Brittany Spaniel

Brittany Spaniel

An alert and intelligent hunter, especially popular as a bird retriever, this dog has a long history and remains popular in many countries.

History:

The Brittany's most likely ancestor is the Chien d'Oysel (Bird Dog), which is the basis for many Spaniel and Setter breeds throughout France, and has been known since the sixteenth century. A similar tailless dog was painted many times by Rembrandt in the seventeenth century. There has been cross-breeding with English Setters and Pointers to arrive at the Brittany Spaniel's present-day dimensions. The first official standard was established in 1907. In America the breed was popular and a club was formed which almost declined until after the Second World War. In 1942 the American Brittany Club was re-formed.

Physical characteristics:

A small, energetic and elegant dog. Height: 17 - 20 in (43.2 - 50.8 cm). Under Canadian standards: 17.5 - 20.5 in (44.5 - 52 cm). Weight: 33 lb (15 kg) for the dog and 28.5 lb (13 kg) for the bitch. Under Canadian standards: 31 - 39 lb (14 - 17.7 kg). The head is rounded, the stop well-defined, and not too deep. The muzzle is short and straight. The nose is fawn, tan, brown or dark pink (depending on the coat color), with open nostrils. The lips are thin, tight, and slightly raised, with the upper lip extending slightly beyond the lower lip.

The bite is scissor. The eye color also depends on the coat color and may be dark amber to dark hazel. The eyes are deep-set and have an alert expression. The ears are set high and drop, slightly rounded, to the sides of the face. The body has a medium neck, deep chest, and well-sprung ribs. The shoulders are well-muscled and slope down to a short back. The loin is short, broad and strong. Hindquarters are broad, strong and muscular, with powerful thighs. The forequarters are straight, thin and muscular. The tail is usually shorter than 4 inches or is docked.

The Brittany's coat is fine and dense, rather flat or slightly wavy. The coat color is white with either orange, brown, black, liver, tricolor or roan.

Behavior:

The Brittany Spaniel started off as a working dog for flushing game, and still retains some of its attributes, such as the determination to seek out its quarry. Nowadays the Brittany Spaniel is usually kept as a companion or show dog, where its good looks and gentleness are highly desirable. This is an intelligent dog that can be trained to a high level. However, owners must be consistent in their approach to ensure that maximum learning takes place.