Brittany

Affectionate company and an enthusiastic searcher

Many Brittanys enjoy being close to their people and respond enthusiastically to training together. Outdoors, an interesting scent can quickly become more compelling than their handler. That focus on game belongs to the breed's original work. Recall and checking in with you should be taught early, starting somewhere with few distractions.

A dog searching a meadow may suddenly stop and study a particular spot. Recognising this behaviour helps you create distance from wildlife in good time. Until reliable recall is established, a long training line attached to a well-fitting harness can offer room to move. The dog remains secured while still being able to explore. Local lead rules and protecting wildlife matter even with a well-trained dog.

An affectionate Brittany can be rewarding family company. Adults should supervise play between children and the dog, and provide an undisturbed sleeping place. Living with a cat depends on the individual animals and their experiences. Separate spaces should be planned for rabbits or birds, as hunting instincts can also be directed towards small household pets.

Everyday life

A Brittany suits people who enjoy spending substantial time outdoors every day. Walks with opportunities to sniff, search activities and training together should have a regular place in the routine. A garden alone provides too little. Before choosing the breed, it is worth comparing your actual daily schedule with the needs of an active gundog.

Retrieving means bringing a found object back to the handler. For an introductory exercise, a soft training item large enough for the dog to carry safely can be placed nearby. The dog can search for it, pick it up and return. With guidance, this can be built gradually without throwing the item a long way each time. Waiting calmly before the search is a useful skill too.

If you plan to work your dog in the field, contact a suitable breed club and experienced trainer early. For a home without hunting work, discuss suitable outlets for movement and searching with breed-experienced professionals before getting the dog. Quiet periods belong in home life too. Time alone should be introduced gradually, with dependable care arranged for regular longer absences.

Everyday dog training: recall, a loose lead and clear communication ↗

Day-to-day care

The usually straight to slightly wavy coat should be brushed several times a week, particularly the longer hair on the legs. After outings through long grass, checking paws, ears and coat is worthwhile. Grass awns are pointed parts of some grasses, often with barbs. They can catch in the coat and enter skin, ears or eyes. Loose surface debris can be removed. Intense head shaking, a painful eye or a swollen paw warrants a call to the vet.

Nails, skin and ears need regular checks. Toothbrushing with dog toothpaste should ideally be a daily habit. Food portions should reflect actual activity. A working gundog and a dog taking ordinary walks may have different energy needs. Training rewards should be included in the daily food allowance.