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Brittany SpanielAmerican Brittany ~ Epagnuel Breton

Family: Canidae

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Canis lupus familiarisPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy Justin Brough

    The medium sized Brittany Spaniel is known as a great hunting dog, as well as a popular pet.

    Brittanys make delightful pets, with their sweet, gentle and obedient nature. They get along with both family and strangers, and are good with children if exposed to them while young. They are somewhat independent, and they do well in all climates and types of terrain. The breed can learn to hunt birds and rabbits. When selecting a Brittany Spaniel, look for signs of hip problems and epilepsy.

Common Name(s)     Brittany Spaniel, American Brittany, Epagnuel Breton

Breed Type     The Brittany Spaniel is a sporting breed. Known as a great gun dog for bird hunting, the Brittany adapts well to cold and wet climates.

Background     The Brittany Spaniel is believed to have originated in France's Brittany province, hence its name. The breed goes back to the 1800s, and is probably a descendent of the Orange and White Setter. Today the Brittany is a hunting dog as well as a popular pet.

Description     The Brittany Spaniel is medium in size with a feathered coat. Acceptable colors include white with orange, liver, or black, or liver or black tri-color. The breed has a straight muzzle, light eyes, mid-length triangular ears, and usually a dark nose. Males are usually 17-21 inches tall and weigh 35-40 pounds. Females are 18-20 inches tall and 30-40 pounds.

Care and Feeding     The Brittany Spaniel 's diet should consist of foods derived from poultry, lamb, and beet pulp. Grooming requirements consist of regular brushing and bathing as needed. Trimming is required for show dogs. It is important to keep a close eye on this breed's ears.
    Regular checkups will keep your Brittany Spaniel healthy. Vaccinations should be administered as follows:

• 6-8 weeks: Distemper, Leptospirosis, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvo, and Corona virus (DHLPPC)
• 10-12 weeks: Second DHLPPC
• 14-16 weeks: Third DHLPPC and rabies
• Annually: DHLPPC and rabies booster
  

    The Brittany sheds lightly, so little extra maintenance is required if keeping this breed inside.

Housing Your Dog     The Brittany Spaniel is best suited to outdoor living, but it can stay indoors if it gets lots of exercise.

Social Behaviors     The Brittany Spaniel gets along with family and strangers. It's also good with children if exposed to them while young. Socialization is important to keep this breed from becoming too timid. They enjoy the company of other Brittanys.

Handling and Training     Brittanys aim to please, so training is usually fairly easy.

Activities     Brittanys need lots of exercise, including a daily walk or jog. This is a great dog for active types.

Breeding/Reproduction     Brittany Spaniels experience few hereditary health problems. When selecting a mate, check bloodlines for hip dysplasia and epilepsy.

Common Health Problems     In addition to genetic disorders, Brittanys are sometimes prone to ear infections. Checking the ears regularly can help prevent them or facilitate early treatment.

Availability     Brittany Spaniels may be hard to find in some areas, but are readily avaiilable online. Prices vary greatly.

References "Brittany Spaniel", Wikipedia, Copyright 2008
"Brittany Spaniel", Dog Breed Info Center, Copyright 1998-2008
Cusick, William D., "What to Feed a Brittany Spaniel", Referenced online, 2008
"Brittany Spaniel Puppies for Sale", Copyright PuppyFind.com, LLC, Referenced online, 2008

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