BRITTANY SPANIEL
Gun Dog Group
Official U.K.C. Breed Standard

Copyright 1991, United Kennel Club, Inc. .............................................View Registration Requirements



History

The Brittany originated in France and is the only pointing spaniel. Its name is derived from the French Province of Brittany. The first breed standard was written in France about 1907. The breed was introduced into America in the early 1930's.

It is to the credit of responsible and involved breeders that they have consistently maintained the versatility and multi-purpose characteristics of the breed. They have succeeded in not allowing the breed to be divided into two types, show versus working.

The Brittany Spaniel was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1948.

The Brittany is square and compact, and is rather leggy for a spaniel, with its height being the same as the length of body. They are quick in movement, strong, vigorous and energetic, rugged without being clumsy. The tail is no more than four inches in length.

In temperament, the Brittany is friendly and eager to please. These friendly little dogs hunt more like a Setter due to their pointing ability, and are higher on their legs than other Spaniels. The Brittany does not require a heavy hand in training. In fact, they may quit if the discipline is too stern. Much more is accomplished with a gentle hand. They seek human attention, which makes them easier to train than some other hunting breeds. They make close working hunting dogs, fine companions, and family pets.

SKULL - Rounded, of medium length, evenly made, and slightly wedge shaped.

MUZZLE - Approximately two-thirds the length of the skull. It gradually tapers both horizontally and vertically. The lips are tight to the muzzle.

Serious Faults: Apple headed. Dish faced. Loose or pendulous flews. Roman nose.

TEETH - A full complement of strong, white teeth meet in a scissors bite.

Serious Faults: Overshot or undershot bites.

EYES - The eyes are well set into the head, and well protected from briars, etc., by heavy, expressive eyebrows. Darker colored eyes are preferred, but lighter shades of amber are not to be penalized.

Serious Faults: Prominent, full or pop eyes. Haws, drooping or pouching eyelids. Light-colored eyes. Mean-looking eyes.

NOSE - Well-opened nostrils allow for good breathing and scenting. Accepted colors include black, brown, fawn, tan and deep pink. The color matches, in tone, the darkest body color.

Serious Faults: Tight nostrils.

Faults: Butterfly nose. Two-toned nose.

EARS - In length, they reach approximately one-half the length of the muzzle. The short, triangular-shaped ears are set high on the head, above the level of the eyes. Ends of the ears are very slightly rounded. The ears are covered with dense, relatively short hair and have little fringe.

Serious Fault: Pendulous ears.

The slightly arched neck is of medium length and is free of throatiness. It is strong, but not overly muscled.

Serious Faults: Ewe necked. Concave neck.

The shoulders have a 90-degree angle in the relationship of the blade and upper arm and to the point of the elbow nearest the ribs.

FORELEGS - Viewed from the front, the front legs are perpendicular. Viewed from the side, the pasterns are slightly bent. Long bones are clean and graceful, but not too fine. Dewclaws must be removed.

Serious Faults: Weak pasterns. Excessive width in front.

The body is square. The length is approximately the same as the height, measured at the withers. The body length distance is measured from the point of the forechest (posternum) to the rear of the haunches (point of buttocks). The chest is deep, reaching to the level of the elbows. The ribs are well sprung. Adequate heart room is provided by depth and width. The back is short and straight. Topline is slightly sloped from the withers to the base of the tail. The loins are short, strong and firm. The flanks are fairly full, with a rounded, moderate tuck-up.

The hindquarters are strong and powerful, with broad, muscular thighs, and well bent stifles.

HIND LEGS – Parallel when viewed from behind. The rear pasterns are moderately short and perpendicular when viewed from the side. Dewclaws must be removed.

Faults: Fat or weak hindquarters. Cow hocks.

The feet are small, strong and close-fitting, with well-arched toes and thick pads. Toes are not heavily feathered.

Serious Faults: Flat feet. Splayed.

The tail is set high, as an extension of the spine. It is a natural bob or docked to a length no longer than four inches.

Disqualification: Tail over four inches in length.

The coat is wavy or flat, and dense. Feathering of moderate appearance is found on both the front and rear legs. The thighs are well feathered, but not profusely, halfway to the hock. The ears carry little fringe. The skin is fine and fairly loose.

Serious Faults: Curly coat. Silky coat texture. Wiry coat texture. Long or profuse feathering.

Orange and white, liver and white, and black and white, in clear or roan patterns. Some ticking is desirable. Tri-colors are allowed but not desirable.

Serious Faults: Washed-out colors.

Height - 17½ to 20½ inches, measured at the withers. The Brittany’s preferred weight is from 30 to 45 pounds. Quality is not to be sacrificed in favor of size.

Disqualification: Under 17½ inches, or over 20½ inches.

Gait is always smooth, with powerful drive from the hindquarters. The Brittany is a hunting dog, and movement must convey that of a well-balanced, strongly-built, agile, athletic dog capable of great stamina in the field.

Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Tail over four inches in length. Dogs measuring under 17½ inches or over 20½ inches. Albinism.