BRITTANY SPANIEL Breed Standards
The Brittany takes its name from the province in northern France where it originated, possibly as long as 1,800 years ago. While there is no consensus on the origins of the breed, many experts believe the dog is a product of interbreeding between English pointers and spaniels native to Brittany. The strong historical ties between Brittany and southern Britain lend strong support to this theory, as frequent interaction between merchants, politicians, and hunters could easily have resulted in pairings between English and French hunting dogs. Depictions of dogs bearing a strong resemblance to the Brittany can be found in paintings and tapestries dating back to the 17th century, in which one sees the dog being used to locate and capture game, much as it is used today.
The Brittany as we would recognize it today, however, traces its origins back to the mid-19th century. The first written account of a Brittany (or a dog very much resembling one) dates back to 1850, when an English clergyman by the name of Reverend Davies wrote about hunting with small, bobtailed dogs that pointed, retrieved, and worked well in the brush. Around this time, it is said that a local hunter in the small French town of Pontou bred his white-and-mahogany bitch with a yellow-and-white dog owned by an English sportsman who was in Brittany on a hunting trip; the resulting litter produced two tailless puppies, arguably the first of the Brittany breed.
The Brittany was first officially recognized in France in 1907 with the registration of “Boy,” an orange-and-white, as the first épagneul Breton queue courte naturelle (Brittany Spaniel with short natural tail). The Brittany was brought to the United States in 1931 and recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1934. In 1982, the AKC dropped “Spaniel” from the breed’s name in recognition of the dog’s pointer / setter-like characteristics, though the breed is still called Brittany Spaniel in other countries. To this day, the Brittany’s agility, obedience, and strong nose make it a perennial favorite among hunters and dog fanciers alike.
SKILLS: The Brittany is intelligent, and easy to handle and train for hunting. It is a loving and gentle animal; obedient and always eager to please. Happy and alert.
SIZE: Height: Dogs 17-21 inches (43-53 cm.) Bitches 18-20 inches (46-51 cm.) Weight: Dogs 35-40 pounds (16-18 kg.) Bitches 30-40 pounds (14-18 kg.)
COAT: The tail is either naturally short or docked to less than four inches (10 cm.). All over the world the Brittany accepts 5 colors (Orange & White, Liver & White, Black & White, Liver Tri-color, and Black Tricolor), in either a clear or roam pattern, with some ticking. The USA and Canada do not recognize Black, all other countries world wide do accept all colors and follow the FCI standard of the Breed.
CARE REQUIRED: Regular brushing of the medium-length, flat coat is really all that is needed to keep it in good condition. Bathe or dry shampoo when necessary. Some skilled trimming of the coat is needed for proper show grooming. It is generally a low maintenance dog. Check the ears carefully, especially when the dog has been out in rough or brushy terrain. This breed is a light shedder.
CHARACTER: The Brittany is intelligent, and easy to handle and train for hunting. It is a loving and gentle animal; obedient and always eager to please. Happy and alert. This breed is a very active and enthusiastic hunter. Affectionate. Independent - it is a free-thinker. Good-natured and easy to care for. Some are nervous or hyperactive. This dog can become timid if treated roughly. Socialize extensively as a puppy. The Brittany likes to roam. They are good with children if they are raised with them from puppyhood. It adapts to all types of terrain: woods, plains or hills. It's resistant to cold and damp conditions.
TRAINING: Brittany's love exercise and have great stamina. They need extensive exercise and do best with an active outdoor person or hunter.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: It is used especially for hunting woodcock, partridge, and hare, and is always active, enthusiastic, and untiring. It also has an outstanding instinct for retrieving from water. The Brittany has earned great popularity among millions of hunters because of its moderate size, which allows hunters to transport them easily. Because of its jolly character, it is also popular as a companion dog
EXERCISE: The Brittany is not recommended for apartment life. They are very active indoors and will do best with acreage. This breed is resistant to cold and damp conditions.
