The Brittany spaniel is a gun dog bred for hunting, but it will also make a great family pet. Whether you want a dog that you can take to retrieve birds or just a dog that will retrieve a ball, the Brittany is an excellent choice.
Everything You Need To Know About The Brittany Spaniel:
1. Size And Look
Brittany Spaniels are a medium-sized dog. They are smaller than a setter, but they stand taller than an average spaniel because of their long legs. The Brittany Spaniel is about 20′ in height, and a healthy weight is 14-18 kg (30-40 lbs.).
2. Temperament
The Brittany is an affectionate dog who is happy to be around people of all ages. He is usually friendly with strangers, but as with anything, you need to make sure to make a proper introduction and have an appropriate approach. Their hyperactivity and excitability may cause them to jump.
This breed will need a lot of space because of their high energy. They are not well suited to apartment living; they will prefer an environment where they have room to run and explore. The Brittany does not tolerate much alone time. He will do better in a house where there is someone home a majority of the time. If left alone, he may bark and become destructive.
3. Grooming
It does not take a lot of time or effort to keep your Brittany groomed and looking handsome. A once a week brushing is all it takes to keep his coat pristine.
Make sure you add regular teeth brushing to your grooming routine. Brushing your dog’s teeth will help to avoid dental issues that Brittanys are more prone to develop.
4. Training
The Brittany is a highly trainable dog. He is smart and has a pleasing disposition. The Brittany is a great hunting dog, but the energy and trainability can funnel into other sports.
It is essential to be patient with your Brittany as he may be sensitive. He loves you and wants to please you and will respond better to positive discipline as opposed to negative. Use treats and praise over reprimands, and your dog will be doing your bidding in no time. Treat your Brittany to respect you, so that he will want to listen to your commands and please you.
5. Exercising
Brittany Spaniels are high energy dogs who require a lot of attention. Because they are a hunting breed, they make a great pet for a family that loves outdoor adventures. Because of the sporting nature of the breed, this dog would also be a great agility course partner.
He loves exercising his mind and his boy and would be happy doing field trials and dock diving. These types of activities will help your companion expend some of his energy and keep his mind sharp.
6. Socializing
With any breed of dog, he must get proper socialization early on. The breeder starts socializing your puppy before you take him home. Early socialization helps to ensure a happy and well-adjusted dog.
The Brittany can be a sensitive breed, so exposure to many people and experiences is imperative. You do not want your dog to become shy or fearful, which may happen if you do not have the time to socialize him.
Brittanys are susceptible to stress and can’t deal well with a lot of tension. They can be anxious if they are in a home with a fair amount of yelling and tension, so a Brittany must have a calm environment (but with a lot of positive noise and activity).
7. Diet
Because of this breed’s activity level, you want to ensure you are giving your Brittany high-quality, nutritious food. You can buy commercial products or if you prefer, prepare your pet’s food at home. If you choose to prepare your food, make sure you speak to your veterinarian about your dog’s specific needs and nutrition requirements.
8. Treats
As with other dog breeds, treats are a great training tool for the Brittany. You can buy commercial snacks, make treats at home, and feed your Brittany some human foods.
When giving treats, you need to be careful not to give your dog too many snacks aside from his main meal. You don’t want your dog to take in too many calories and become overweight. Brittany Spaniels are not particularly prone to hip dysplasia. Still, it can become an issue, especially if he gains a lot of weight in a short amount of time.
9. Your Brittany With Other Pets
The Brittany is very friendly with other dogs and loves to play! Smaller pets may be a problem for the Brittany unless you adequately trained him to be around them.
The Brittany is a hunter and may see smaller pets as prey. If you already have small pets in the home, the Brittany may not be a great addition.
10. Possible Health Problems
The Brittany can be prone to dental problems, so it is essential to take care of his teeth and mouth to prevent disease. It is also important to vaccinate your Brittany, who is more susceptible to bacterial and viral infections. Parvo, rabies, and distemper can attack any breed, but this breed seems more prone.
Brittanys can also be more prone to neurological problems. It is vital to watch your Brittany for symptoms of neurological issues such as seizures, tremors, imbalance, or excessive sleeping. If you notice any of these symptoms, pay a visit to your vet.
Responsible breeders will ensure their dogs are healthy and probably even provide a guarantee for you. When you get your Brittany home, be sure to take care of his teeth, hips, and eyes with regular check-ups and proper care.
Conclusion
A Brittany is an excellent choice if you want an active companion. If you are an outdoor activity lover, this is a great breed to include on your adventures. If you have a more sedentary lifestyle, this is not the breed for you. You also have to be home a lot or take your companion with you when you leave. Since Brittanys can experience separation anxiety, they need someone around most of the time.
Besides needing exercise and a lot of socialization, Brittanys are a low maintenance dog when it comes to grooming. If you are looking for a playful, fun, high-energy companion, the Brittany fits the bill!
