Brittany

Though the Brittany has not always been the most popular dog through history, it's always been a happy and willing pet. According to the American Kennel Club Registration Statistics, the breed popularity and ownership has skyrocketed in the past fifty years because of these qualities and because of the Brittany's skills as a hunter. History This breed was originally called the Brittany Spaniel, though the name was shortened in 1982 because this dog hunts more like a pointer than a spaniel. It is now known just as the Brittany, named after the French province where it was first bred over 1,800 years ago. The lineage of a Brittany isn't well known because records of its creation are long since lost. While there are tapestries from the 17th century depicting a dog similar to the Brittany, no mention of this dog is actually made until 1850, when one Reverend Davies wrote about the breed. This leaves over 1,000 years of breeding a mystery. However, because of its similarities to the Welsh Springer Spaniel, experts agree that it's likely the two breeds share some common ancestors. They also speculate that early Brittany Spaniels were crossed with English pointing breeds in the 1900's in order to improve their hunting skills. It was this crossbreeding that led to the development of the Brittany as we know it today. The breed was first recognized in France in 1907; the American Kennel Club didn't approve of the breed until 1934. Since then, it has been known for hunting, companionship, and showmanship. Appearance Brittanies are medium-sized dogs that weigh between thirty and forty pounds. Males and females typically measure between 17.5 and 20.5 inches at the withers. At first glance, the first thing that most prospective dog owners notice about this breed is the long legs. These legs account for most of the dog's height. Because the torso is often as long as the dog is tall, they have a square-ish appearance, though that doesn't make the dog look stocky or unattractive. Rather, it lends an air of strength and power. Sloping shoulders connect to a medium-sized neck, and then to a medium-sized head. The Brittany often has an alert, eager, yet soft expression. Distinctive eyebrows protect the dark eyes (though some Brittanies do have amber eyes). As for the ears, they are triangular and hang down by the face. A Brittany has a dense, wavy coat (never curly) with a medium texture (not silky or coarse). The coat is shorter, though there is normally some longer "feathering"� on the legs and ears. This coat should be either orange and white or liver and white, with uniform markings. Temperament The Brittany is an agile dog. The breed may look rugged, but they should behave gracefully. They are very energetic and happy, and they are often described as sweet and gentle. This breed is also eager to please, so they master obedience quickly; owners don't need to use harsh discipline when teaching. It is rare to find a shy Brittany, and even rarer to find an aggressive or mean one. Health Issues The average lifespan of a Brittany is between fifteen and twenty years, which is above average for a purebred dog of this size. They are generally healthy, though they do have some common health problems. Brittanies may suffer from ear infections, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, Pet Care The most important thing a Brittany owner can give his or her dog is exercise. These athletic canines were born to run and hunt, so they have a lot of energy to burn off. Regular walks, runs, and games, such as fetch, are necessary to keep the dog happy. Obedience training and socialization should be done at a young age, as with other dog breeds. Grooming needs are minimal since the shorter coat requires less brushing that other breeds. What Owners Have to Say Many dog owners love this breed because of its versatility. It can be a great hunting companion, but it can also be a great house pet. Its energy and enthusiasm always make for a good time. Is this the right dog for you? If you are looking for a medium-sized dog that is very athletic and energetic, this may be the breed for you. Brittanies are agile and love to run, so they are a great match for active owners who spend a lot of time outdoors. They are also very friendly, meaning they are great around their masters and around strangers. Because of this friendliness, they often do well with other animals so they are a good choice if you already have other pets. Plus, they are very intelligent and can learn to master a variety of activites from hunting to agility and obedience competitions. This dog is very eager to please, so you will find him a joy to train. However, like other dog breeds, there are always some "cons"� about this breed. Owners who do not want to deal with hyperactivity, this is not the breed for you. If a Brittany isn't exercised enough, he can be destructive while he looks for an outlet to release his pent-up energy. They are also hard to control if they find an interesting scent; they will follow trails even if it leads them away from their masters, so obedience is necessary to keep this dog in check and eliminate this habit. Brittanies also suffer from separation anxiety when left alone too long. Frequent shedding and grooming requirements do turn off some owners. The most unpleasant trait of the Brittany, though, is its tendency to urinate when it's feeling submissive. This means that if the dog is threatened or uncomfortable around a stranger, you may have a mess to clean up. They may also whine a lot when they feel uncomfortable or stressed, which can be annoying. Think of all of these plusses and minuses when choosing this breed. Provided with the right home and socialization, the Brittany is a joy, but if it's left alone too much, it can be a destructive dog.

Back to iAnimals.com home page Copyright Notice: This website is © . All Rights Reserved.  Click Here to contact us. Link Partners: Animals Go to Heaven | Adopt Me | Salt And Pepper | Singing Animals | Animal Noises