The Brittany Spaniel is of Brittany France origins and is recognized as one of the world’s supreme gun dogs. It first appeared in the 19th century and was officially recognized in 1938. Originally used as a working dog, the Brittany Spaniel of today is short of many tasks but is still an avid hunter at heart.
The Brittany Spaniel possesses an athletic, well- rounded and solidly built body. This kind of build is very suitable for its active lifestyle for it is neither too light nor too heavy for its size. This breed has a rounded skull and almond shaped eyes that project a gaze of intelligence, vigor and curiosity.
The legs of this dog are long, lean and very fitting for its wild and free spirit. Its strides are always elastic, distant and free and it gives him a merry kind of walk. Most Brittany Spaniels have short tails and this may either come naturally or when it comes out long, it is purposely docked.
The two recognized varieties of the Brittany Spaniel are the French Brittany Spaniel and the American Brittany. The latter only accepts dogs with orange, white or liver markings while other combinations outside of these are considered disqualifications. The French variety, however, accepts all kinds of colors, even black.
The term spaniel for this breed has been the topic of many arguments because some experts say that this breed is actually of the pointer or setter type. However, the Brittany Spaniel looks like a spaniel although it does not flush out games just like any other spaniel breed would do. In the US, this breed is only called the American Brittany because the term spaniel has been fervently discouraged.
The Brittany is an excellent dog for hunting, highly trainable, sensitive and sweet. It is very active and mostly wants to run sprightly and vigorously in the open. Because of this, it is always best to allow this pet to be spirited in a wide fenced area everyday, at one time with a leash and the other without.
There are some instances that a Brittany is obnoxiously wild and irrepressible but this can only be blamed to the owner’s improper training and raising of the breed. Brittanies that arent well-exposed tend to become shy and fearful of strangers. But if they are well socialized and well treated, they grow up smart, sociable and sweet.
This breed needs companionship and love from the master for without it, it has a tendency to become ill-behaved, to the point of being destructive and neurotic. For a living condition, this breed suits best in a cold and damp environment and a wide- spaced house and backyard. Among all the dog breeds, the Brittany Spaniel is the only breed with more winnings in the American dual championships, a competition of both conformation shows and field competitions.
