If you want a dog that enjoys the outdoors, then Brittany Dogs are for you! They were bred as hunting dogs and would be more than eager to point you in the direction of a bird or a rabbit. With boundless energy, you won’t have to worry about them getting tired when you bring them out to hunt or on a hike. Learn more about these energetic, elegant dogs here!
Brittany Dogs For Those Who Love To Hunt
Brittany Dog Personality
- Energetic
- Athletic
- Happy
- Independent
- Sensitive
They’re bred for the outdoors so expect a Brittany Dog to be active and athletic. If you want a dog that goes on hikes and does a bit of hunting with you, they will happily accompany you. This breed loves long walks or hikes, trips to the park and of course, an intense game of fetch. Make sure you can give them ample time as well as a huge space to play and run around.
Britanny dogs listen well to commands, but young ones may develop anxiety issues. They might start urinating when they get too excited or too anxious.
They are independent. However, if you leave your pup alone without an outlet for their boundless energy, their restlessness may turn into some destructive behavior.
Brittany dogs can also get a bit sensitive. It would not be wise to have one as a pet if there’s constant drama at home. They tend to get stressed and anxious when surrounded or confronted by negative energy.
Size & Color
One of the medium dogs, Brittany puppies can grow up to 30-40 pounds in weight and 17-20 inches in height. They can live in a medium sized house and join you in the car with no problem if you plan to go out.
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Their dense hair can be either be flat or curly. They also have some beautiful feathering around the ears, making them look elegant. As for the color of their coat, you can expect a Brittany to have a white and orange or dark brown coat. You might also encounter tri-color Brittany dog a mixture of white, orange and dark brown.
Health
You need to look out for hip dysplasia if you plan to get a Brittany dog. When getting a puppy, it’s best to ask for health certifications and clearances from the breeder. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) will issue a certificate for your puppy in the clear from hip dysplasia and other bone problems.
- Hip Dysplasia – Like other dogs, Brittany Dogs can be prone to hip dysplasia. This orthopedic disease causes a deformity with the hip joint, resulting in pain, irregularity in walking, and even in lameness. Causes can range from genetics to improper diet to environmental issues.
- Epilepsy – A neurological disease, dogs with epilepsy experiences uncontrollable tremors during attacks. Dogs can live a long life with proper management of the disease. There is no cure yet, but medications can help control attacks.
- Hypothyroidism – When the thyroid gland produces a few hormones, your dog’s body functions may be affected. One serious complication can be infertility. Other symptoms include obesity, low energy levels, irregular heat cycles and lessened mental awareness.
Life Span
With proper diet and exercise, Brittany dogs can live for 10-13 years. Make sure to get the needed shots and immunization for your pet while they’re still young. Should any health issues arise, bring your pup to their vet right away.
Food & Diet
Feed your Brittany dog 1.5 to 2 cups of quality dog food, divided into 2 meals a day. Feed them too much, and they’ll end up becoming obese. They need vigorous exercise daily to shake off excess energy. It’s also recommended to have dog treats on hand for when training.
Grooming Requirements
- Brush coat weekly
- Bath regularly
- Use dry shampoo when necessary
- Check ears for redness or infection
- Brush teeth 2x a week
- Trim nails 2x a month
Brittany dogs may have a lot of hair, but they don’t shed as much as other canines. Brush out your pup’s hair every week. Since this breed loves frolicking outdoors, you need to bathe them regularly. Use a dry shampoo if needed. You also need to check for redness or infections in the ears since foreign objects might get stuck inside when they play outside. Brush their teeth twice a week or daily if possible. Nails should also be trimmed two times a month.
Moreover, It’s always good to start grooming your dog at a young age to avoid stressful grooming sessions.
History
This energetic breed name comes after a French Providence doing commerce with Wales in the past. They even have the same features as the Welsh Springer Spaniel. The first known images of Brittany dogs were paintings and tapestries in the early 17th century.
The first Brittany came from a French hunter’s white and brown dog and mated while visiting an Englishman’s yellow and white hunting dog. The result was a pup with a keen love for pointing people to the right direction during hunts.
Fun Fact
The first ever Brittany dog registered in France in 1907 was named Boy. The breed then started entering the US in 1925 becoming known as the Brittany Spaniel for its physical attributes. In 1982, the name simplified to just Brittany.
Know more about Brittany dogs with this video from Brooklyns Corner:
If you’re looking for a pet that loves the outdoors as much as you do, then Brittany dogs are right up your alley. However, if you want a docile canine that can be left alone at home when you go to work, look elsewhere. This breed should not be home alone without any activity for too long. Do you think a Brittany dog is what you want?
Share your thoughts about this breed in the comments section below.
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