Meet the Brittany

The Brittany is a compact, closely knit dog of medium size, between 30 to 40 pounds, and from 17-1/2 to 20-1/2 inches at the shoulder. He can be orange and white or liver and white in either clear or roan patterns as well as tri-colored. He is not a heavily coated dog, but is lightly fringed. He has enough coat to protect him from the briars but not enough to catch burrs to any great extent. It is considered one of America's most popular gun dogs. The Brittany points and retrieves game. It is energetic and quick of movement with an exceptionally keen nose and a very biddable disposition. The Brittany can be born tail less or have a docked tail of approximately four inches. His short tail, is an asset. The first Brittany was registered with the AKC in 1934 and is named for the French province where it originated. From 1934-1982, the Brittany was registered by AKC as Brittany Spaniel. On September 1, 1982 its official name was changed to Brittany because its manner of working game is more setter-like than spaniel-like.

He is a leggy dog that can cover ground with agility. He is strong, vigorous, energetic and quick of movement. He works in the same manner as a pointer, but without the great range. He points and holds his game. He retrieves both on land and in water. He is used primarily on upland game in the United States, but is used on both fur and feather in France.

He is noted for an exceptionally keen nose and a very biddable disposition. Many of the country’s top dogs have been house pets as well as field winners and fine hunting dogs. The Brittany is a high energy dog who is bred to hunt. He does need lots of exercise or opportunities to hunt to keep him happy.

He has a typical friendly disposition and is very willing to please his master. He may be expected to absorb training more easily than some of the other pointing breeds, needing only a sharp scolding or slight punishment. The natural ability of the Brittany sells him as a breed to many neophytes in the field of hunting as he seems to know better what to do than his master.

He gains his admirers from his excellent working ability. The Brittany, with his shorter range, is becoming more popular as hunting becomes limited to smaller fields with more fences. His exceptional nose, which guarantees that he will pass up few birds, also helps to account for his popularity. Read the complete breed standard at www.akc.org/breeds/brittany/.