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Brittany Spaniel
An alert and intelligent
hunter, especially popular as a bird retriever, this dog has a
long history and remains popular in many countries.
History:
The Brittany's most likely
ancestor is the Chien d'Oysel (Bird Dog), which is the basis
for many Spaniel and Setter breeds throughout France, and has
been known since the sixteenth century. A similar tailless dog
was painted many times by Rembrandt in the seventeenth
century. There has been cross-breeding with English Setters
and Pointers to arrive at the Brittany Spaniel's present-day
dimensions. The first official standard was established in
1907. In America the breed was popular and a club was formed
which almost declined until after the Second World War. In
1942 the American Brittany Club was re-formed.
Physical
characteristics:
A small, energetic and elegant
dog. Height: 17 - 20 in (43.2 - 50.8 cm). Under Canadian
standards: 17.5 - 20.5 in (44.5 - 52 cm). Weight: 33 lb (15
kg) for the dog and 28.5 lb (13 kg) for the bitch. Under
Canadian standards: 31 - 39 lb (14 - 17.7 kg). The head is
rounded, the stop well-defined, and not too deep. The muzzle
is short and straight. The nose is fawn, tan, brown or dark
pink (depending on the coat color), with open nostrils. The
lips are thin, tight, and slightly raised, with the upper lip
extending slightly beyond the lower lip.
The bite is scissor. The eye
color also depends on the coat color and may be dark amber to
dark hazel. The eyes are deep-set and have an alert
expression. The ears are set high and drop, slightly rounded,
to the sides of the face. The body has a medium neck, deep
chest, and well-sprung ribs. The shoulders are well-muscled
and slope down to a short back. The loin is short, broad and
strong. Hindquarters are broad, strong and muscular, with
powerful thighs. The forequarters are straight, thin and
muscular. The tail is usually shorter than 4 inches or is
docked.
The
Brittany's coat is fine and dense, rather flat or slightly
wavy. The coat color is white with either orange, brown,
black, liver, tricolor or roan.
Behavior:
The Brittany Spaniel started
off as a working dog for flushing game, and still retains some
of its attributes, such as the determination to seek out its
quarry. Nowadays the Brittany Spaniel is usually kept as a
companion or show dog, where its good looks and gentleness are
highly desirable. This is an intelligent dog that can be
trained to a high level. However, owners must be consistent in
their approach to ensure that maximum learning takes place.
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