Spotlight on the Brittany Spaniel
If you’ve had the pleasure of loving a Brittany Spaniel, then you already know that they make it impossible to be ticked off about a torn-up shoe for too long. This particular breed doesn’t miss a beat, and you’ll wonder if they will ever exhaust their seemingly unlimited supply of energy. This beautiful bird dog has won over the hearts of many with a charming eagerness and a generally joyful presence. Placing the spotlight on the Brittany breed!
Brittany Spaniels stand at around 18 to 21 inches and are well-suited to the sporting group of doggy breeds. With excellent muscular health, agility, and tireless stamina, Brittanys are a dream come true for the active pet owner. The Brittany’s active status is all thanks to their history. Dating back to the 1800s, this liver and white colored dog is named after France’s Brittany region, where English nobility hunted alongside their spaniels. Following a successful hunting season, many of these dogs were left in local families’ care, therefore adopting the Brittany region’s name! Focusing on Brittany’s striking good looks – their coats are dense; usually, a uniform set of colors, including black and white or some tri-color variations, is designed not to hold water or dirt in excess.
Temperament
Despite their determined appearance, intense focus, and energetic nature, the Brittany is on the softer side of temperaments. Raised voices or harsh glares typically have a negative impact on this breed, although, at times, it’s necessary to be stern with your Brittany – especially while he’s training. This sensitivity also shows up when Brittany feels that you’re gone for extended periods. Some signs of separation anxiety can include destructive behavior. If you’re noticing some undesired changes in your pup, it may be time to consider some extra training and further socialization with other pups and pet owners. Your Brittany dog will thrive quickly in a positive-oriented program where the training can be firm, consistent, and set some much-needed boundaries without harshness. Training this breed, similarly to other breeds, should include early socialization and training sessions. Keep in mind that the Brittany breed is eager to please – employ positive reinforcement by using treats (preferably nutritious low calorie treats) to reward your doggy when he’s succeeded in training activities! A well-trained Brittany is friendly, obedient, and aware of well-established boundaries.
Activity Level
As you probably already guessed, the Brittany breed is highly energetic and needs energy release regularly. Unlike other dog breeds, this one is suited to the lively lifestyle and enjoys extended walks, hikes, or runs alongside their favorite human. Take advantage of Brittany’s limitless energy by including him in doggy sports or even honoring his noble history of being a world-class hunting dog! Even better, if you’ve got some little ones running around – let them take on the impossible challenge of exhausting their Brittany pup. As with many breeds in the doggy universe – this breed is a working dog with an impressive work ethic. Giving this dog something to do will keep him occupied by providing him with mental stimulation. Mental stimulation for an intelligent doggy like this one will have just as beneficial an effect as physical work. Recruit the help of everyone from your kids to your pooper scooper service team with this impressively tireless pup!
Maintenance
A Brittany’s coat is mostly on the shorter side; this means you’ve found a doggy that requires minimal grooming. With a soft brush, you can quickly tidy up your Brittany’s appearance and carefully comb through featherings. If you’re aiming to maintain this breed to a show dog’s standards, you can schedule some light trimmings to keep the fur around the head and neck well-groomed. Make it a priority to check the underside of the ears, and clean if needed! This will keep ear infections at bay and prevent any future trouble in that area. This beauty sheds seasonally and doesn’t require frequent bathing.
Fun Facts
- The second half of this breed’s name, Spaniel, was dropped in 1982.
- According to the AKC standard, Brittany’s height at the shoulder is the same length as its entire body.
- Brittany’s have been beautifully depicted in French and Dutch paintings since the 17th century.
- Brittany’s intelligence flirts with the line of a sassy attitude! Only Brittany owners would understand.
- This breed is a huge fan of a good ear massage.
- Brittanys were introduced to the US in 1931 and registered in 1934.
