Brittany  (Spaniel, Pointer or Setter?)

In today’s American breeding the Brittany is more akin to the Pointer. Ultimately they are just Brittany’s, strong in their own identity and current name.

 I became enamored of them in my pursuit of an active family dog, not too large, not too small, with lots of stamina and a big heart. I was impressed with the Brittany’s admirable hunting skills, his love of the out-of-doors and his even temperament in demonstrating those skills and in his relationships with family members.

 When we acquired our Brittany we found him eager to train and wanting to please us. His early socialization helped him to become comfortable with all family members and friends. Getting along well with other dogs followed suit. He has been maturing into a loving, gentle and happy family member, obedient and balanced, this due in great part to plenty of brisk walks on a lead. In a short time he had learned who the “pack leader” was in his family and fell right in line.

 He is rather leggy, so it is somewhat amusing to watch him in action as a water retriever. His is a breed quite resistant to cold and dampness, which works just fine in his “line of work”. With all that, his grooming needs are rather minimal and he sheds little, which doesn’t hurt either, since he is active in the house, as well as outside.

 Some bloodlines have shown evidence of hip problems and some of epilepsy, for which we screened him through good breeding. I highly recommend doing your research before choosing a breeder and ultimately choosing your new best friend; it will stand you in good stead and get things off to a good start for your life together. Nothing is absolute, but having a good foundation is definitely the way to go.

 The boys named our dog “George”, and it stuck. We purchased his large dog ramps early, along with a dog ramp bed for each boy’s room, so he could take turns sleeping by each one; it was love at first meeting for them all. George expends great amounts of energy just like the boys and sleeps as soundly as they do at day’s end. His portable dog ramps manage to find their way around the house daily as the boys place them where they want George to be, able to join them on the sofa, daybed, or their bench in the family room, without having to do any jumping.