by Judy Evans

Created on: August 01, 2008

The Brittany used to be called the Brittany Spaniel but, as its attributes are more akin to pointers than to spaniels, it is now known simply as the Brittany.

Brittany is a French province where the Brittany (dog) supposedly originated. Because of the similarities between the Brittany and Welsh Springer Spaniel, many believe the two breeds share a similar ancestry. There was much commerce and trade between the two countries in times gone by and the British aristocracy would vacation in France taking their favourite and best sporting dogs with them. Brittany type dogs appear in 17th century paintings and tapestries.

It is believed that a tailless ancestor appeared around the mid 1800s at Pontou in Brittany. Reverend Davies, writing in 1850, describes a small, bobtail dog that was a good all rounder; pointing, retrieving and very manageable. These characteristics made the breed very popular with poachers.

Matings with English pointing dogs would have intensified the breed's sporting ability.

Significant dates:
1896 First shown in France
1907 Official recognition in France as Brittany Spaniel with short natural tail'
1931 First imported to the USA
1934 Approved by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as Spaniel, Brittany
1982 Spaniel' is removed from the breed name by the AKC

The Brittany will not suit every owner. His popularity has increased as he is happy, alert and willing with great stamina. Because of his moderate size, he is easily transported and an enthusiastic hunter with a predilection for retrieving from water. He makes a wonderful companion, affectionate, good-natured and easily handled BUT he needs sizeable doses of mental and physical activity; he may bark and be destructive if left alone too much; he may dribble urine and persistently whine when stressed or excited.

The Brittany reaches 17 21 inches at the shoulder and weighs from 30 40 pound. He is as long as he is high and the measurement from ground to elbow should roughly equal the measurement from elbow to wither. They live 10-12 years, have from 1 to 11 puppies per litter with the average being 6.

They are an agile, leggy dog while still appearing compact and rugged, either naturally tailless or with a tail docked to 4 inches. They are energetic, strong and quick-moving.

As a bird dog', he has several characteristics which suit him to his profession. The eyes are well set in the head and protected from heavy brush or thorns by a heavy eyebrow. The lower eyelid should not form a haw (pocket) where seeds or

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