Brittany

Brittany
History:

Country/Date of Origin: France/1700s

This breed was already common as a hunting dog in 18th Century Brittany (a region of France) and it bears the name of the place that nurtured it. Once called the Brittany Spaniel, the name was changed to reflect the fact that this is the smallest of the pointing breeds although it does do the retrieving work of the spaniel. Brittanies were imported to the United States in 1931 and were then and still are a popular choice for the single dog hunter. They were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1934 attesting to their instant popularity.

 Other Names Body Type Personality Coat Health Concerns

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Epagneul Breton

AKC Group: Sporting

Breed Club: American Brittany Club

Rescue Club: Rhonda Carlson; rhonda@americanbrittanyrescue.org; 510-582-2714; 866-Brit911 (toll free)

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Body Type:

  • Smallest of the true pointers. It is built more along the lines of a spaniel although it is square in shape; about as tall as it is long
  • Height: 18 - 20 1/2 inches (at shoulder)
  • Weight: 28-33 pounds
  • Short ears with rounded tips hang close to the head. They are not altered
  • Tail is usually naturally short. It is however, docked, if it exceeds four inches in length

Personality:

  • Tends to be a one person dog
  • Good with children
  • Fearless and aggressive in the field
  • Somewhat reserved with strangers

Coat:

  • Coat is dense and wavy, lying close to the body. There is moderate feathering on the legs
  • Colors permitted are dark orange and white or liver and white. The color patches are either clear or roan. No black is allowed in the United States and tricolored dogs fancied on the continent are severely faulted
  • Moderate grooming required

Health Concerns:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Glaucoma and lens luxation
  • Nervous conditions
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Tasty Tidbits:
  • There are more dual champions (bench and field) than in any other breed
  • Make no mistake, the Brittany's first love is birds. Humans come in second place