Brittany
Other names: Brittany Spaniel

The Brittany Spaniel, a French hunting dog, has become wide-spread across the world thanks to his hunting skills and his qualities as a companion dog. Intelligent, docile, dynamic, and sociable, he adapts to all lifestyles. He can just as happily accompany his master to hunt all day as long as he stays at home with his loved ones. However, since he is very dynamic, he needs a very intense daily routine
Key facts about the Brittany
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Origins and history
He originates from France, and more precisely from the centre of the Armorican Peninsula, as his name implies. Numerical statistics show that this dog is the most popular French hunting dog in the world. A first official standard of the breed was presented in France in 1907 and adopted in 1908. But it could be said that this breed is much older than that since this Breton may be the oldest of the Spaniel type dogs. One of his ancestors is likely to be the “Chien d' Oysel” and other breeds of setters or Springers have ended up improving this race in a fortuitous or voluntary way.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 7 - Pointing Dogs
Section
Section 1 : Continental Pointing Dogs
Physical characteristics of the Brittany
Adult size
Female : Between 18 and 20 in
Male : Between 19 and 20 in
Weight
Female : Between 29 and 40 lb
Male : Between 29 and 40 lb
Coat colour
Several varieties exist: the coat can be white and orange, white and brown, or white and black. It is very rare, but good fortune, to meet a tricolour Spaniel or a roan coat (white hairs mixed with the dog’s main colour). Unicoloured subjects are not allowed by the official standard.
Type of coat
The hair is mid-length.
His hair is very thin, flattened or slightly wavy. It is not silky, and it should not be curled either.
Eye colour
The eyes’ colour is dark amber.
Description
The Brittany Spaniel is a stocky dog; he is small and elegant although vigorous. His movements are energetic, his appearance is intelligent and his silhouette is square. His head is of medium size, the skull is of medium length, and the muzzle is ⅔ shorter than the skull. The stop is quite accentuated, gently sloping; straight or very slightly convex. The ears are located high, hanging, rather short, slightly rounded and a little fringed. His back is short. The tail is usually quite short and ends with a clump of hair. His limbs are rather feathered.
Good to know
He is particularly liked and widespread in France where you can find very good puppies. We must be careful, however, because some breeders, more focused on the results of their work, do not pay enough attention to the looks of the subjects. This is a mistake that could end up "splitting" the breed in two.
Also to note: this dog can sometimes be born without a tail (Anuran) or with a very short tail (brachyuran).
Temperament
Behaviour of the Brittany
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Compatibility
Price
The price of a Brittany Spaniel varies depending on his origin, age and gender. An average of £940 are asked for a dog registered with the Kennel Club.
With regards to the monthly budget, between £35 and £45 will be necessary to support the physiological needs of this hunting dog.
Grooming
The maintenance of this hunting dog is not complicated. He does not need to be groomed, even if it is very dirty, because he tends to self-clean. Simple regular brushing will help maintain the quality and beauty of the coat.
However, it is necessary to monitor his ears which are easily irritated in the presence of foreign bodies, especially after a long walk in the forest or a hunting session.
Shedding
His hair loss is moderate but accentuated during the annual moult periods in the autumn and spring.
Nutrition of the Brittany
The Brittany Spaniel must have a diet that is balanced and adapted to his physical condition, age, weight, and state of health.
A veterinary follow-up is recommended for young puppies during their growth, but also for athletes or working dogs.
Croquettes can be offered but they must be premium quality. These are more filling, so avoid large sizes.
Be careful not to upset the stomach of this active dog by exercising him directly before or after eating. A buffet arrangement is to be avoided, partly for this reason.
One meal a day is enough or two if preferred (one light in the morning and one more copious in the evening).
Health of the Brittany
Life expectancy
His life expectancy is estimated at 13 years.
Strong / robust
This is a very sturdy dog that has no major health problems. His lifespan also testifies to his great resistance.
Withstand heat
Watch out for heatstroke, especially if this dog is working or practicing a regular sport. It is better to avoid intense activities during hot periods!
Given the fact that he is always eager to please his master and spend energy, this dog could easily push himself to exhaustion without noticing.
Withstand cold
His double coat and great resistance allow this Breton dog to be very well protected against the bad weather. He can live outside without problems, but he still prefers the comfort of a basket in the house.
Tendency to put on weight
The great energy of this dog allows him to always keep trim. However, it is still necessary to offer him enough physical exercise to meet his needs. He cannot be overfed because, like any self-respecting dog, he will never say no.
Common illnesses
- Coxo-femoral dysplasia
- Median patella dislocation
- Cystinuria