Britanny Breeders, Breed Club and Background
Orange and White Brittany
The Brittany, until recently known as the Brittany Spaniel originated in the North West of France in the area of the village of Callac. The Brittany is based on the Fougere, a spaniel who was black and white or liver and white and significantly smaller than the present dog. During the 19thC the British gentry visited Brittany for the woodcock , snipe and partridge, taking with them their own dogs - Pointers, and English and Gordon Setters. Some were left with local farmers from one season to another and so the breed developed from matings between the breeds; the energy of the Fougere was complimented by the Setter and Pointer qualities to produce a quick, keen and intelligent Hunt, Point, Retriever. Old prints show working dogs with the shape and colouring of Pointers and Spaniel feathering and head shape.
In appearance the Brittany is not a showy dog; very workmanlike, cobby in shape though quite lightly built. His height is between 47 – 50cm and he weighs between 28 – 33lbs; he is still capable of carrying a hare or pheasant with ease. The French Brittany Club’s motto is “Un maximum de qualites dans un volume minimum” – “maximum qualities in a minimum size”. The coat is flat, dense, fine and slightly wavy with light feathering. His colouring harks back to his origins; orange, liver or black all with white, tricolour or roan of any of these colours.
The first Brittanies were imported to the UK in 1982 and their growth in numbers has been slow and steady; enthusiasts are keen to preserve the working qualities of the breed and plenty of working opportunities are organised by the Breed Club. Their size and energy makes them well-suited to Agility and their keenness to please suits them well to Obedience.
An energetic, intelligent and eager to please dog, the Brittany makes a good family dog but does require to be kept busy, or he will make his own entertainment.
Breed Clubs
Brittany Club of GB Mr Paul Yarrow 01621 817728
Rescue and Re-homing
Firstly speak to your Breeder to see if they are able to help you. If this isn’t successful then approach the Breed Club, they are best equipped to offer help.