The Brittany has the disposition of the best of house pets and companions,
and also possesses a great passion for the hunt. It is a medium-sized
dog weighing between 30 and 40 pounds.
The Britt is very intelligent, possesses great stamina and is very devoted to his family. They adapt well to a variety of climates.
A Brittany is one of the most easily-trained dogs. They are very people oriented and do require attention each day. Without attention this dog will develope bad behaviors, to let you know he is not happy.
Just as people have different personalities and temperments, the same can be said for Brittanys. When picking out a puppy be sure to ask to see the parents, and grandparents, too, if possible. These two generations will have the most influence on the puppies' personality. Ask the breeder if there are dogs in the puppy's immediate background (no more than 3 or 4 generations) that are from both show and field stock. With Brittanys, personalities and characteristics vary from dog to dog, not within the sexes of the dog. If you're getting a Britt strictly for a family dog, or as a companion, plan to have your dog spayed or neutered. This will eliminate most behaviors associated with the sex of the animal such as roaming for males and females going through false pregnancy, and unwanted pregnancies.
It is very important to stress that Brittanys need personal attention everyday. Training, playing, and petting are all part of the bonding process between owner and companion. At least once per week a good brushing of the Brittany's coat is needed. The dog needs to be kept free of fleas and ticks. Bathing should only take place when a thorough brushing and combing will not clear the dirt away. A hunting dog needs the natural oils to shed water and allow the coat to keep the dog comfortable in whatever climate you may have him in. And lastly, be sure to keep the nails clipped. Check with your veterinarian for the proper length and instructions on how to clip your dog's nails. Long nails not only deform the foot they can be painful and sometimes crippling. Occassionally long nails have been known to get caught on an object and can be ripped out causing pain, and a good chance of infection. Good common sense, regular visits to your dog's vet and a good attitude about your dog's role in your life, and your family's, can lead to a long wonderfully fulfilling relationship with man's best friend.
