Brittany (Spaniel)

He caused me to fall in love with this breed! They are truly something special and are down for whatever you have planned. He is a fast learner, eager to please, and loves to snuggle. True to his breed, he is very sensitive to correction and doesn’t usually need much more than a shift in tone. The exception is when outside he immediately goes into hunting mode and is far less responsive to my voice. I use a collar that has an option to beep or vibrate (static is way to harsh for him!), one beep usually causes him to snap out of it and run back in my direction. It took three short training sessions on the collar and it’s like magic now. House breaking took less than a week, he rinds a bell to go outside. His energy level is unbelievable, but he is definitely winding down. Until he was 7 he needed about two hours a day of physical exercise and training or puzzles to burn him out. Now he needs about an hour, but he has developed a heart murmur and that has lowered his energy. He sleeps as hard as he plays and always has. Health wise, he has always struggled with seasonal allergies. Getting a really good indoor air purifier has helped as does keeping his bedding super clean and keeping him well groomed and taking his meds. 10/10 would recommend a Brittany as long as you can spend enough time with them (I work from home, but a second Brittany helps if you can’t be home all day). A lot of people will say that if you don’t hunt them they will not be happy, this is not true. They will hunt every time you go outside (will dart into the road if not fenced, leashed, or trained so be very careful) and as long as they are physically and mentally exercised they are happy. They have a very strong prey drive! Socialize to cats and train to be gentle and that will help tremendously!

I got my French Brittany (Epagneul Breton) from the street because she had broken her leg and her previously owner abandoned her. She is absolutely the sweetest girl, loves cuddle but also hiking for miles and of course hunting birds with me!

amazing right out of the gate, retrieved the very day I brought him home(3 months) friendly to everyone, a lot of energy, hunters dream dog, points, flushes, chases them down like its his mission in life, walks leash free at ideal distance even in thick forest, brush, or swamp edge. I put a bell on his collar when hunting, and I carry a higher tone bell with me, if hes in thick stuff where i cant see or hear him, I ring my bell and he magically appears. Also smart enough to disengage when told no, as a recent encounter with a porcupine on the ground could have been disastrous but he listened to me and abandoned the animal. I have shot a 12 gage off at least 10 times now while we were hunting, he never even noticed or just wasn't afraid of the noise. Great hunting dog or even just a family pet. Give them plenty of toys to shred, it saves the furniture. The biggest problem I have is he is always in hunting mode, have to put him on a cable to potty, otherwise he's chasing a flock of turkeys, rabbits and squirrels into the neighbors yard, but as a hunter that's a good problem to have I guess

Very sweet well mannered dog. Great family dog. Wonderful companion.

Great family dog. Energetic and funny.

Brittany Spaniels are hunting dogs in blood and heart. They will sniff and point the whole walk. They are beautiful loving pups and they have lots of energy.

We immediately head to the woods and spend most of our time during our one-hour walks on the trail, covering about 3-3.5 miles. He pulls and has a lot of power packed into a small body. He is the engine, the leash is the train, and I, the walker, am the caboose! Upon returning to his home, he likes to run around the backyard for a while before going inside for a drink of water.

The Brittany is definitely a dog you'd want to take hiking with you. They are very high in energy and love to run and explore. If you're looking for a partner to do your daily exercise with I'd recommend this very versatile dog. They are the perfect size for apartments, condos and homes alike. This dog is very interactive and will cue into your commands with ease. When you're out on a run or going hiking you'll find that they can keep up with your energy without a sweat. These dogs were almost built to exercise and accomplish a good run around. They fetch very well if you're looking to just sit back and relax with them at a park and at home they have a slight "chill" side to them although it may not be for long. Overall I'd recommend this dog to anyone that will actually take time out of their day to make sure they're stimulated mentally and physically. If they get bored they mayyyy result to possibly chewing up what ever toy is there for offering.

Brittany dogs are an extremely athletic and active breed of dog. They were bred for bird hunting and I have seen that aptitude in every Brittany I’ve walked. They make great running, hiking, or biking partners. Unlike other breeds, I have never had a Brittany stop walking on me, or even want to take a break. In fact, the longer the walk or run, the better! As a result of this breed’s high activity levels, be aware that this breed desperately needs its outdoor time every day. Brittanys are best suited to a large yard or owners who run or ride bicycle. Young Brittanys might get into mischief, such as digging or chewing, if they aren’t exercised enough. But as they mature, Brittanys are eager to please and adore their owners and anyone else who is willing to get them the attention they crave. When purchasing a Brittany, consider looking for one that has been bred for “calmness.” A Brittany with calm characteristics can be harder to find, but is well worth it! The Brittanys I am familiar with have not done particularly well off leash. As is typical of hunting dogs, they tend to roam far from their person while off leash, but they won’t get lost or run off; they just prefer to check out ALL their surroundings, dashing off to smell all the smells and then running back to check in. Brittanys are naturally drawn to squirrels, rabbits, and birds. Like a pointer, the ones I’ve walked will freeze and “point” before they suddenly dart off in pursuit. (This gives the walker fore-warning to hold tight to the leash!) Brittanys may be hard to leash-train as they want to run and explore the world around them, but I have found success with the Easy Walk harness and a retractable leash. (I know retractable leashes can be a problem, but the Brittany I walk is friendly and has been well trained to stay out of the street so the retractable leash isn’t as dangerous for him, but offers him the opportunity to explore his surroundings as he likes.) The Brittanys I have experience with are well-socialized and do great with other dogs. A trainer has even recommended them for therapy work with aggressive dogs because they remain so calm. Similarly, they have been very intuned to the emotions of the people around them, and seem like they would make amazing in a hospital setting - well, as long as they manage to have some of that calmness. The Brittany I work with most is extremely easy to please and is able to practice self-restraint, calming himself and napping when walks have been in short supply. Also, Brittanys do very well in a crate/kennel, and can be kenneled when the owner is away.

She was definetly an excited dog. She pulls so much though, there's so much power in such a little dog. Well, not little but fairly decent sized. She looked like she was a little overweight but that didn't stop her from pulling and showing me where to go. As soon as I walked into the house, I recieved nothing but love! She wasn't shy at all and was estatic when I told her we were going for a walk. We walked for only a half hour but we gained a reasonable distance. The one thing I do remember very well was that her tail wouldn't stop wagging! No matter where we went or what the weather was like. When we got back, she drank some water then was so excited to show me her bed and toys!

The Brittany is mellow, and walks calmly until he sees a squirrel. Then he starts to point. He stalks it very slowly much like a cat would. Then he charges at it. Sometimes he also is stubborn and refuses to move, but otherwise he is a sweetheart.

Brittany Spaniels are lovely family dogs! They are playful and energetic and love a good adventure! They are lovable and rather easily trainable due to their food-motivation. They are usually very good and open with new people and do well with a variety of walkers and visitors. The Brittany Spaniels I know love a good snow walk, as well as playing in the fall leaves or playing fetch in the summer. I’ve never had a bad experience with a Brittany Spaniel – always friendly and ready for a good cuddle. I would recommend a Brittany to anyone looking for an adventurous cuddler, particularly if you like long walks in a variety of seasons. Definitely one of the sweetest lively big dogs who are in for a good nap as well!

Lovable and loyal,likes to roam

Our dog loves to chase birds. She is the cutest dog I have ever seen. She is a great Brittany.

If you are after a co-pilot who will enthusiastically share every adventure and activity you do, then a Brittany is the perfect dog! Smart and loyal they also have a real sense of humour. They are very, very family focused- so not always interested in meeting new people when out and about. Even if they are a family pet, the hunting and pointing instinct is always there. Ours will swim the length of a river in pursuit of water birds and only gives up when the birds are smart enough to fly off into the distance. As everyone says they are high energy dogs who need lots of exercise so if you are willing to take them out and give them a good run around each day you will end up with the most loving, sweet natured, four legged companion imaginable.

I've had Cricket since he was 8 weeks old. Training him has been a breeze, now that I've figured out the appropriate way to work with this breed. You cannot be heavy handed with them. If your idea of training is spanking or swatting, you'll have either a nervous wreck or a terror living in your house. They need balanced training. Don't let them walk all over you, but be sure you're being fair and not overreacting. This is a fun loving breed! Make your training fun and keep them entertained. Make sure you know your breeder, as well. If they come from a conformation line, they'll probably be a bit more snuggly after they've been exercised. If they come from a field trial or working line, they'll more than likely be a slightly less cuddly dog. Cricket comes from a working line. By choice (and against my will) he sleeps on the floor, doesn't cuddle a lot, and wants to constantly be working. I have found that as they grow a little older and settle, they become much more affectionate. If your Brit is less physically affectionate, make sure you look for visual cues of affection. Slow blinking, laying on your feet, staring at you for directives, etc. These are some of the best ways I've found to receive and give affection to any dog. Please make sure that, if you think this is the breed for you, that you have plenty of space for them to run, the dedication to play with them in any condition, and that you are dedicated to training them appropriately. If you don't train them at all, you'll have a hard time playing with them. This sets you up for a vicious cycle that ends in either losing your dog or rehoming them. If you handle your Brittany properly, you'll have the most amazing companion. Make sure they're right for you and if they are, you'll hesitate to go with any other breed!

He is our first. In the beginning he was out if control but we quickly learned that heavy hand training does not work with this breed. Quiet reassurance does. He is now wonderful albeit still a nut.

Very loyal, very affectionate, emotional Dog. Shows all his emotions through his eyes and body language. Very unusual for most breeds but he is perfect for his. Most loving dog you’ll ever meet. Can be extremely outgoing then be extremely timid almost bipolar like if that’s possible. Wouldn’t trade this dog for the world despite his unusual habits. He is very gentle and loves everyone especially kids that like to run and play.

Leon enjoys being a good boy, he waits for a kiss before eating his food and enjoys being cleaned and pampered. He is medium sized, highly energetic, runs fast, jumps high and loves to swim. A beautiful soul, very sensitive to our emotions and enjoys a lot of attention. He understands us and try to join in conversations. He adores his soft toys, especially his first bear, carrying it around with him next to the window while he looks at people passing by and brings it to his bed at night. A pretty boy full of love.

My Brittany was 7 years old when I adopted him, but still active! Indoors he is almost like a cat: very calm, looooves to cuddle and very affectionate. Outdoors he’s very active: smelling everything and he’d rather run than walk. We go out for walks for at least 1.5 hours in total each day. My Brittany loves all people and children, and because he’s so sweet, everyone loves him too! I adopted him from a shelter after he was neglected a bit while living outside a hunter’s house, on a chain. I don’t know what training he had, but within a few days he knew all the basic commands. Very easy to train and he enjoys training too!

Energetic dog hard to contain easy to get along with.