The Brittany Spaniel is basically a bird dog. She can make a good family pet and watch dog. She likes children and does well with other pets. She prefers to have plenty of space to exercise. She may be a poor choice for an apartment. A properly fenced in enclosure for exercise would be ideal. She needs weekly brushing and monthly bathing. Her breed is considered to be generally healthy.

Good With Children?

Yes, good with children with proper training. As a reminder, never leave a young child unsupervised with any puppy or dog.

Good With Other Pets?

Yes, good with other pets, especially with early socialization.

Temperament

Very nice family oriented dog. She is happy, alert and eager to please.

Trainability

Very trainable.

Approximate Adult Size

The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Brittany spaniel is 17 to 21 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 35 to 40 pounds. The female ranges from 18 to 20 inches to the withers and 30 to 40 pounds.

Special Health Considerations

Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Brittany Spaniel is no exception, Be on the look out for canine hip dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), allergy skin problems, glaucoma, lens luxation, epilepsy and nervousness. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

Grooming

The Brittany Spaniel has a silky, feathered medium length coat that sheds lightly. She should be bathed once a month or so. She should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her nails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

Life Span

The Brittany Spaniel can live between 10 and 12 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

History

The Brittany Spaniel hails from the Brittany province of France as a cross between the Orange and White Setter and another French dog. They were officially shown in France in 1896. They were recognized by the American Kennel Association in 1934.

Some Registries

 
• American Brittany Club
   
• UKC United Kennel Club
   
• NKC National Kennel Club
   
• CKC Continental Kennel Club
   
• APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
   
• AKC American Kennel Club
   
• FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
   
• NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
   
• KCGB Kennel Club of Great Britain
   
• ANKC Australian National Kennel Club
   
• ACR American Canine Registry
   

Litter Size

6 to 10 Brittany Spaniel puppies

Category

Sporting, Gun Dog
Terms To Describe

Fearless, happy, alert, good natured, gentle, happy, alert, athletic, compact, elegant

SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

 
• Good watch dog.
   
• Easy to train.
   
• Very intelligent.
   
• Easy to handle.
   
• Eager to please.
   
• Easy to care for.
   
• She loves water.
   
• She loves to hunt, especially birds.
   

SPECIAL BAD POINTS

 
• Poor guard dog.
   
• May be a one person dog.
   
• Can be high strung.
   
• Likes birds more than humans.
   
• Needs a moderate climate.
   
• They can bore easily.
   
• Can be hyperactive.
   

Other Names Known By

Brittany Spaniel, Epagneul Breton, American Brittany

Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

About the Author Mitch Endick is a short article writer, editor and website developer for the popular pet site http://www.petpages.com PetPages.com is a pet information site with free pet ads, dog classifieds, and puppy for sale info. Petpages.com also offers information on cats, fish, reptiles, birds, ferrets, rabbits, mice and even pet bugs.