Published 5/1/01 - Vol. 1, Issue 1

Brittany
by Stephanie Thompson

Vitals
Weight: 35-45 lbs
Coloring: orange, orange roan, liver, liver roan
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Category: Hunting Group

A Brittany puppy is like the month of March: in like a lion, out like a lamb. Formerly the Brittany spaniel (the spaniel was recently dropped), these fanged furballs are characterized by hyperactivity during puppyhood and a serious need for speed. Litters usually range from 3-6 puppies. As bird dogs, they often “point” as early as 6 months of age, so with proper training, many become useful sidekicks for hunters and gamesmen. There are organizations all over the country that hold field trials specifically for Brittanys, where good showings translate into nationwide recognition and desirability for breeding purposes.

On the domestic front, Brittanys make excellent pets, although their energy level is not suitable for everyone. They must be exercised every day in order to burn off energy; if not, they are notorious for munching on anything in sight, including the couch. (Crate training is recommended.) But their general disposition tends towards easygoing and extremely friendly.

Like their cousin the Springer spaniel, Brittanys grow what are called feathers, ­ long, white fringes of fur on the front and back legs. Never cut these off -- they are a breed trademark. Color ranges from orange and white, liver and white, or a roan (freckled) version of the previous two. Every now and then, a Brittany appears with a bit of black in the coat ­ this is not normal and probably indicates another breed of dog in the lineage. Although there’s nothing inherently wrong with this, it will disqualify the dog from professional competitions.

The Brittany is first and foremost bred to be a pointer. Sometimes, however, things don’t work out the way they should, and agencies like the National Brittany Rescue and Adoption Network must step in. NBRAN board president Cynthia Williams says, “Some hunters as a rule dump their dogs at the end of hunting season. Occasionally dogs are gun shy or do not hunt. Some hunt, but their owners do not like the way they hunt.”

So they abandon them. NBRAN has rescued over 200 dogs from shelters and has successfully placed 52 dogs since January alone.

Potential owners need to know that the Brittany is an active dog and needs lots of exercise, says Williams. “A well-exercised dog makes a better dog; people need to walk their Brittany frequently, jog with them, and let the dog run in parks that allow it.”

Crate training and lots of affection also help curb destructive behaviors.

On that note, proper training is a necessity for every Brittany to keep both pet and owner happy. Brittanys want to please their masters, but they must be shown what to do. Be sure to use a soft but firm voice, or else you risk damaging the dog’s psyche.

Brittanys are also bright, but sensitive, so shouting at them will do more harm than good. Williams can attest to many such cases.

Sometimes, a hunter trains his dog too harshly, ruining the dog. We get some dogs who are so afraid they will not walk on leashes, or tremble when they meet new people.” Extensive rehabilitation can work wonders. So be authoritative, but always follow instruction with plenty of praise.

Williams, a Brittany owner, has several general tips for those who are thinking of buying a Brittany or those who are about to begin training.

They are hunting dogs, and will pull on leashes and need to be trained properly, with a harness, to walk on a leash,” she says. Williams also advocates properly socializing the dog by allowing it in the house and letting it become a part of the family. Williams says she has seen numerous cases of neglected dogs. “Some owners do not train the puppy, isolate it in the back yard, and in eight months the dog is wild and unsocialized.”

Books on training methods, websites, and local classes are good resources for learning effective techniques.

The bottom line: know your breed. Proper education is the best weapon against mismatched pets and owners.

For more information on NBRAN, visit www.brittanyrescue.com or the American Brittany Rescue organization at www.americanbrittanyrescue.org