Experiences with Brittany Spaniels?

[mwood322]

Anyone own one?

I'm still looking at a second dog, and I just keep returning to these guys as a choice. The problem is I've never actually met one. They don't seem to be that common in my area, or if they are they're hiding real well.

I'm not looking for a hunting dog, mainly companion, with hiking ability, and maybe frisbee ability...

I've heard they can range from intensely energetic to just mildly energetic? I don't mind energy, but I do like if they can turn off if adequately exercised.

I'm also interested because the lack of huge health defects. I really want a dog where I have a good chance of avoiding health problems.

I do however have a cat and a smaller caged bird. Any experiences on how that might work out? I did get my current dog (pointer mix) to ignore the bird, and they certainly would never be together when the bird was loose.

--Mia

[bubbatd]

I've known 4 ... my cousin and her daughter's dogs....so go back over 20 years. They all were much more hyper than my Goldens... a little flakey.... but nice . One had a tendency to be a little snappy at times. All had ear problems and stinky ears ... maybe due to they were always in the lake. At one point I thought if I wanted a smaller dog, I'd go that way. Now I'll deal with size over energy.

[makenzie71]

As long as they're introduced to your other pets young they'll do fine.

They are energetic and require a good deal of excercise. They're certainly far from difficult to deal with, though.

[iShotTupac123]

When I was very young my parents had a Britney Spaniel. It was a very friendly dog and we all loved it. Then one of my moms idiot friends told her child to go pet the strange dog who was barking his ass off from behind a fence.

The dog bit the stupid ladys son, he went to the hospital. The pound came to execute the dog, so my dad got violent. I then had a dead dog, and my dad had to do 3 months in county for aggervated assault.

So... very friendly dogs, just make sure to keep them in a moron free zone.

[bubbatd]

That's so sad !!!

[Leslie + Chessies]

I don't know much about them. I do know that they're not called Brittney Spaniels any more. They are called simply the Brittney.

[bubbatd]

Whoops.... I just remembered, they were English Springer Spaniels !!! Sorry !

[mwood322]

Originally Posted by bubbatd

Whoops.... I just remembered, they were English Springer Spaniels !!! Sorry !

I was actually just going to ask if they were as flaky as springers. I've met a few of them and they weren't exactly what I wanted, and had too much coat. From what I understand they're supposed to be more like pointers, or setters than true spaniels. Sort of the smallest pointer maybe? And they're a breed that carries lots of dual champions, meaning no field vs show lines, or at least more blurred than some other breeds???

Yeah, I know they're called Brittanys now, but thought I might get more of a response with the older name.

What I really want is another of my dog, but as no one can really tell me what went into making her I've been digging through the purebred books. I don't want huge prey drive, but manageable doesn't bother me. I'd likely be going with a puppy if I do end up with a Brittany. I was also considering a Field Spaniel, or French Spaniel, but neither is common enough for me to find one anywhere nearby.

I'm not particularly worried about energy level as my original interest was aussies and BCs, and my current dog was returned to her rescue twice for too much energy before I adopted her. As long as I survive the first two years I'll be fine.

--Mia

[Gempress]

My uncle has a hunting Brittney. Wonderful, happy dog. But this dog has an insane amount of energy. Even when sitting still, Ringo looks like he's ready to go, go, go. He's a great frisbee dog. I've seen him make the most amazing leaps to catch a frisbee. I think that if you can provide the exercise, a brittney would be wonderful.

[bubbatd]

Are you anti Retriever ???