GROUP 3 - GUNDOGS

History

The Brittany is a French breed originating in Northern France as early as 1850. By 1904 the Brittany had evolved into a distinct breed. Brittanys were first imported into Australia in 1974 and 1975. These imports played a very important roll in the development of the breed in Australia.

This breed is classified as a Utility Gundog, which means that they hunt, point, flush and retrieve their game. The Brittany is used in Australia for hunting Stubble Quail, Duck, Rabbit, Hare and to a lesser degree foxes, pigs and deer.

Appearance

The Brittany is a medium-sized dog growing to approximately 51cm (18-20 inches) at the shoulder and weighing between 13-18 kgs. They fit nicely into the family car and don’t take up much room.

They are a leggy dog in appearance with great stamina, energy and ruggedness without clumsiness. This gives the Brittany the ability to cover large amounts of ground. Coupled with the desire for hunting and refusal to quit, makes the breed versatile for show or fieldwork.

They come in a variety of colours – orange/white, liver/white, black/white, black tri-colour, liver tri-colour and roan of all these colours.

NOTE: They can also be born with any length of tail (bobtail to full tail)

Temperament

Brittanys are happy, alert dogs, neither shy or mean. They are energetic, fun loving and enjoy the company of people of any age. Brittanys are loyal, affectionate and eager to please their master, as well as being good watchdogs. They make fantastic pets for children, especially four to five years and up, though smaller children may get their faces washed and get pushed over by an over exuberant puppy wanting to play. If supervised the puppy soon learns not to knock his small master over and baby and puppy grow up together and become the best of friends.

Suitability

Fondly referred to as “the human orientated breed”, they adore people and are ready, willing and able to join in on any family activity including swimming, jogging, sailing and bike riding. The Brittany is a very adaptable breed at home, both indoors and out. It is agile, energetic, with great stamina and a will to please; so happy to run in the paddock, but also happy to chill out on the lounge. Brittanys are obedient and make great family pets.

The Brittany is a tough, rugged, little dog with a great deal of courage and spirit. They can be active, fast and skilful when hunting and are excellent retrievers on both land and water.

It is an easy dog to train and excels at obedience and agility. They can become bored with repetitious training, so it is essential to put variety into their routines.

A Brittany’s coat is of a short to medium length with some fringing on the back of their legs. The breed is fondly referred to as the Wash ‘n’ Wear dog, as the coat is designed not to absorb or hold water, mud or dirt. After bathing, a quick rub with a towel and a shake and they are almost dry. A quick brush and your done.

Brittanys are small and inexpensive to feed, although they are very good eaters, so listen carefully to your breeder’s instructions and advice on feeding.

Words: Karen Ward

Image: ID 151035730 © BarbaraCerovsek  Dreamstime.com 

In Conclusion

Now you know a little about the Brittany, you may think that this is the dog for you. Before you make a decision, please make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the Brittany and its needs, and whether this breed would suit your lifestyle.