Brittanys are widely considered to be excellent bird dogs. They have a number of qualities that make them well-suited for upland bird hunting, including high intelligence, an excellent nose, high energy levels, and a strong retrieve instinct. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at Brittanys and examine why they shine as bird dogs.
History and Background of Brittanys
Brittanys were originally bred in western France as versatile gun dogs. Their name comes from their province of origin, Brittany. They were bred to hunt a variety of gamebirds and waterfowl, working closely with hunters. Some of the breeds used in developing the Brittany include English Setters, English and Gordon Setters, Pointers, Spaniels, and Beagles. This lineage gives Brittanys the instincts and abilities associated with both pointing and retrieving breeds.
Brittanys were first brought to North America in the late 1800s but did not become popular until the 1930s and 1940s. They were recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as a Sporting breed in 1934. Today they rank in the top half of registered breeds according to AKC registration statistics, showing their continuing popularity as bird dogs.
Brittany Appearance and Temperament
Brittanys are medium-sized dogs, generally 17 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a medium length coat that lies flat. Common coat colors are orange and white or liver and white. Brittanys are very energetic and need lots of exercise and mental stimulation.
They have an affectionate and trainable nature. Brittanys bond very closely with their families. They thrive when they can be close to their owners and participate in activities together. Brittanys are intelligent and respond very well to positive reinforcement training methods. They aim to please their owners.
Nose and Hunting Instincts
Two of the qualities that make Brittanys excel as bird dogs are their keen nose and strong hunting instincts. Brittanys have excellent olfactory capacity and can pick up scents from impressive distances. They use this ability to locate birds.
Brittanys also have a potent prey drive and natural hunting ability. Their ancestry as hunting dogs means this is ingrained in the breed. They have a strong pointing instinct, often assuming the stylish, upright pointing stance when they locate birds. Their high energy and enthusiasm for hunting are ideal attributes in a sporting dog.
Training Brittanys for Bird Hunting
While Brittanys have natural talent for hunting, they still require training to fully develop their abilities. Formal training should begin at a young age, as soon as a Brittany puppy arrives at its new home. Early socialization to birds and introduction to guns are important.
Brittanys respond very well to reward-based training methods that utilize praise, treats, and play. Building a strong obedience foundation will allow Brittanys to respond properly in the field. It’s important that they learn commands such as “whoa” to stop them and keep them steady on point.
Brittanys also need exposure to hunting situations like working in the field and brush, locating and pointing at bird wings, and retrieving training using dummy launchers and birds. This allows them to gain experience and practice proper hunting skills.
Making Use of Brittanys’ Versatile Abilities
While mainly used for upland bird hunting, Brittanys’ versatile heritage means they can adapt well to other hunting situations. Their strong swimming skills and waterproof coat make them a great option for waterfowl hunting. Brittanys can also hunt small game like rabbits and squirrels. Their versatility is advantageous for hunters in different regions and types of hunting.
Brittanys as Pets
When not actively hunting, Brittanys make wonderful family pets. They thrive when they can be close to their owners and included in activities. Brittanys are very affectionate with their families. They have an easygoing temperament and get along well with children and other pets when properly socialized.
Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation is important to prevent problem behaviors like destructiveness or hyperactivity. Activities like running, hiking, swimming, and playing fetch help meet a Brittany’s needs for activity. Training activities and interactive toys also provide mental exercise. Brittanys make ideal pets for active households.
Brittany Health and Lifespan
Brittanys are generally healthy dogs, but there are some health issues that can occur in the breed. Reputable breeders will screen their breeding dogs for these conditions:
- Hip dysplasia – Can lead to osteoarthritis and lameness
- Eye diseases – Cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, glaucoma
- Epilepsy – Seizure disorder
- Hypothyroidism – Low thyroid hormone production
With proper care, Brittanys have an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years.
Finding a Brittany Puppy
It’s important to get a Brittany puppy from a responsible breeder. Recommendations from other Brittany owners are a good starting point. Breed clubs like the American Brittany Club can also connect you with reputable breeders.
A responsible breeder will:
- Screen breeding dogs for health conditions
- Provide health clearances for parents
- Raise litters in a clean home environment
- Socialize puppies to prepare them for training
Be prepared that responsible breeders often have waiting lists for their puppies. It’s worth the wait to get a happy and healthy Brittany pup.
Pros of Brittanys for Bird Hunting
Here are some of the key advantages that make Brittanys excel as bird dogs:
- Intelligence – They are very trainable and responsive to commands
- Athleticism – Have the speed, endurance and agility for the demands of hunting
- Nose – Excellent scenting ability aids them in finding birds
- Strong hunting instincts – Pointing, retrieving, persistence in the field
- Versatile – Can adapt well to different types of hunting
- Eager to please – Enjoy working closely with their handler
Potential Drawbacks of Brittanys
Brittanys can make wonderful bird dogs for an owner willing to meet their needs, but they aren’t the right match for everyone. Some potential drawbacks to consider:
- High energy – Require significant daily exercise to prevent problem behaviors
- Need for training/stimulation – Can become bored or distracted without adequate training
- Prey drive – May sometimes chase other small animals while hunting
- Shedding – Seasonal shedding due to medium coat length
- Separation anxiety – Prone to becoming anxious when alone
Brittany Bird Dogs in Summary
Brittanys possess an ideal combination of traits that make them excel at hunting birds. Their natural abilities have been honed through generations of purposeful breeding. With proper training and care, a Brittany’s intelligence, athleticism, nose, instincts and eagerness to work with a handler come together to create an outstanding upland bird dog. For hunters seeking a highly capable canine partner that also makes a wonderful pet, the Brittany is an excellent choice.
