Brittany

Coat & Grooming: The Brittany is fairly low maintenance in terms of grooming and coat care. They don't have a heavy coat, but it's still a good idea to give them a good brushing on a regular schedule. Daily grooming is probably overkill, but don't let it go longer than a week between brushings. Bathing and shampooing is only required when you really start to notice the smell!

Coat length: Long

Grooming: Occasional

Shedding: Brittanys will shed a moderate amount, so it's crucial to spend time on grooming tasks to minimize the impact on your home. Regular brushing and bathing will contain some of the stray hairs, and a good shampoo will ensure a healthy coat. Start regular grooming when your Brittany is still a puppy both to help acclimate your puppy to the handling required with grooming and to build a bond with your new dog.

Training: Since they are such sensitive dogs, it's important to understand your Brittany before you dive into training head-first. One of the key things to remember is that you are dealing with an overly sensitive breed. The Brittany is very smart and perceptive, and they don't take well to harsh or negative training. Be firm, but focus on the positives and offer your loving support during the training process.

Barking: Understanding your dog: Brittanys are not big barkers, but they will quickly raise the alarm if they sense something is wrong. Sometimes, a Brittany will bark out of excitement, but this is not common. Overall, the Brittany is a polite and well-manned breed. Howling or excessive barking is likely a sign of a problem rather than a common feature of the breed.

Temperament & Behavior: Brittanys are strong and agile dogs with a historic role as bird dogs. They can point, retrieve, and track animals with ease. At home, they are loving and gentle companions with a friendly and happy disposition. Brittanys need lots of exercise and attention – the breed suffers from separation anxiety if left alone all day. If you can't devote at least an hour per day to exercise your Brittany, it's worth hiring some help from a dog walker to make sure your dog is happy and healthy. Generally, the breed is friendly, alert, and easy to train.

Behavior with kids: Brittanys are perfect dogs for families with children. They are generous and playful companions with an abundance of patience for the little ones. Always supervise new additions to playtime, and make sure everyone knows the right way to handle a dog. Don't be afraid to show young children how to approach and pet a Brittany.

Protection: This breed doesn't make a very good guard dog. Brittanys are very tolerant and playful with strangers. This is an all-around friendly dog with a big, sensitive heart.

Life Span: On average, Brittanys live to be about 12-14 years old.

Inherited health issues: Several health conditions occur in Brittanys either at an increased frequency in the breed or as a result of genetics. Responsible breeders perform screening tests on their breeding animals in an attempt to decrease the incidence of these conditions in their puppies. These may include but are not limited to the following: histoplasmosis, spinal muscular atrophy, retinal dysplasia, hip dysplasia and sudden acquired retinal degeneration.

Preventive care: Keeping your Brittany active is beneficial for their overall physical and mental health. A high level of activity will help to maintain a healthy and lean body weight. Feeding carefully portioned meals and avoiding treats or table scraps in excess will also help to keep your dog in tip-top shape.

Even if your Brittany appears to be healthy at home, this is no reason to skip regular veterinary visits. Your veterinarian has extensive training to pick up on subtle changes, which can pick up on problems earlier, allowing for prompt treatment. This can be beneficial both for your Brittany and often for your wallet as well.

Nutrition: As an active breed, Brittanys require portion-controlled meals of a high quality balanced diet to maintain their energy requirements. Brittanys can become overweight if they are not sufficiently exercised or are overfed, so avoid offering too many treats or table scraps regardless of their pleading eyes.

Daily Consumption: Average daily consumption for an adult Brittany is 1-2 cups

Energy Level: Frisky, energetic breed that is always ready for action

Exercise: When it comes to exercise, your Brittany is a willing partner no matter how far you want to go. They love to run free, so it's a good idea to focus on return call and obedience early in life. Proper socialization is another key for young Brittanys. It's always a good idea to expose them to a wide variety of places, people, and situations to instill confidence and proper manners. If you aren't sure how to properly train your Brittany, read on for some tips specific to the breed.

Climate: Although a Brittany will stand up to long, cold days in the fields, they generally prefer a temperate climate. Britannys don't like to sleep outside – a spot by the fire is much better. They tend to do better in cold weather than hot, but any extreme temperatures will take a toll on a Brittany eventually. Always keep an eye on your dog for signs of distress over long periods of exposure.

Living space: Since Brittanys need a lot of exercise, it's good to give them some space at home. A big backyard is ideal for a safe play space for your new dog. Don't relegate them to a life stuck in a small apartment.