If you're thinking about getting a Brittany as a gun dog, do your research on the breed and its breeders before you make a decision.
Here are some facts about Brittanys:
• Brittanys used to be called “Brittany spaniels,” but the American Kennel Club dropped the “spaniel” part of the breed name in the early 1980s.
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• The Brittany is more of a bird hunter with working characteristics more like a pointer or a setter. They are good at both water work and upland hunting.
• The breed gets its name from the French province of Brittany. Experts theorize that they are the product of crossing an orange and white setter with a Welsh springer spaniel. Wherever they come from, this breed is one of the most popular pointing breeds used in bird hunting. It was first recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1934.
• Brittanys have a fairly long lifespan, and can live to be 15 if treated properly. They mature at about 40 pounds and only stand 21 inches at the shoulder, making them perfect for small dwellings such as suburban homes or apartments if you're willing to put in the time to exercise them.
• They have great personalities and adapt well to situations. They are quick, happy, and attentive dogs, but Brittanys also need a lot of exercise, and will resort to chewing or other neurotic behaviors if they don’t get the activity level they need.
• Brittanys do, however, use their energy to excel at pointing, retrieving, obedience, and agility and are good for novice owners.
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• Brittanys take well to training that is firm, but gentle. They are sensitive dogs, so loud noises and stressed-out people will also stress the dog. If you are loud or there is turmoil in the family, don’t get a Brittany as it will reflect what’s going on in the home with its behavior.
• These dogs do not like or do well in hot weather. If you live where there are real winters and lots of water to swim in, they are more likely to enjoy their surroundings.
• Their noses can be fawn, tan, and shades of brown. Their eyes can be amber or hazel, depending on coat color. In the U.S., a Brittany will more than likely have a cropped tail, but not in Europe, where it is illegal to do so.
• The Brittany's coat is lightly feathered but never curly; it is more wavy than flat. Brittanys can vary in color: orange and white, liver and white, black and white, liver tricolor, or black tricolor.
• The AKC and Canadian equivalent, CKC, do not recognize black Brittanys, but all other countries do.
• The health issues common to this breed are hip dysplasia, seizures and breast cancer,
according to the Dog Breed Info Center.
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