Brittany
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.
Selected Books
The time to make sure that this is the right breed for you is before you bring him home; if you and your Brittany
are to be happy together there is plenty of research to be done. Even if you do not intend to work him, having an appreciation of Gundog Training will help you understand why he behaves as he does.
In addition to learning what kind of behaviour is specific to Gundogs, understanding your dog, and what his motivations are on a more general level can save a lot of confusion and misunderstandings for both you and him. Many mistakes can be avoided, and quick solutions reached if you have the basics of puppy training to guide you through all the early settling in difficulties. It helps, too, to have some idea of basic healthcare so you can make informed judgements about whether a visit to the vet is necessary or if there is a simple remedy. For example, many cases of upset tummies are best cured by 24 hour starvation. The books we have chosen will be able to guide you as to whether your dog can be treated at home, or a visit to the surgery is necessary.
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
If you are looking for a puppy contact the Breed Clubs and the Breeders listed and visit the puppyfinder website where there is a great deal of information on hereditary conditions. If you are a Breeder and wish to advertise your puppies puppyfinder is an excellent showcase.
