The Brittany (Spaniel) is also known as: Brittany Spaniel, Epagneul, Breton
Fast FactsGroup classification: Sporting Country of origin: France Date of origin: 19th century
Weight (M): 30 - 40 lb Height (M): 17.5 - 20.5" Life expectancy: 12 - 13 years
Weight (F): 30 - 40 lb Height (F): 17.5 - 20.5"
Fast FactsGroup classification: Sporting Country of origin: France Date of origin: 19th century
Weight (M): 30 - 40 lb Height (M): 17.5 - 20.5" Life expectancy: 12 - 13 years
Weight (F): 30 - 40 lb Height (F): 17.5 - 20.5"
General Description of the Brittany (Spaniel)
The Brittany is an athletic and sturdily built dog of medium size. The ears are short and triangular, lying flat against the skull, which is rounded and medium length. The face is intelligent and expressive, with eyes of various shades of amber or hazel. The dog’s frame is strong and leggy, with the dog’s height at its shoulders equal to its length. The tail is naturally short but is generally docked to a length of about four inches. The coat is dense and either flat or wavy with some feathering on the ears and legs. The dog’s coloring is typically orange and white or liver and white in clear or roan patterns, with some dogs displaying a tri-color pattern; freckles are also common. This breed is still commonly referred to as the Brittany Spaniel, despite the AKC's official removal of "Spaniel" from the breed name in 1982 (read more about this in the history section).
The Brittany is an athletic and sturdily built dog of medium size. The ears are short and triangular, lying flat against the skull, which is rounded and medium length. The face is intelligent and expressive, with eyes of various shades of amber or hazel. The dog’s frame is strong and leggy, with the dog’s height at its shoulders equal to its length. The tail is naturally short but is generally docked to a length of about four inches. The coat is dense and either flat or wavy with some feathering on the ears and legs. The dog’s coloring is typically orange and white or liver and white in clear or roan patterns, with some dogs displaying a tri-color pattern; freckles are also common. This breed is still commonly referred to as the Brittany Spaniel, despite the AKC's official removal of "Spaniel" from the breed name in 1982 (read more about this in the history section).
Brittany (Spaniel) Temperament
The Brittany is quick and curious with an abundant love for running, hunting, and playing. The dog’s good nature and natural eagerness to please make it a great companion pet, but potential owners should be aware that the breed requires plenty of exercise – let your Brittany roam in open areas whenever you can, especially with other dogs. The Brittany is highly trainable and obedient but is also very sensitive to reprimand; take care not to chastise your Brittany too roughly, or it may become shy and fearful. The dog is a natural socializer and gets along exceedingly well with other dogs and children, though small children should never be left alone with a Brittany as the dog’s natural energetic play could cause the child accidental harm. The Brittany’s athleticism and friendliness make it equally attractive as a hunting buddy or a lifelong companion.
Caring for a Brittany (Spaniel)
The Brittany is a relatively easy dog to care for, and is especially well suited to damp and cold conditions. Health problems are rare, though the breed is susceptible to hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and ear infections; owners should take special care to inspect the dog’s ears after playing in brambles and brush. The coat requires occasional brushing and shampooing, and shedding is generally light to moderate. The dog requires a great deal of exercise and plenty of room to move around – a sedentary or apartment lifestyle is therefore not recommended.