If you are a first time dog owner, there would probably be no better breed out there for you than the Brittany Spaniel, a very obedient and easy to train dog. Its main purpose, when developed, was to accompany men on bird hunts. The breed has been known since the 17th century, but was officially registered after a show in Paris in 1900. The name comes from the region in Northwestern France where the breed was developed. Its characteristics were first documented in 1907. As a hunting breed, most of its features are similar to the pointers and the setters.
It has a sweet look about it. Medium sized, 17-20 inches tall, and weighing 45-50 lbs., the body is athletic and compact without seeming heavy. The ears are floppy and are never cropped. The tail however, can be naturally short or long, but in the case of show dogs, cropping it 1-4 inches long is recommended. They have a single coat of hair which can be either flat or wavy. They come in white with light pink, orange or liver. The nose of the Brittany Spaniel is generally light colored - dogs with black noses are not allowed to represent the breed in dog competitions.
The best thing about the Brittany Spaniel is the fact that it is easy to train. Early breeders have noticed that the dog is very eager to please, sensitive to correction and a fast learner. Hard handed methods are not necessary with this breed, as it can understand very well what is expected of it and will do as told just to benefit from the masters satisfaction. Trainers recommend setting a system of simple rules and then sticking to them. Consistency in training will make this dog the perfect companion, which you can take with you on holidays.
As far as exercise is concerned, just like any other hunting breed, the Brittany Spaniel needs at least one hour of real exercise a day. Either a run or a long walk is recommended, as the piled unused energy of the dog, especially in the case of pups, will turn into uncontrolled behavior. Running on the treadmill is a trick specialists recommend to those who do not have the time or place to walk their dogs and wear them out, but outdoor exercise is still better for the health of the pet.
Another great aspect of the breed is the fact that it is single coated and it lacks the outer coat which other dogs have, and which usually sheds. This means that minimum grooming is required. Dogs entering shows will still need trimming. The life expectancy is of 12 years, but some dogs of the breed have lived up to 14-15 years. As far as health problems go, potential owners should be aware of the fact that the floppy ears of the dog, though adorable, can lead to ear infections, therefore must be cleaned regularly; also, these dogs are prone to hip dysplasia or Canine lupus.
The Brittany Spaniel is a lovely companion for anyone - easy to train, easy to groom and with a beautiful character.
