The Brittany is a medium-sized gun dog with a happy-go-lucky personality. This pointing/retrieving dog is generally easy to care for, possessing a coat that protects from the elements while remaining a breeze to groom. This makes him appealing to many hunters who want a dog which will go all-out in the field without needing endless coat care. The Brittany also makes a great companion dog with his friendly, easygoing temperament, although potential owners should be aware of his exercise needs. Unlike some gun dog breeds which have been divided into “show” and “hunting” lines, many Britts compete in both arenas successfully.
Britts are high-energy dogs who may prove too much to handle for a laid-back household. They do best in homes where they are given a job to do, preferably hunting although other dog sports can be substituted. In addition, he needs regular exercise every single day. Assuming that he is given enough exercise, he should be calm in the house and not overly rowdy. Because of his medium size, a Britt can live in an apartment but only if all of his physical and mental needs are met – which will often mean more work than someone who lives on a bigger property. There is also some variation in different lines as to how much exercise the dog may need so it is paramount to research breeders if you are looking for a particular activity level.
Brittanys take very well to obedience training and usually need only mild corrections (when corrections need to be given). They are generally very eager to please and catch on quite quickly when taught something new. The breed does have a naughty, impish side that can come out from time to time. They may try to make training into a game with their own rules. A sense of humor is therefore always good to have!
The Britt tends to be gentle and patient with children, while still retaining a fun-loving playfulness. As with all dogs, however, they should be socialized to kids (ideally when still a puppy) in order to ensure the best results. The breed also tends to get along very well with other dogs – most never meet another dog that they don’t like! While it can happen, aggression issues are very uncommon. Finally, if raised with cats then the breed can get along with them. If not raised with cats… a Britt may be heavily inclined to chase one. This is a hunting breed, after all!
Brittanys do shed year-round, although not in copious amounts. Keeping the dog brushed out on a regular schedule (two or three times a week) will help this issue, and the relatively short coat is easy to groom. Some members of the breed have longer feathering on their legs which may need to be combed more often than the rest of the coat. Nails need to be clipped every couple of weeks, and the teeth need to be brushed regularly. Baths only need to be given when the dog gets dirty, or slightly more often if the dog has a show.
While the Britt is a French breed, there is a distinction between American lines and French lines – and the lines are no longer crossed by most breeders. In fact, the French Brittany is now considered a separate breed. American Brittanys are leggier and have a racier build than their European counterparts, they also are not allowed to have black in the coat. To make matters confusing, however, French Brittanys can be registered by the AKC although they may or may not be able to become show dogs. Although it is the same breed genetically, some people feel that the two types are different enough to separate them.
The Brittany does not make a good kennel dog as he needs plenty of attention throughout the day. This is a breed that lives 12-14 years – make sure you are able to dedicate enough time every day, for the rest of the dog’s life! Some individual dogs will be ok in homes where the owner works all day, but usually only if a friend or pet professional is enlisted in caring for the dog daily (a pet sitter or dog walker, for example). While your Britt would really prefer you, this breed tends to love everyone and will generally be ok as long as they are being given enough attention by someone.
