Brittany

Characteristics

Health & Longevity

Average Life Span: 12-13 years
The Brittany, a happy, bird-chasing pup, exhibits great health, but these pups are prone to a few health issues and birth defects. For example, hip dysplasia runs through generations of this breed. This condition occurs when the Brittany is still developing in the womb. The joint and socket of her hip are malformed, both because of genetics and her birth position, resulting in dislocation and cartilage deterioration.

As soon as you get your new companion, take her to the vet for a full examination and check-up. Ask specifically for a joint and hip exam to rule out the possibilities of dysplasia from a young age. If the results are positive, your Brittany will have to have surgery to correct the condition before it causes painful arthritis and a lifelong limp.

One other health condition that the Brittany is especially prone to is:

Hypothyroidism

This condition is often exacerbated by a number of underlying health issues, such as obesity and lack of exercise. Symptoms include lethargy, chronic fatigue, weakness, hair loss, severe weight gain, excessive hunger and thirst, runny stools, excessive urination, and brittle nails. Treatment is typically lifelong hormone supplements and vet-prescribed dog food.

Other health issues, albeit minor, that your Brittany may develop include epilepsy, skin allergies, and recurring ear infections. On average, a Brittany has a lengthy lifespan of 12 to 13 years.

Temperament & Train-ability

Brittany pups, once known as Brittany Spaniels, are curious, sweet, friendly dogs who were bred to be hunters of birds and other small animals. This is why your pup might take off after the nearest squirrel or pigeon. You can, of course, train them to suppress this urge, but it will always be on the surface. Instead of chasing down the small animal though, they may just stare at it intently until it passes.

During training sessions, it is highly important to establish yourself as dominant leader of your pack. These pups can be stubborn, so establishing your alpha role is the surefire way to get them to comply with your commands. In the animal world, alphas are naturally superior, so obedience of others comes just as naturally. Brittanys are sensitive pups who respond better to positivity and kindness than harshness and physical force. Use patience, positive vibes, and a gentle, but firm, tone to teach your Brittany. She will eventually get the hang of your instructions, but it might take a few weeks of repetition.

Exercise-wise, the Brittany is a clever, energetic pup that needs lots of space to run, romp, and play. These pups would love a fenced-in backyard since there are so many places to explore, discover, and dig. These purebreds are also great jumpers, so make sure your fence is both high and deep to avoid escape. Brittanys would also do well with 2-3 long walks to explore the neighborhood every day. Make sure you include leash-training in with your usual training sessions in the puppy phase.

Grooming

Brittany pups have sometimes-lengthy, soft hair, especially on their ears. How long it grows depends on how lengthy you let it get before trimming it. Typically, the average Brittany pet owner cuts their pup’s hair every 6-8 weeks. It grows at much the same rate human hair does. Trimming will ensure it stays healthy and soft.

Brittanys are low shedders, but their excess of loose hair can ramp up in the summer months. Normally, brush your Brittany 3-4 times a week. In the summertime, when she sheds more, brush her daily to loosen and get rid of excess hairs that could cause tangles and mats.

Bathe your Brittany once a month or take her to a professional groomer for a monthly bath and trim. The groomer will also take care of clipping her toenails, cleaning her ears, and brushing her teeth. Or, if you would prefer to take care of all grooming needs, you should clip her toenails every 2-3 weeks, brush her teeth every night, and clean her ears once a week with warm water and a soft cotton swab.

Diet

Brittanys have a voracious appetite, making them prone to becoming overeaters. However, a proper meal schedule will help you control their weight and overall good health. Divide 2 cups of dry, high-quality kibble into two meals per day. The multiple meals will help your Brittany stay full and satisfied throughout the day, eliminating begging and food aggression.
 

Find A Brittany Breeder

Brittany Puppies For Sale

Adopt A Brittany

Cost

Before you check around for a Brittany breeder, peruse your local animal shelters and rescue groups for your new companion. You may get lucky, in which case your Brittany’s adoption fees will range from $75 to $250. Fees vary from county to state, so vaccinations, health checks, and spay or neuter services could drive the adoption costs upwards of $500. Do not let this bother you. You will graciously be giving an abandoned Brittany the happy, loving home she deserves.

If you go the breeder route, thoroughly investigate every aspect of a breeder before you make your decision. Reputable, reliable breeders are honest, forthcoming with information about their breeding business, and well-documented. Trustworthy breeders charge between $800 to $1,000 for a well-bred Brittany. You can find these pups cheaper elsewhere, true, but in the purebred world, you often get what you pay for. More expensive, AKC-documented pups are usually healthier in the long run, but there are never any health guarantees.

Paws ‘N’ Pups Ranking

Paws ‘N’ Pups ranks every breed out of 4 with 1 being easiest to integrate into your life and 4 being the toughest – The lower the ranking the better.

Ranking takes into account a few basic factors including cost, skill level needed, high vs low maintenance and how critical regular training is to success. These pups are not an aggressive breed, but they can be wary of strangers, resulting in growling and displays of teeth if that stranger gets too close too quickly. These energetic pups are best suited for someone fitness-minded and active. They would get along well with children, but they can be boisterous and bouncy when excited. Brittanys are excellent family dogs, so they gain a mere 1.5 on the integration scale.

 

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