Brittany Spaniel

Genetic Predispositions and Health

The Brittany is considered a generally healthy breed, but like many breeds can suffer from hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, hyperuricosuria, and progressive rod-cone degeneration. Specific genetic conditions for which this breed should be tested include the immune system disorder known as complement 3 deficiency, and chondrodystrophy and intervertebral disc disease (CDDY and IVDD risk) with or without chondrodysplasia (CDPA). As for all breeds, genetic screening is recommended to assist veterinarians with diagnosis and proactive care, as well as help breeders identify affected and carrier dogs.

Personality and Behavior

Brittany dogs are known for their enthusiastic and friendly nature. They are highly intelligent and trainable, but their high energy levels require ample exercise to prevent them from becoming bored and potentially destructive. They are great family dogs, known for their love for children, but may be too much for small children or elderly people due to their high energy.

Brittanys have a strong instinct to chase and retrieve, stemming from their hunting background. They are also known for their sociability, enjoying the company of their human families and typically getting along well with other dogs. Due to their high intelligence, they require mental stimulation, so training should involve variety and challenge.

Brittanys are typically eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement training. However, their hunting instincts can make them prone to distraction, especially by small animals or birds. They are best suited to active families who can provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

Pointer-Spaniel Lineage

A canine genetic lineage is a group of individuals or entire breeds that descended from common ancestors predating modern breed formation. Often these lineages are associated with a ‘type’ of dog with a unique historical working role and associated behaviors (e.g., herding, scent hunting, etc.).

The Pointer-Spaniel lineage encompasses both pointer and spaniel breeds. They were both bred for their specialized hunting abilities in Europe. Pointers locate game and freeze in a stance, called “pointing”, to indicate to their hunter that birds are close by. Spaniels were bred to find game in underbrush and retrieve it. Both pointer and spaniel breeds were bred to enhance their strong senses, trainability, and endurance as these are advantageous in a hunting partner. Spaniels and pointers are known for their strong work ethic, ability to work closely with humans and agility. These dogs’ ability to work closely with their hunters makes them an asset during a hunt because they follow direction well and know how their hunters want them to proceed.

Example breeds with ancestry from this lineage include English Cocker Spaniel, Irish Red Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer.

Fun Facts

They are named for the French Province where they originated.

Symbolizing their popularity, Brittany dogs were frequently seen in paintings of pastoral scenes, as well as in portraits with their owners throughout 17th centruy Western Europe.

The Brittany Spaniel was first introduced in America in 1931.

References

https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/dog-breeds/brittany https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/brittany/https://ofa.org/chic-programs/browse-by-breed/?breed=BS https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/breed/brittanyhttps://www.pawprintgenetics.com/products/breeds/55/