Dog Breed

Brittany

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Primary image of Brittany dog breed
Full Name
Brittany
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Life Span
12 - 14 years
Weight
30 - 45 pounds
Description

Brittany dogs are intelligent and positive, cheerful gun dogs that love to go and explore nature with their favorite human. They are friendly and full of energy but do not do well when they are left alone. They are quick as a flash and will do anything to get their human excited. They can be slightly sensitive, so consistent positive reinforcement and treats are important. They also really do win the award for most stylish gundog. At home they are eager to play and relax, while in the field they will work for you all day. Brittanys require a lot of exercise, preferably with their favorite humans.

Here's something strange- even though the Brittany is commonly referred to as the Brittany Spaniel, it actually is not considered a Spaniel, as it has more genetic overlap with typical pointers, than spaniels.

Origin
France
Bred For
Pointing, retrieving
Attachments
    Family Considerations
    Child Friendly

    Is the Brittany good with children?

    Yes! The Brittany is naturally friendly with children. As always, socialization is always important, but the Brittany is an excellent dog for anyone with small children.
    Stranger Friendly

    Is the Brittany friendly with strangers?

    Yes, the Brittany is very friendly with strangers. We still recommend early socialization while the Brittany is a puppy to introduce them to various new people, but in general they are friendly with everyone.
    Dog Friendly

    Is the Brittany friendly with other dogs?

    Yes! The Brittany naturally loves other dogs. As always, socialization is always important, but the Brittany typically gets along with every dog it meets
    Likes to Cuddle

    Does the Brittany like to cuddle?

    The Brittany appreciates affection and that includes kisses and snuggles!
    Playfulness

    Does the Brittany like to play?

    The Brittany will almost always be ready for play! The Brittany is great for a family with children, or otherwise, an environment that is always ready for play.
    Service Dog Ability

    Does the Brittany make a good service dog?

    The Brittany is not typically used as a service dog. There are always exceptions to the rule, but a service dog has to have many natural traits in addition to the proper training- smart, patient, and obsessed with pleasing their owner.
    Overall Ease of Breed
    Ease for Novice

    Is the Brittany good for first-time owners?

    The Brittany is a good breed for first-time owners. A good fit for first-time owners are friendly breeds that are motivated to please their owner. This means they can be trained, and are rarely aggressive and overpowering.
    Training Potential

    How well can the Brittany be trained?

    The Brittany is about average when it comes to training potential. The Brittany can be seen in competitions and can have advanced training, but it would require much dedication and oftentimes professional training.
    Amount of Shedding

    Does the Brittany shed a lot?

    The Brittany is an average shedder. Brittany owners will probably still tell you it's a lot of shedding, but certain breeds shed even more.
    Ease of Grooming

    Is the Brittany easy to groom?

    The Brittany requires an average amount of grooming. Taking your Brittany to the pet salon will make your life easier, but its possible to groom a Brittany on your own as well.
    Exercise Need

    Does the Brittany need a lot of exercise?

    The Brittany has a lot of energy and getting daily exercise is very important, both for their well-being and for their focus, which is important when you train them.
    Personality
    Intelligence

    How smart is the Brittany?

    The Brittany is very smart. Above-average intelligence means they can pick up on cues and signals quickly when it comes to training. But it also means that they need to be challenged mentally, in addition to their standard exercise needs.
    Amount of Barking

    How much does the Brittany bark? Does the Brittany bark too much?

    The Brittany barks a lot. This is important to consider with your living situation- will it be ok when you leave them at home alone or will they disrupt the neighbors? The Brittany will oftentimes bark just to express their thoughts... even just to be heard!
    Guard Dog Ability

    Is the Brittany a good guard dog?

    The Brittany would not make a good guard dog. They can be alert, but typically do not have the desire or instinct to take on "guarding" as their job.
    Tolerates Being Alone

    Is the Brittany good at staying alone? Is the Brittany independent?

    The Brittany is not very independent and does not do great when left behind for longer than a couple of hours. This is one of the most important things to consider when getting a new dog.
    Home and Environment Considerations
    Good for Apartment Living

    Is the Brittany a good apartment dog?

    The Brittany is not the best dog apartment living, but it can work if the owner is dedicated to exercising and training their Brittany
    Size

    How big is the Brittany?

    The Brittany is a medium sized dog breed. They can range in size depending on genetics, and males are larger on average than females.
    Tolerates Heat

    How much does the Brittany tolerate hot weather? When is it too hot for a Brittany?

    The Brittany can tolerate hot weather well. They still prefer having some variation and a cool space to sleep, but overall they can do well in warm climates.
    Tolerates Cold

    How much does the Brittany tolerate cold weather? When is it too cold for a Brittany?

    The Brittany can tolerate some cold, but should not be over-exposed to cold weather. In general, they can live in cold weather climates, but may need clothing on particularly cold evenings or in snow.
    Potential to Run Away

    Does the Brittany try to run away?

    It is natural for the Brittany to run away. They are easily distracted and excited, so the urge to run away should be expected and prepared for- a fenced yard is important.
    Physical Characteristics
    General Health

    Is the Brittany a healthy dog? The health of a Brittany should be measured not just by how many years they live, but also by how many health issues they've had. It is important to know which health conditions your breed is prone to- hip problems, eye problems, bloating, and arthritis are all common dog health problems.

    The Brittany is very healthy, but it is still important to feed the Brittany high-quality food and to live a healthy lifestyle.
    Energy Level

    How energetic is the Brittany?

    It seems like the Brittany never runs out of energy. If you are looking for a 5 AM run partner, the Brittany is your dog! A dog's energy level is one of the most important considerations when getting a new dog, and we would only recommend the Brittany for a family where it will get plenty of exercise.
    Amount of Drooling

    How much does the Brittany drool?

    The Brittany drools very little, typically to where it's never a concern.
    Prey Drive

    Does the Brittany have a large prey drive? Does the Brittany like to chase birds, cats, and other small animals?

    The Brittany has a high prey drive and has a natural tendency to chase after any small animal. Every case is unique, but the Brittany may not be the best dog for living with other cats or small animals.
    Athleticism

    Is the Brittany atheltic?

    The Brittany is very athletic and would be well suited for a family that frequently works out or goes on adventures.
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Breed Variations

  • Image for the Liver and White variation for dog breed

    Liver and White

  • Image for the Black and White variation for dog breed

    Black and White

  • Image for the Orange and White variation for dog breed

    Orange and White

  1. Sporting
  2. Pointer
  3. Brittany
The Brittany is a purebred dog that belongs to the Pointer sub group, which falls under the larger Sporting dog breed group.
Sporting group: Sporting dogs are the natural athletes of the dog world. They have high energy, and always look to be stimulated with some activity or challenge. These dogs thrive in the outdoors- particularly the woods and the water. Sporting dogs include the best swimming dogs, retrieving dogs, and other field activities. They have traditionally been bred to assist hunters find and retrieve birds and other smaller hunting game. Sporting dogs are not known as guard dogs, but because of their alertness and loyalty to their family, with proper training they can be good home protectors as well. Over the years they have become extremely well-rounded, so with plenty of exercise can make excellent home companions. They are willing to please their owners, so if you put the time into training and exercise you will be rewarded with an amazing dog.
Pointer sub-group: The Pointer is graceful, and serious while it is "working." For centuries, the pointer has been "pointing" to ducks and other hunting game for hunters. They have excellent instincts, high energy and speed, and can be trained very well. This makes them the perfect hunting dog, but in today's age more commonly an excellent family dog to an active family- the perfect runner’s companion. The pointer is friendly, and can be trained well, but still is not ideal for a first time owner due to their high energy and demanding nature. They need a firm owner who they can respect, and who can keep them busy.

Brittanys for adoption

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