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Brittany breed guide
AKC says sportsmen on both sides of the Atlantic cherish the agile, energetic Brittany as a stylish, versatile hunting dog, bright and eager at home and tireless afield.
Smaller than setters but leggier than spaniels, it comes in white with vivid orange or liver.
- Height
- 17.5 to 20.5 inches
- Weight
- 30 to 40 pounds
- AKC group
- Sporting Group
Brittany temperament
Lively and smart with an upbeat, willing disposition, the Brittany has zeal and versatility that make it a peerless hunter and may be channeled into dog sports. AKC lists field trials, obedience, agility and flyball among them.
The face has the softness bird-dog lovers prize and high-set ears convey the breed's essential eagerness.
Brittany lifespan
The Brittany lives 12 to 14 years. AKC calls it a very healthy breed with few genetic health issues. A responsible breeder screens for hip dysplasia and eye disease.
Brittany care
The flat or wavy coat is mostly fairly short and needs minimal grooming: a once-over with a soft brush or hound glove and a quick comb-through of the fringe hair. Show dogs get some light trimming to neaten the head and neck.
Bred to hunt, the Brittany needs lots of exercise and fits a hunting partner, a dog-sport teammate or a loyal companion for a lively, outdoorsy family. It enjoys long, brisk walks and hikes or running on a leash beside its human.
Brittany history
Brittany is the westernmost region of France, between the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay and French hunters there developed what AKC calls one of the world's most versatile bird dogs, working on duck, woodcock, pheasant and partridge. The breed comes into historical focus in 17th century paintings and tapestries.
Brittany-type dogs appear often in portraits and pastoral scenes by French, Flemish and Dutch masters of that period.
AKC trait ratings
| Trait | AKC rating | Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Level | 5 of 5 | Couch Potato to High Energy |
| Trainability Level | 5 of 5 | Self-Willed to Eager to Please |
| Shedding Level | 3 of 5 | No Shedding to Hair Everywhere |
| Barking Level | 3 of 5 | Only To Alert to Very Vocal |
| Adaptability Level | 3 of 5 | Lives For Routine to Highly Adaptable |
| Good With Young Children | 4 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Children |
| Good With Other Dogs | 4 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Other Dogs |
| Watchdog/Protective Nature | 3 of 5 | What's Mine Is Yours to Vigilant |
More Sporting Group guides
Sources
Photos via Wikimedia Commons: Brittany by John Blyberg, CC BY 2.0
