing tasks.
Dogs of the Brittany breed tend to have long legs and are incredibly agile and have impressive stamina when it comes to running. Because of this, they are considered a very high-energy breed and that needs to be taken into serious consideration by prospective Brittany owners.
The Brittany that we see today was first bred in the mid-1800s and hails from the French region of Brittany. This is where its unique breed name comes from. Brittany pups are able to point like Setters and retrieve like a Spaniel, making them the perfect dog for hunters. They are also the smallest of the hunting breeds.
If you’re looking for an energetic dog that doesn’t drool or snore and has a long life expectancy, a Brittany could be the best dog for you.
Brittanys are intelligent, adaptable, happy, and attentive, which makes them a popular breed. However, their owner must live an active lifestyle as the breed is also very agile and energetic, requiring tons of physical exercise. With a Brittany, a walk around the block each day simply won’t cut it.
Instead, owners need to take their dog for daily bike rides, runs, or to the park to play fetch. If a Brittany is not well exercised, they can become destructive in the home.
Most Brittanys have a soft temperament and respond well to owners who are gentle and remain calm during training. As they have a soft temperament combined with an affectionate personality, be prepared to cuddle your Brittany often as this will make them feel loved and appreciated.
Brittanys are also considered an up-for-anything breed as they are easily excitable and adaptable to their surroundings. Owners rarely have to worry about their Brittany feeling uncomfortable or out of place. As long as the dog is with their attentive owner, they will be happy.
The ideal owner is someone who loves to exercise and adventure. Since the breed has so much energy, it’s best if they go to an active home filled with people who enjoy exercising in their free time. Brittanys are good with children and other dogs but because they are so excitable, their rambunctious personality can put young kids in harm's way. They would never bite a child but the chances of them knocking one over is quite high. Brittanys love attention and affection from children so if you’re looking for a breed that would do well with kids, look no further.
The ideal home would have a large garden so that the Brittany pup can quickly burn off energy through zoomies or fetch. If the owner lives in an apartment, it would be helpful to be near a dog park so that they can run the Brittany there multiple times a day.
Brittany owners must also prioritise mentally and intellectually stimulating their dog or else they will be unhappy and destructive. This is as simple as hiding treats around the house for a scavenger hunt or letting the dog solve a challenging treat puzzle.
When it comes to grooming, Brittanys are fairly high maintenance. If you want your Brittany to appear in tip-top shape, you’ll have to get them groomed every 6 to 8 weeks. Their curious nature means they can get dirty very quickly by swimming and digging in dirt. If you’re not keen on taking your Brittany to the groomer every two months, you can bathe them in your bathtub or find a pet friendly dry shampoo.
To reduce the amount that they shed, use a grooming brush every few days at home.
Hip Dysplasia is an inherited condition that means the thighbone doesn’t fit snuggly in the hip joint.
The symptoms are generally pain and lameness which will vary in severity and can be present in one or both rear legs.
Sadly, it’s not uncommon for the disorder to lead to hip replacement.
Make sure you ask any breeder if the puppy’s parents have been tested and cleared for Hip Dysplasia. If they have not, or the issue is present in one or both, find another breeder.
Hypothyroidism is a disorder of the thyroid gland which is believed to be a cause of issues including epilepsy, hair loss, obesity, lethargy and skin conditions.
This is a disorder that can be quite easily treated through a dog’s diet and medication.
Epilepsy is a neurological condition that is often, but not always, inherited.
The condition causes mild or severe seizures which may show themselves as unusual behaviour such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, hiding, or even by falling down, limbs rigid, and losing consciousness.
Although seizures are frightening and saddening to watch, the long-term prognosis for sufferers is generally very good.
If you suspect your dog has epilepsy, take your dog to the vet for proper diagnosis and treatment as there could be other reasons for seizures.