Brittany Dog AKC Breed Information and Care

The Brittany is a small to medium-sized dog breed that originated in France. They typically weigh between 30-40 pounds and stand between 17-20 inches tall at the shoulder.

Brittanys are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They thrive on human interaction and make great family pets.

Their short, smooth coats require minimal grooming and come in a variety of colors including orange and white, liver and white, and black and white.

The French Brittany is a moderate shedder, so be prepared for a bit of hair around the house.

Regular brushing, about once a week, is all the typical Brittany needs to stay healthy and well-groomed. Their wavy fur does shed, especially in the spring and fall, so you might need to brush them more often during these seasons to keep up with flying fur.

Keeping the nails trimmed helps keep the dog comfortable, and daily tooth brushing can help keep dental diseases at bay.

The French Brittany's grooming needs are relatively simple. Brushing them weekly is a good starting point to keep their wavy double coat in good condition.

You don't have to worry too much about grooming their orange-and-white fur, as it's relatively low maintenance. However, regular brushing is still essential to keep them healthy and well-groomed.

Brushing your Brittany about once a week with a soft brush is usually sufficient. This helps keep their wavy fur under control, especially during the spring and fall seasons when shedding increases.

Keeping their nails trimmed is also important to keep your Brittany comfortable. Avoid cutting into the quick, as this can be painful for your dog.

Daily tooth brushing can help prevent dental diseases in your Brittany. This simple habit can make a big difference in their overall health and well-being.

Recommended read: Grooming a Nervous Dog

Brittany dogs are athletic and require lots of energy, so plan to spend your days playing fetch, running, hiking, agility training, or romping around in the backyard.

Early socialization is a must for Brittany puppies, and when done correctly, they make peaceful and friendly family dogs.

Brittany dogs are low-maintenance when it comes to grooming their orange-and-white coat.

They need lots of care when it comes to staying busy and active, but these healthy dogs are relatively low-maintenance in almost every other aspect.

A high-protein diet is best for Brittany dogs, approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), and go-to brands include Purina, Royal Canin, and Hill’s Science Diet.

Brittany dogs are doting, patient, and gentle in the home, given enough exercise.

Explore further: What to Feed Dogs When You Run Out of Food

To keep your Brittany happy and healthy, it's essential to provide the right nutrition. Feed your Brittany a high-quality dog food, and only consider supplements if your vet recommends them.

Brittany dogs thrive on a high-protein diet, so look for brands approved by the AAFCO, such as Purina, Royal Canin, and Hill's Science Diet. This will ensure your dog is getting the nutrients it needs to stay energetic and active.

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Feeding your Brittany on a schedule is key to maintaining a healthy weight, as they can easily overeat due to their high energy levels. Try feeding your Brittany twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, and adjust the amount based on their age, weight, and activity level.

The French Brittany is a generally healthy breed, but like any breed, they can be prone to certain health issues. Hip dysplasia is one condition that can affect them.

If you're considering buying a French Brittany from a breeder, make sure to ask about their health screenings. They should be able to provide proof that the dogs they breed are healthy.

Hip dysplasia, cataracts, hypothyroidism, and epilepsy are all potential health issues to be aware of. Here are some specific conditions to watch out for:

Feeding your Brittany a high-quality dog food is essential for their overall health. This will provide them with the necessary nutrients to thrive.

A high-protein diet is best for Brittanys, and it's approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). You can find go-to brands like Purina, Royal Canin, and Hill’s Science Diet that fit this requirement.

Feeding your Brittany twice a day is a good schedule to follow, once in the morning and once at night. This will help prevent overeating and weight gain.

Consult your vet to determine the best amount of food for your Brittany, as it depends on their age, weight, and activity level. They can provide personalized advice to ensure your dog is getting the right amount of nutrients.

Expand your knowledge: What Is the Best Large Breed Dog Food

Brittany dogs are highly trainable and thrive on positive reinforcement. They are eager to please and can pick up cues quickly, but training sessions should be kept short and frequent to avoid boredom and frustration.

Their high prey drive means they'll chase birds and smaller animals, so it's essential to keep them within a fenced space or on a leash when outdoors. This will keep them safe and prevent unwanted behavior.

Brittany dogs are intelligent and capable of learning many things, but they can also outsmart their owners at times. They're known to invent their own games and solve problems on their own, as one owner's first Brittany did with a game of dropping a toy and waiting for it to be taken away.

They're sensitive dogs that don't respond well to raised voices and harsh words, so patient and positive training is a must. They also don't do well when left alone for long periods, as they can be prone to separation anxiety.

To keep your Brittany happy and engaged, provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They excel in dog sports like flyball, diving dogs, and agility, and a well-trained Brittany will often be up for almost anything.

With their high energy and trainability, Brittanys do well in obedience and agility events, but they need active companions who will make sure they get ample daily exercise. This can be as simple as going for a hike or jog together.

A unique perspective: Agility Class Dogs

French Brittanys are built for exercise and love nothing more than a game of fetch or a good roam in a secure area.

These little dogs are far from shy about getting their energy out, and they thrive on daily physical activity.

Interactive toys are a great way to keep your French Brittany engaged and stimulated, and they're a popular choice among owners.

Daily mental stimulation and physical exercise are crucial for keeping your French Brittany's stress levels low and their happiness hormones flowing.

A bored, under-exercised French Brittany is a very unhappy dog, so make sure to provide plenty of opportunities for physical and mental activity.

The Brittany dog has a rich history that dates back hundreds of years to the Brittany region of northwestern France. Developed as a companion hunting dog for French peasants, they were prized for their all-around versatility.

Brittanys were originally bred to be small in size, which made them easier to maintain and transport, and they were known for their great loyalty to their masters. This loyalty allowed them to live with their owners rather than requiring expensive kennels.

Their ancestors were developed by medieval hunters and poachers who valued their ability to hunt in a variety of environments.

The Brittany breed has a rich history that spans hundreds of years, originating in the Brittany region of northwestern France. Developed as a companion hunting dog for French peasants, they were prized by medieval hunters and poachers for their versatility.

Brittanys were not developed in the kennels of the landed aristocracy, but rather by owners who were not of the class that owned land, making them ideal for poaching. This unique history is essential to understanding the breed's characteristics.

Their smaller size made them a practical choice for hunting, as they required less food and could be easily gathered up and spirited away if needed. Brittanys are full of energy and require regular exercise to prevent destructive behavior.

Many Brittanys still hunt upland game today, and their adaptability has allowed them to thrive in a wide range of environments, from the grouse woods of New England to the high desert mesa country of the West.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Best Dog Food for Hunting Hounds

French Brittany puppies are incredibly cute, with a soft expression and gentle face that's hard to resist.

Their small stature belies their high energy levels, and they're always eager to investigate their surroundings.

As puppies, French Brittanys are naturally curious and love to explore their environment, often by chewing on things they shouldn't.

This is why it's essential to supervise them closely to prevent any potential dangers.

French Brittany dogs typically respond well to positive training and socialization, making puppyhood the best time to start.

If you're considering bringing a French Brittany puppy into your life, be sure to check with rescue organizations first to see if there's a pup in need of a new home.

For another approach, see: Brown Brittany Spaniel Puppies

Brittanys are a great fit for active families who can provide them with the exercise they need to thrive.

They're a relatively high-energy breed, so they require regular physical activity to stay happy and healthy.

With their attachment to their owners, Brittanys can make wonderful pets for the right family.

Given enough exercise, they're doting, patient, and gentle in the home, making them a great addition to many families.

Brittanys were originally born tailess, and in fact, some breeders, including the author, often get a few tailess Brittanys in their litters.

The old standard for Brittanys required the dog to be naturally tailless to compete in shows, but the gene that caused tailessness was hit or miss among litters, resulting in a mix of tailed and tailless Brittanys.

Many breeders are now open to the idea of offering buyers a choice to keep or dock the tails of their puppy, and some even have litters where many pups have tails.

The American Brittany Club changed its standard to include the acceptance of surgically docked tails, allowing breeders to make this choice.

However, some breeders, including the author, have a program based on temperament placement, which means they can't offer the choice to dock or not dock the tails of their puppies by 6 weeks old.

Many breeders are now open to the idea of keeping their Brittany puppies' tails intact, and it's not uncommon to see litter photos with multiple puppies sporting tails.

The American Brittany Club, which sets the standard for the breed, has a close-knit community with tight guidelines that prioritize the health and temperament of Brittanys.

In fact, Brittanys are considered an unusually healthy breed, and the American Brittany Club has played a significant role in promoting good breeding practices.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) doesn't set breed standards, but rather serves as a breed registry that gathers data to maintain the integrity of purebred dogs.

The AKC does recognize that some breed clubs, like the American Brittany Club, choose to have standards that require cosmetic alterations, such as ear cropping and tail docking.

The AKC also hosts events that don't require cosmetic alterations for dogs to compete, with the exception of Conformation Shows.

It's worth noting that there's a growing movement to remove cosmetic procedures from the acceptable conditions for Conformation Shows.

Brittanys were originally born tailess, and some breeders still get a few tailess Brittanys in their litters.

The old standard for Brittanys required the dog to be naturally tailless to compete in shows, but it was discovered that the gene causing tailessness was hit or miss among litters.

This inconsistency led to the American Brittany Breed Club changing its standard to include the acceptance of surgically docked tails.

Brittanys are one of the few dogs that were naturally born with a half tail or no tail at all.