Brittanys were bred to hunt, making them excellent companions for sportsmen. Friendly and affectionate, they make excellent family dogs; however, if you don’t plan on exercising them regularly or having small children around, beware as these fast and agile canines may become hyperactive and easily overwhelmed.
These dogs, originally called spaniels, were bred in Brittany, France to point and retrieve game birds. They’re renowned for their agility and speed as well as keen ears and eyes.
Sports dogs are leggier in stature than other breeds, featuring square proportions and light bones to allow for quick movements. Medium in size with long legs, these dogs usually sport either white and orange or white and liver (though some dogs are tricolor).
These dogs were used to catch game birds from the ground, so their intelligence was essential. Additionally, they are highly trainable and easily taught commands even at a young age. Furthermore, these pups respond well to positive reinforcement – meaning that people of any age can effectively train them.
At maturity, a healthy Brittany should weigh between 30-40 pounds. They should receive at least one cup of balanced dry dog food daily.
Grooming
Brittany’s coat should be kept short and trimmed regularly to maintain its aesthetic appeal. Brush their fur twice a week to minimize shedding, and keep their skin and coat healthy, as they’re prone to ear infections; make sure they get checked out at the vet regularly for checkups.
They are also susceptible to eye issues such as cataracts and retinal degeneration, which can be managed with medication from your veterinarian.
If you’re thinking of adopting a Brittany puppy, start by visiting local pet stores and shelters. Also, ask friends and neighbors who own dogs if they know of any available pups.
Adopting a trustworthy breeder is always recommended. Make sure the pups you consider purchasing have been vet-checked and received vaccinations.
Adopting a Brittany can be an expensive venture. There are multiple costs involved, such as veterinarian fees, food supplies, grooming, and training expenses. Furthermore, microchips, licenses, boarding costs, and insurance plans must all be taken into consideration.
Your Brittany’s cost of ownership can range anywhere from $800 to $1,500 depending on the breed. Be prepared to spend a considerable amount of time and energy training your pup; they are highly energetic and require plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
Exercise for these dogs will involve plenty of walking and jogging, so they may not be ideal for apartment dwellers. Furthermore, they must be led by a leash to prevent them from running into traffic or other potential hazards.
They can also be vulnerable to health issues like hip dysplasia and epilepsy. Furthermore, they’re susceptible to canine discoid lupus erythematosus – an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks joints.
Training them can be relatively straightforward, but they do require patience and praise. Furthermore, they have a sensitive nature which requires calm reprimanding when necessary; so keep this in mind when communicating with them.
