The Brittany is a breed of gun
dog bred primarily for bird hunting. Although it is often referred to as a
spaniel, the breed's working characteristics are more akin to those of a
pointer or setter. Brittanys were developed in the Brittany province of France
between the 17th and 19th centuries, becoming officially recognized early in
the 20th.
Description
Appearance
The
Brittany is typically quite athletic, compact, energetic, and solidly built
without being heavy. Their heads are of average size with floppy ears,
expressions usually of intelligence, vigour, and alertness, and gait elastic,
long, and free.
Most
Brittanys are born with naturally short tails, yet others are rarely born with
long tails, which are docked to a length of 3–10 centimetres (1.2–3.9 in)
The
breed's coat color is varied: orange and white coat or liver and white are most
common in the American Brittany; other colors include orange roan and liver
roan, all of which are acceptable in the show ring. The American Brittany
Standard specifies an acceptable tri-color of liver, orange, and white with
very specific color placement.
Size
Brittanys
are medium-sized dogs, with American lines (17.5–20.5 inches (44–52 cm) at the
withers according to an AKC standard adopted in 1990[2]) tending to be larger
and have a blockier head than French (17–20.5 inches (43–52 cm)), and females
at the lower end. A properly constructed and healthy Brittany maintains a
weight between 30–45 pounds (14–20 kg), depending upon height.
Types
Many
breeders differentiate between "American" Brittanys and
"French" style dogs. Although generally recognized as sub-sets of the
same breed, there are recognizable differences between the two. The
"American Brittany" is typically larger than the "French
Brittany" and a bigger running dog while the smaller French Brittany
generally works more closely to the guns, but will work according to the local
terrain. However, some breeders consider these "differences" to be
unsound generalizations and that American standards should be updated to
reflect the breed's standard in its country of origin, i.e. France, where black
has become an acceptable coat color since 1956 while it is still considered a
fault in America.
Though
it resembles a Spaniel-like dog used for flushing game, such as Springers and
Cockers, Brittanys are more akin to pointers and all-purpose sporting dogs.
Known in the United Kingdom as an HPR breed (Hunt, point, and retrieve), they
are expected to point and retrieve all birds and ground game up to and
including hare. These unique qualities have given the Brittany more Dual
Champions than any other AKC Sporting Breed, a landmark reached with the 500th
in 2006.
Temperament
The
Brittany was originally bred as a hunting dog and noted for being easy to train
and sweet-natured. The breed is generally more sensitive to correction than
other hunters, and harsh corrections are often unnecessary. Brittanys can
become very shy if not thoroughly socialized at a young age, and even among
well-socialized dogs there is significant variation in levels of friendliness.
When
well socialized, Brittanys are all around sound dogs, excelling as companions,
family pets, field dogs. Eager to please and friendly, they generally learn
quickly and are loyal and attached to their owners. They are energetic and need
at least an hour of vigorous exercise every day, with many needing more than
this. Some animals will be over-active or hyper-sensitive, but these problems
are almost invariably due to lack of exercise and training, and are not
characteristics of well cared-for dogs.
With
more American dual champions (dogs with titles in both conformation shows and
field trials) than any other breed, the Brittany maintains strong hunting
instincts in all bloodlines.
Health
Brittanys
are generally healthy and hardy dogs. The median lifespan for Brittanys in
France is 12.6 years. A UK Kennel Club survey puts the breed's median lifespan
at 12 years 11 months, with about 1 in 5 dogs dying of old age at an average of
14–15 years. Brittanys have no undercoat and need minimal grooming or bathing.
However, their floppy ears tend to trap moisture in the ear canal and should be
cleaned regularly.
Diseases
found in the breed include Hip dysplasia, with 14.9% of Brittanys tested between
1974 and 2009 by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals displaying the
condition, and a lesser rate of 10.3% for dogs born 2003-2004. The breed is
listed among those commonly affected by Canine discoid lupus erythematosus.
Epilepsy is also found.
No comments:
Post a Comment