Club LEpagneul Breton Vic is committed to promoting responsible pet ownership.
About Brittany
Background
The Brittany Spaniel (also known as the Brittany or Epagneul Breton) is the national dog of France. (Epagneul is a French word given to dogs that point or set their game, while a Breton is from Bretagne or Brittany). This dog originates from the French province of Bretagne, a rugged peninsula or land surrounded by the English Channel on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. Prior to the invention of firearms, these were a "drop on point dog", which allowed a net to be cast over both them and the game that was being hunted. In the 1850s English sportsmen brought with them to Bretagne their sporting guns and well trained pointers and setters, which they bred with the local dogs. These were later crossed with the Braque (a French pointer). At some point a tailless dog was born. The characterisitc was seized upon as a distinctive feature in the breeds early development, and even today many Brittany are born tailless. In 1974 the Brittany was introduced into Australia and has since developed a strong following among the hunting fraternity.
Average Lifespan
When considering a dog, please realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime. Brittany Spaniels live from between 13 to 14 years of age.
Breed Personality/Characteristics/Temperament
Although the Breton was developed as an active hunting dog, it is also biddable and gentle. Generally good with children, they make a great family dog. The breed is characterised by "the maximum of quality in the minimum of size". Despite being a small, compact and elegant dog, it is noted for its endurance, stamina and tenacity. Although traditionally a hunting breed, it is required to come out of the field and into the show ring with a minimum of grooming. This breed will hunt all day and be ready to go again and again. Keen, alert and intelligent, the Breton is overflowing with boundless energy.
Compatibility with other pets
The Breton gets on well with other dogs as they help to keep it entertained, plus provide companionship when its owner is not around. Essentially these dogs were developed and bred to hunt birds and thats exactly what they will do, given the opportunity. However if they are brought up from puppyhood with other pets, they will learn to accept them.
Care Requirements
Give your dog a good brush and a bath as required. Feed a quality balanced diet as this breed is very active and depends on good nutrition to fuel its athletic lifestyle. As working and hunting dogs, Bretons should be wormed twice as often as normal (ie. every 6 weeks). Grass seeds can also present a problem, so paws should be checked regularly.
Please Take Note
Prospective owners need to be made aware that this is an extremely active dog, which needs a gread deal of physical and mental exercise, otherwise it may develop destructive tendencies.
Ideal Owner/s
People with the time to put into their dogs will get the most out of this breed. If your interest is in hunting, trialling, showing or running, then these dynamic dogs may be the perfect choice for you.
In Conclusion
Now you know a little about the Brittany and have decided this is the dog for you or you want more information, make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs.
