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Pronunciation

Description

The Brittany is a hearty, medium-sized, leggy dog. The dog's long legs are the same height at the shoulders as the length of the body. The medium sized, rounded head is wedge-shaped, but not quite as wide in length. The stop slopes mildly. The muzzle is medium in length. The nose has wide nostrils and comes in fawn, tan, shades of brown or deep pink, depending on the color of its coat. Black noses are not permitted in the show ring. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. Eyes come in colors of dark brown to shades of amber and hazel, depending on the coat color. The triangular ears are set high, laying flat close to the head. The feet are small with well arched toes and thick pads. The tail is set high, either naturally short or docked to 4 inches or less (10 cm.). Note: it is illegal to crop tails in most of Europe. Dewclaws are sometimes removed. The single coat is lightly feathered, never curly, but dense, flat or wavy. All over the world the Brittany or Epagneul Breton accepts 5 colors orange and white, liver and white, black and white, liver tri-color, and black tricolor, in either a clear or roam pattern, with some ticking.  The USA (AKC) and Canada (CKC) do not recognize black. All other countries world wide do accept all colors and follow the FCI standard of the breed.

Temperament

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 vigorous breed is a very active and enthusiastic hunter. Affectionate. Independent - it is a free-thinker. Good-natured and easy to care for. Brittanys who lack in mental and or physical exercise will become hyperactive and unstable as the energy builds up inside them. When they are not hunting they need to be taken out on daily pack walks where the dog is made to heel beside the handler. Never walked out in front as pack leader goes first. They also need an owner who is firm, but calm, confident and consistent all at the same time, setting the rules and sticking to them. Brittanys who lack in mental/physical exercise and or are not secure with their place in the pack may become nervous and or timid. Socialize extensively as a puppy. Because of the dog's hunting instincts, the Brittany likes to roam. They are good with children if they are raised with them from puppyhood and/or properly socialized. It adapts to all types of terrain: woods, plains or hills. It's resistant to cold and damp conditions. 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.

Height, Weight

Health Problems

Living Conditions

Exercise

Life Expectancy

Litter Size

Origin

The Brittany was named for the French province of Brittany and may be the a result of crossing the Orange and White Setter and some not clearly identified French dog. Since the Brittany looks a lot like the Welsh Springer Spaniel some think the two may be related. The breed is one of the most popular pointing breeds for bird hunting. In some countries the breed is referred to as a "Brittany Spaniel", however in the United States it is referred to as just "Brittany". The Brittany was first shown in France in 1896 and first recognized by the AKC in 1934.

Group

Recognition

CKC = Continental Kennel Club
FCI = Fédération Cynologique Internationale
AKC = American Kennel Club
UKC = United Kennel Club
KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
CKC = Canadian Kennel Club
ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
NKC = National Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
NAPR = North American Purebred Registry, Inc.

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