Brittany Spanial

History

Brittany Spaniels originated in France. They descended from the Chien d’Oysel. During the 16th century they renamed the Epagneul Francais to the Brittany spaniel. The first official Brittany spaniel standard was established in 1907. Brittany Spaniels have been used for hunting and as water dogs.

Physical Description
Brittany Spaniels are small elegant dogs with an intelligent expression. They are very energetic. When fully grown a Brittany Spaniel is 17-20 inches tall. Adult Brittany Spaniels weigh between 28 1/2 and 33 pounds. Their coat is fine with dense hair. The color of their coat either is white and orange, white and brown, white and black, or liver and white. Since their tails are cut off, they are only about 4 inches long. Their feet don't have much hair on them and their toes are tight. Brittany Spaniel's eyes are dark amber to hazel blending in with the coat.

Feeding Requirements
The feeding requirements for an adult Brittany Spaniel and puppy Brittany Spaniel are very different. Puppies must be fed small portions at frequent intervals. Once the puppy starts on regular dog food, they must be fed four times per day. Between the time when they are three to six months old, you should increase the portion size and only feed them three times per day. Once they have reached one year of age, you may start feeding them one time per day if you would like. You may want to mix in some warm water or broth, or add some canned food to their dry dog food. In doing so, you can help keep your Brittany Spaniel's nutrition balanced and complete.

Health
Once you get your Brittany Spaniel, the vet is one of the most important people in their life. If their temperature gets above 102° F, this is usually a sign that they are getting sick. If this happens, you should contact your vet immediately. When your puppy gets to be any older than six months old they may be spayed or neutered. At one year old, your Brittany Spaniel should go to the vet and get a check up. Each year after that they should get another check up. At about age seven, your Brittany Spaniel should start being checked for genetic diseases. Grooming your Brittany Spaniels coat will help you keep them bug free.

Training
Brittany Spaniels must learn a few new rules when they first arrive at their new house. Whenever you go to get your new family member, be sure to ask if they have been trained at all. If they have, you may have them explain to you what your new puppy has already learned. This will help you know what you need to teach them so you can reinforce what they have already learned. When you first arrive home, your pup will probably need to go to the bathroom. You should put them in the place that they will always have to go to the bathroom from now on. Some commands that your dog should know are down, sit, stay, and heel. Walking on a leash is a good skill to teach your dog so you can go out and get some exercise without them causing a big hassle. One of the best times to teach your dog is right before meal time.

Accommodations
Some Brittany Spaniels can live outdoors, but most would prefer living indoors. If your dog will be living outdoors, they need a dog house. They need this house, so that when the weather gets bad they have somewhere warm and dry to go. If your Brittany Spaniel will be living indoors, they need a dog bed or crate. The dog bed provides a place for the dog to sleep. While the crate is also used for sleeping, it can be used as a space to confine your dog for short periods of time. No matter which you choose, make sure you place it in a special spot. Do not put it by their toilet area, food dish, or water dish.