Brittany (dog)
The Brittany is a small, energetic dog breed originating from France. The Brittany (dog) comes from France, and has a medium length, flowing coat. Individual Brittany (dog)s vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- France
- Height
- 47–51 cm
- Coat
- medium length, flowing
- Colour
- piebald orange-and-white, liver-and-white or black-and-white; orange, liver or black roan ; tricoloured
- Litter size
- average 5
About the Brittany (dog)
The Brittany is a small, energetic dog breed originating from France. It typically stands 47-51 cm tall and is known for its friendly, outgoing nature.
Overview
The Brittany Spaniel or Breton Spaniel ( French : Épagneul Breton ) is a French breed of gun dog of spaniel type, bred primarily for bird hunting . In the United States it may be called simply Brittany . It developed between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries in Brittany in north-west France, and was officially recognised early in the twentieth. It is one of five French breeds of spaniel, the others being the Épagneul Bleu de Picardie , the Épagneul de Pont-Audemer , the Épagneul Français and the Épagneul Picard .
Health
A 2015 French study found an median longevity of 12.6 years. : 20 A 2024 UK study found a median longevity of 11.1 years for the breed, lower than the average of 12.5 for all dogs. A North American study looking at over a million dogs found the dogs to be predisposed to hip dysplasia with an incidence of 4.22% compared to 3.52% overall. Another North American study looking at over 250,000 elbow records found the Brittany to have the fourteenth-lowest rate of elbow dysplasia of 60 breeds, with an incidence of 1.7%. A North American study found it to have a higher-than-average incidence of glaucoma , at 0.95% compared to 0.89% overall.
History
The Brittany Spaniel originated in the Brittany region of north-western France, for which it is named. Scenes of orange-and-white dogs of similar type hunting and retrieving game appear in tapestries and paintings from the seventeenth century. The earliest written description of such dogs is that of Reverend Davies in 1850, where he described hunting with small "bobtailed" dogs who pointed and were excellent retrievers. It was around the same time that the modern breed to have been bred by mating with English Setters . The Breton was first recognised as a breed in 1907 when an orange-and-white dog named Boy was registered in France. As a result, the first standards were outlined in the same year. It was approved by the American Kennel Club in 1934; in 1982 the "Spaniel" was officially dropped from the name.
American type
The American Brittany has been bred differently from the French and international Brittany Spaniel, and is somewhat larger than the original breed. It is a medium-sized dog, standing ( 44–52 cm (17.5–20.5 in) at the withers according to the American Kennel Club standard, tending to be larger and have a blockier head than the original French breed; body weights are between 14–18 kg (30–40 lb) . The dogs are generally smaller than setters but leggier than spaniels. The American Brittany standard specifies an acceptable tri-colour of liver, orange, and white with very specific colour placement.
Characteristics
The Breton Spaniel has a spaniel-type head, a bob-tail, and cobby appearance. The tail may be short or completely absent, or may be of normal length – in which case it is usually carried more or less horizontal. Where legal, it may be docked to a length of between 3 and 6 cm ; the Épagneul Breton is not on the list of breeds that may participate in shows of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale with a docked tail. The coat may be black-and-white, orange-and-white or liver-and-white, either pied or roan, or may be tri-coloured; solid colours are not accepted.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Brittany (dog)?
The Brittany Spaniel has a spaniel-type head, a bob-tail, and cobby appearance. The tail may be short or completely absent, or of normal length, usually carried horizontal. It may be docked to a length of 3-6 cm. The breed has a medium-sized build and is known for its energetic and athletic nature.
Is the Brittany (dog) a good family dog?
Brittanys are generally good with children and make loyal family pets. However, they require regular exercise and mental stimulation, which can be challenging for busy families. Early socialization and training are essential to ensure they integrate well with family members and other pets.
What health problems do Brittany (dog)s have?
Brittanys are predisposed to hip dysplasia, with an incidence of 4.22%. They also have a lower median longevity compared to other breeds, with studies showing 11.1-12.6 years. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential health issues early on.
How much does a Brittany (dog) puppy cost?
The cost of a Brittany puppy can vary depending on factors like location, breeder reputation, and bloodlines. On average, you can expect to pay between $800-$1,500 for a puppy from a reputable breeder. Additionally, consider the cost of spaying/neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping.
Where do Brittany (dog)s come from?
The Brittany (dog) comes from France. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Brittany (dog), supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.