Brittany
Quick Facts:
- AKC recognized in 1934
- Lifespan: 14 - 15 years
- Size: Medium
- Energy: High
- Recommended Crate Size: 36" dog crate*
Return to the main Dog Crate Sizes Breed Chart.
Not many people know the history behind the Brittany breed. The name comes from the northern French province. It was around 1,800 years ago when the dog was first recognized. When it comes to its origin, there’s still much debate among people. Some experts believe that the dog is the result of Spaniels and English pointers interbreeding. This dog quickly became the perfect companion among hunters in the region and today, Brittanys are still popular due to these same skills in the field.
Breed
The Brittanys are an energetic and happy breed. They love both the outdoor and domestic family environment. Many men loving taking this gundog for outdoor trips and hunting. The kids will also enjoy playing with the dog either within the house or outside in the yard. The breed is quite loyal and they do not possess an aggressive temperament.
One of the challenges owners find is that the Brittany can be quite anxious when they are separated from their people. Like most people and pets, if left alone for too long they can become depressed. This may lead to destructive behaviors, which again, is common among pets that do not get adequate attention or exercise. The shyness of the dog can also be a challenge as Brittanys tend to whine when they are nervous and shy.
Appearance
People who would love to have a medium-sized dog should consider adopting the Brittany. The dog has a single-layered, short coat that comes in various colors, the most common of which are orange and white. Their legs are long and at first glance, they do not have a muscular appearance.
Eye colors are typically either amber or hazel. The shape of their ears is triangular and their tail is docked. The color of their nose isn’t black, but rather brown, tan, pink, or fawn. The average height of the dog is 20 inches and ranges around 35 pounds.
Nutrition
What is the best diet for the Brittany? The food should contain abundant nutrients and a proper balance of vitamins, proteins, minerals, fatty acids, and carbohydrates. It is recommended to feed them between one and a half to two cups of dry food per day, split into 2 feedings. The actual amount is determined by activity and health levels, and amounts should be adjusted accordingly to ensure a healthy weight.
Grooming
Generally, the owners should get the Brittany groomed regularly, especially if the dog runs a lot in the field. They often put their nose and ears on the ground, which may lead to ear-related problems. The owners should clean the dog’s ears on a regular basis to prevent infection and bad odors.
Be careful when cleaning as there’s the risk of injury. Using cotton pads is recommended. As the Brittany is considered a sporting dog, they need regular baths to keep their hygiene at its finest.
Exercise
The Brittany is an ideal pet for both apartments and houses. Either way owners should provide ample space for the dog to run either in a spacious backyard or a open dog park. A regular amount of exercise is necessary as the dog is quite active.
Those who have a hobby such as hunting can take advantage of this breed's natural hunting abilities. The Brittany loves to be in the wild. They can endure the rigors of bird hunting in nature. To put it simply, they are the epitome of a gundog. Hunting will keep them happy, especially if there is swimming involved.
Pet Crate Size
Pet Crates Direct recommends 36" dog crates* for most adult Brittanys.
* Links for crate sizes will bring you to the most appropriate Amazon page.
