{"id":82840,"date":"2014-11-26T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2014-11-25T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/?p=82840"},"modified":"2025-11-03T18:48:46","modified_gmt":"2025-11-03T16:48:46","slug":"brittany","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/us\/breed-brittany-spaniel-epagneul-breton","title":{"rendered":"Brittany"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Cheerful, energetic, and exceptionally smart – that’s the Brittany (Epagneul Breton)<\/strong>. This active dog is highly obedient and deeply attached to its human family. It won’t make a stern guard, as it’s friendly even toward strangers, but the Brittany is a real find for a sporty family that loves the outdoors, possibly with children. This sensitive “Frenchman” reacts keenly to how it’s treated and strives to be a full-fledged member of the family. Representatives of this breed are exceptionally easy to train and require straightforward, regular grooming. We’ll talk more about all the details of keeping, personality, and health of this unique breed more on this on Tvaryny<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Brittany: A Brief Breed Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Origin<\/strong><\/td>France (Brittany region)<\/td><\/tr>
Original Name<\/strong><\/td>Epagneul Breton (Brittany)<\/td><\/tr>
FCI Classification<\/strong><\/td>Group 7 (Pointing Dogs), Section 1.2 (Continental Pointing Dogs, ‘Spaniel’ type). With working trial.<\/td><\/tr>
Lifespan<\/strong><\/td>12-14 years (sometimes up to 15-16)<\/td><\/tr>
Height at withers (males)<\/strong><\/td>48-51 cm<\/td><\/tr>
Height at withers (females)<\/strong><\/td>47-50 cm<\/td><\/tr>
Weight<\/strong><\/td>13-18 kg (depending on sex and build)<\/td><\/tr>
Temperament<\/strong><\/td>Energetic, intelligent, alert, friendly, ‘happy-go-lucky’<\/td><\/tr>
Grooming Needs<\/strong><\/td>Medium (2-3 times a week)<\/td><\/tr>
Activity Needs<\/strong><\/td>Very High<\/td><\/tr>
Role in Family<\/strong><\/td>Needs an owner who can establish rules; very human-oriented<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

History and Origin of the Brittany<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The history of the Brittany is deeply rooted in the fields and forests of its homeland – the province of Brittany in northwestern France. It is one of the oldest ‘spaniel’ type breeds in France. The first mentions of dogs similar to modern Brittanys date back to the 17th century. They can be seen in paintings and tapestries of the time, notably by the Dutch painter Jan Steen. These spaniel-like, short-tailed dogs with long coats were favorite companions for local hunters and peasants thanks to their versatility, compact size, and excellent sense of smell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is believed the modern breed emerged in the mid-19th century from crosses between local French spaniels (possibly ancestors of the modern French Spaniel<\/a>) and English Setters and Pointers. British hunters, who came to Brittany to hunt woodcock, brought their dogs with them. These crossings likely led to the appearance of the short tail (natural bobtail) in the Brittany, one of its characteristic features, and also improved its hunting abilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By the end of the 19th century, the breed was already quite recognizable. A key figure in the standardization and popularization of the breed in the early 20th century was Arthur Enaud, who presented the first Brittany at a show in Paris in 1896. The first official breed standard was written in 1907. After World War II, the breed, like many others, was under threat, but thanks to the efforts of enthusiasts, it was restored and spread throughout the world. Today, the Brittany is one of the most popular gundogs in France and the US, prized for its exceptional working qualities and wonderful character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Does the Brittany Look Like: A Detailed Description<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Brittany is an elegant, compact, and sturdy dog, without any heaviness. It gives the impression of maximum athleticism and energy in a small body. It is the smallest of the French long-haired pointing dogs. Its expression is intelligent, alert, and cheerful, perfectly matching its temperament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Head, Eyes, and Ears<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The head has a slightly rounded skull with a moderate stop (the transition from forehead to muzzle). The muzzle is medium-length, straight, and not too narrow. The nose should be dark (black or brown, depending on the coat color), with well-opened nostrils, indicating an excellent sense of smell. The eyes<\/strong> are very expressive, slightly almond-shaped, amber or hazel, harmonizing with the coat color. The gaze is lively and intelligent. The ears<\/strong> are set high, quite short (shorter than other spaniels, like the English Springer Spaniel<\/a>), triangular, slightly rounded, and covered with wavy hair. They frame the face and give the dog its characteristic alert look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Body and Tail of the Brittany<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The body is cobby but not massive, with a deep chest reaching the elbows and a short, straight back. The loin is short and strong. This gives the dog endurance and agility. The tail<\/strong> is one of the breed’s most interesting features. Brittanys can be born with a naturally short tail (bobtail) or without one at all (anury). If a dog is born with a long tail, it was traditionally docked in countries where this was permitted (in many parts of Europe, cosmetic docking is banned). A natural bobtail is a desirable trait.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coat and Color<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Brittany’s coat is fine but not silky, and can be straight or slightly wavy. There is almost no undercoat. On the ears, as well as the back of the front and hind legs, there is longer ‘feathering’, but it should not be excessive so as not to hinder the dog when working in thick cover. This makes grooming easier and prevents burrs from getting tangled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Traditional colors are a combination of white with other colors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n