Brittany

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The Brittany, until recently known as the Brittany Spaniel originated in the North West of  France in the area of the village of Callac.  The Brittany is based on the Fougere, a spaniel who was black and white or liver and white and significantly smaller than the present dog.  During the 19thC the British gentry visited Brittany for the woodcock , snipe and partridge, taking with them their own dogs  - Pointers, and English and Gordon Setters.  Some were left with local farmers from one season to another and so the breed developed from matings between the breeds; the energy of the Fougere was complimented by the Setter and Pointer qualities to produce a quick, keen and intelligent Hunt, Point, Retriever.  Old prints show working dogs with the shape and colouring of Pointers and Spaniel feathering and head shape.

In appearance the Brittany is not a showy dog; very workmanlike, cobby in shape though quite lightly built.  His height is between 47 - 50cm and he weighs between 28 - 33lbs; he is still capable of carrying a hare or pheasant with ease.  The French Brittany Club's motto is "Un maximum de qualites dans un volume minimum" - "maximum qualities in a minimum size".  The coat is flat, dense, fine and slightly wavy with light feathering.  His colouring harks back to his origins; orange, liver or black all with white, tricolour or roan of any of these colours.

The first Brittanies were imported to the UK in 1982 and their growth in numbers has been slow and steady; enthusiasts are keen to preserve the working qualities of the breed and plenty of working opportunities are organised by the Breed Club.  Their size and energy makes them well-suited to Agility and their keenness to please suits them well to Obedience.

An energetic, intelligent and eager to please dog, the Brittany makes a good family dog but does require to be kept busy, or he will make his own entertainment!

To read the Brittany Kennel Club Breed Standard click here.

Brittany Breed Clubs

BRITTANY CLUB OF GB Mr Paul Yarrow 01621 817728

Brittany Rescue and Re-homing

See our Breed Rescue page. They should be able to give you information about Brittanies requiring homes and procedures for re-homing; if you are in the unfortunate position of having to re-home your own hound, please go through breed rescue. They will not be judgmental and are best able to find the right permanent home for your hound.

Brittany Breeders