Is a Brittany the right dog

[rm9802]

Hello...i've been researching breeds for a few months now.....I'm looking for a hunting parnter and a house dog...i have a large family who all love dogs...used to hunt with my father and his English Setter years ago....now looking for my first dog. I feel a Brittany would be the right choice for me...and i have been eying French Britts. Since I live in Indiana most of my training will consist of outings on a preserve...there a a few around. Most of my hunting will be on preserves and state put and takes. Not realy interested in any hunt contest as of yet. My question is being a first time gun dog owner i am comfortable with doing all the obnce work...but will need help on field and finishing work.....just wondering if The Britttany will be a good dog for me and the type of hunting i planned to do. I would love for my dog to be able to h unt some fury critters too..lol Bunnies....Thanks for any help and would love any info on breeders and or field trainers that might be close...thanks again

[kninebirddog]

A brittany can fit the bill
Biggest thing is pay attention to the breeder and their breeding program. You are far better off going with a pup that may cost a bit more that has field/hunt qualities then someone who is just breeding 2 dogs because they have papers and the female has come into heat.

[rm9802]

so how much differnt are the french britts compared to the american breed....if i want a my dog to hunt closer shld i opt for a frenchi...and i've heard and read that some britts are used on rabbits to...how would you train one for feather and fur...and is that a realistic goal....thanks again

[kninebirddog]

Both breeds can be closer working depending on cover and training. Yes the EB aka Frenchie is a closer working dog over all but both a well bred solid hunter can work the terrain at a proper distance to what a hunter wants but terrain should more indicate how far a dog should be working.

as for fur and feather..it can be done ...Seek a NAVDHA chapter to get your dog working in the proper manner for that.

[rthillusa]

I just joined this forum - and am looking for the same type dog and came the same conclusion you did about the French Brittanys. I've been scouting rescue sites, but seems like the good ones are gone before they even get posted. I'll be interested in following your dog search - I'd like to know how it turns out. I'm also trying to find out if there is some other breed that fills the niche that I have overlooked.

[ohmymy111]

I realize this thread is a bit old, but then it is new to me as I just saw it As far as French Brittanys are concerned, many of the breeders hype them as a close working dog. Not really true. That is really more to do with the owner, and how they train and work their dog. Now granted French Brittanys, in my opinion, should never be an all-age type of dog. My dogs will certainly range out a fair distance, all depends on the cover. I have one that will give most other breeds a serious run for their money.

Primary difference between Anerican and French Brittanys are in body structure and definately coloration, as French Brittanys can have black in their coat

Either one you go with will most likely do a good job for you, but as Arlette said, go with a GOOD breeder.

Mark Dinsmore
Proud owner of
2XCHF GrCHF CH Vernon de L'Escarbot TAN AKC MH
Tres Bon 3, Excellent, Excellent 2, CACT. Autumn Trials, France 2006
1st Place Solo, 1st Place Couples, French Brittany National Trials 2007
1st Place Wild Bird Couples, French Brittany National Trials 2008
CH Ardoise des Deux Pierres Bleues TAN
Gun CH Chloe de la Crête Bleue
CH Darius de L'Etoile du Nord TAN
Etoile du Mas D'Pataula TAN
Smiths Frances de L'Etoile du Nord
www.letoiledunordkennels.com