Hey all,
Thinking of getting a Brittany and wanted some thoughts on the matter.

The dog will primarily be a buddy. I like to go for hikes and jogging and want some company. Also, the dog would be used for retrieving some dove and maybe an occasional duck. I like the size of the Brittany as they wont overcrowd my house or john boat but am curious if this breed matches my desired needs/wants.

Any other breeds please suggest.
Mitch

Hi Mitch,

Britts are wonderful dogs! Very affectionate, eager to please and fun loving. They are sensitive, so harsh training methods to not work on them, and only a firm voice correction is usually needed. They are friendly, and a great size - 30-40lbs. They are relatively healthy, be sure to get them from a reputable breeder that OFA certifies their breeding stock to be clear of hip dysplasia. Also be aware some lines can have epilepsy, so also be sure the breeder has a line free of that health issue. They are very dual, so even dogs from show breeders/lines can hunt, and very well!

They are a pointing breed. They will point the game, and some are natural retrievers or can be taught to retrieve. They don't so much hunt ducks...but Im sure could be taught to retrieve them.

Another breed you may be interested in that matches what you are looking for is the Boykin Spaniel. They are flushers and retrievers, and retrieve on land and in water. They are about the same size as a Britt, some are 5lbs or so bigger. They hunt at a closer range than a Britt. They are a relatively healthy breed as well - again check that the breeder OFA certifies all breeding stock for hip dysplasia, which is common in the breed. They have also been discovered to have EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse), and there is a test to see if dogs are clear, carriers, or affected, so be sure the breeder tests their dogs for EIC and only breeds clears or carriers.

If you'd like any further info on either breed, please feel free to message me! Good luck!

Rose

My Brittanies love water, Daisy will do water retrieves if she see's it go down, I would think with the right training, a Britt would be perfect for what you are needing. I love the size also.

I have three from here, check them out. Ed & Betty Orms are great people & have some awesome dogs. http://www.flyingodog.com

I think it's wrong to get any pointing dog and not let it develope to it's full potential.

So your saying it's wrong for someone to have a hunting dog that is just a pet? Why?

With that logic I should get a lap dog, eh?

Maybe it's just me.

Probably.

I'm with Bill. My daughter has one for a pet. I make sure her pup gets time in the field. When you see how much they love to be in the field hunting it would be a shame to keep them from it.

I agree with it needing exercise, but saying that it's wrong for a non hunter to get the dog he wants? Sorry, thats not for anyone to decide but the one doing it.

Mitch,
I have a Brit and so do several of my hunting buddies. They are great hunting / pointing / retrieving dogs but they are also excellent companions. You won't find a dog with a sweeter disposition or one that is more eager to please. Find a good breeder and you can't go wrong. Good luck and let the boys on the Forum know how it turns out.