The Brittany Spaniel belongs to the seventh group of this classification: Pointing Dogs, more precisely to the first section corresponding to Continental Pointing Dogs. The dogs in this group are dogs specialized in a very specific hunting discipline with a very specific working technique. This consists of tracking the game, restricting the distance that separates them from it as much as possible and warning their master just before the leap and capture of the prey so that he can come and shoot the stuck animal. These are dogs that are very focused on smell. But this sense of smell can also play tricks on them: they tend to get lost easily because of it. They are also dogs that have a voice to warn their master when they are almost face to face with game.

Resulting from a crossing, first accidental and then voluntary, practiced in the 19th century, between farm dogs in Brittany with Setters, Pointers and Springers, the Breton Spaniel is one of the descendants of the Chiens d'Oysel which were trained during the Middle Ages for bird hunting with nets. The Breton Spaniel breed was therefore born from the mixture between these farm dogs, which were short, stocky, rustic, used mainly for woodcock hunting, with these other breeds, which had been left to board in France by the British fighters during the off-season in order to improve their nose and speed. Very early on, the notoriety of this dog grew, to the point that it was presented in Paris by Mr. de Pontavic and de Combouz in 1896. About ten years later, a club was created in Loudéac. The first standard of the breed, published in 1908, was revised in 1938. Over time, it established itself as the second breed in France and would be the most widespread French dog in the world, as in the United States where it is one of the very first pointing dogs.

The Brittany Spaniel is one of the medium breeds. The male measures between 48 and 50 cm and weighs 15 to 18 kg and the female, a little smaller and lighter, measures between 47 and 49 cm and weighs 14 to 15 kg. Its general appearance is short and its profile can be written in a square. He is stocky, stocky but still elegant. Its skin is thin and rather loose. Its movements are energetic. Its body is “cob” type (fits into a square) with a neck of medium length. Its chest is deep, its ribs quite rounded, its back short, its loins short and broad, its sides well raised and its croup slightly receding. Thin and muscular, its limbs are equipped with feet with tightly packed fingers. Its tail is straight or drooping, if it is not anuran (born without a tail). It is often short and a little twisted, ending with a lock of hair. The head of the Brittany Spaniel is round with a rounded skull. Her lips are thin. Her eyes are dark amber in color and match her dress. Its ears, set high, are rather short and slightly rounded, furnished with wavy hairs. The Brittany Spaniel's coat can be white and orange, white and brown to white and black. It can also be tricolor (white, black and tan) or roan (colored hairs mixed with white). His hair is fine without excess, rather flat or very slightly wavy but in any case never curly.

The Brittany Spaniel is a dog in good condition, which does not show many signs of illness. Its longevity is estimated at twelve years. However, this breed, like all pure breeds of dogs, is subject to certain genetic and hereditary diseases which require particular attention from breeders in order not to "spread" these conditions in their lines and put for the adoption of sick dogs. The Brittany Spaniel can be affected by hip dysplasia. This is a malformation occurring during the growth of the dog and which causes early osteoarthritis which can eventually lead to paralysis of the front or rear part of the animal. The symptoms are more or less visible and detectable more or less early, ranging from a change in the dog's behavior, fearing going up and down stairs, jumping, intense exercise sessions or showing a fault in its sitting position, for example. 'to lameness and pain. A palpation can be carried out at the veterinarian from the age of 6 months. Radiological confirmation can be considered at the age of one year. Treatments are essentially medicinal (painkillers and anti-inflammatories, administered in conjunction with a diet recommended for joint health) and, ultimately, surgical (replacement of the femoral head, triple osteotomy of the pelvis or excision of the head of the femur depending on the case). ). This risk should never be ruled out and it is therefore essential to go through a responsible breeder, who carries out adequate DNA tests for this genetic and hereditary pathology and who only breeds among themselves those individuals whose descendants present the least possible risks of being affected. Concretely, reproduction must be considered according to the diagnosed stage: individuals of stages A, B and C can be reproduced, but C only with an individual A. The following stages simply cannot be reproduced under any circumstances. The Brittany Spaniel can also be affected by medial luxation of the patella, an orthopedic condition of congenital origin. The patella or limpet is moved out of the fossa that normally accommodates it. Depending on the direction it takes when escaping from its place of origin, we will speak of lateral or medial dislocation. The latter is more common and often leads to rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament. In almost half of cases, it affects both knees. A mild and intermittent lameness replaced by intensified and lasting discomfort is the main symptom of this pathology. The diagnosis is established by palpation of the knee and x-rays. Medial dislocation of the patella is classified into four distinct stages depending on the severity of the damage. Regarding the treatment, it is surgical in order to repair this defect. Taking medication is often necessary to treat the secondary osteoarthritis that ensues. Finally, the Brittany Spaniel can suffer from cystinuria, a condition of cystine metabolism due to poor absorption of this amino acid by the kidneys. Cystine then accumulates to form crystals whose concentration in the urine is increasingly high and also increases the risk of kidney stones. Symptoms can already appear around six months of age and are: increased frequency of urination (evacuation of urine), difficulty urinating, presence of blood in the urine and abdominal pain in the case of kidney stones . The diagnosis is established using a urine analysis and possibly an x-ray to demonstrate the presence of kidney stones. This disease is not fatal in itself but can cause significant damage to the kidneys which, ultimately, can lead to the death of the animal. In general, if the dog does not have kidney stones, in which case they will have to be surgically removed, a suitable diet and food supplements may be enough to reduce the level of cystine in the urine. Brushing once or twice a week is necessary for its maintenance. And this should be an opportunity to regularly monitor your ears because the presence of foreign bodies irritates them and can lead to infections.

The Brittany Spaniel is a resistant, ardent, even pugnacious and tireless dog. It is capable of hunting on all terrains. The motto of the Club dedicated to this breed is very explicit: “Maximum quality for minimum volume”. It is indeed both space-saving and has remarkable flair. His quest is rapid, his stop is firm and he also proves to be an excellent waterfowl retriever. The Brittany Spaniel is a versatile hunter: game birds, woodcock and snipe are among its favorite game. But he is also a pleasant companion thanks to his balanced temperament, his gentleness, his sensitivity; He really has a good character! His education must be done gently to get the best out of him. The Brittany Spaniel can adapt to life in an apartment provided you give it long daily walks to meet its spending needs.