Having hunted with Nissen’s Classic Brittany gun dogs for over 20 years, I can say these are the finest pointing gun dogs I have ever hunted over. These dogs range widely while always under control. They point and hold birds for unbelievable amounts of time, reset when necessary, honor each other on point, and locate downed birds with skill. At home, the dogs are soft, gentle and loving. They love the trading game and it shows in the woods and field. I highly recommend Nissen’s Classic Brittany’s for the serious hunter who wants a real pal at home.

In November of 2017, my family and I made the significant decision to expand our family by one canine member and get a puppy from Nissen's Classic Brittanys. The breeder was very professional, accessible, knowledgeable and explained to us, the new puppy parents, what to expect and how to be good "puppy parents." The puppy, who our son named Caesar, was an absolute joy. For the most part, he came to us potty trained. We had a bell on the door for him to ring, when he had to go outside. Although our puppy has more energy than most dogs, he's obedient and very lovable. He's regal and muscular and very smart. Our vet cannot say enough good things about Caesar's health and well-being. I would recommend this breeder to anyone who is looking for a Brittany to join their family. We feel so blessed to have Caesar and are very grateful to have had such a good experience with this breeder.
Sincerely, J. Fenceroy, Fox Point, WI

I met Mark years ago hunting in both WI and OK w/ him and his bird dogs. I was recently in need of another pup to join the team and contacted Mark and Pat. Luckily, they were to have a new litter coming in April of 2016. Of the 8 puppies born, only 2 were males, one of which I wanted. Ace came home w/ my wife and myself later and has been a joy to be around. He's quite a character..! At 4 months of age, I began training him on quail. All this early fall he was worked with on pointing. He is a sharp little dude! He is in his first full season now at 8 months old, and doing well. Other than quail & pheasant, he will be adding Gambles, Blue and Mearns to his LIST later this season in AZ and TX, also. In Sept. he had a blast going after Ruffed grouse in Canada - his first BIG trip. He loves to strut around carrying his birds before giving them to me. You cannot go wrong getting a puppy from Mark and Pat - they love to raise them and it shows! Thank you...!
Wes Stueber

We will never buy a dog from any other breeder than Nissen's Classic Brittanys! Our puppy Sassi was born on April 1, 2016 and has been the easiest puppy we have ever owned. Pat spends a tremendous amount of time socializing, handling and caring for her puppies. We've owned several dogs over the years, including brittanys and I have never met a breeder as excellent as Pat. Sassi was crate trained and had an idea of potty training already when we brought her home at 7 weeks! Sassi is very obedient, loves to learn new skills, and is confident and aware when working the field. Our puppy has a loving disposition and is happiest when she is spending time with her family. Great hunting dog, and great family pet! I highly recommend Nissen's Classic Brittanys!

First I will have to admit to having a certain bias as it is my mom who does the breeding. That being said, we take the last pup left from each litter and they become a part of our Orvis endorsed upland bird hunting guiding team. Male or female, big or small, all dogs have been excellent hunters and great house dogs with lots of character. They adapt well to all species of upland birds and adjust their range to the terrain being hunted. They have strong pointing instincts with just the right amount of cautiousness. And best of all our grandchildren love them to pieces!

I have spent time with, and have hunted many of Nissen's Classic Brittanys. I have found them to be quite birdy, biddable, and a well mannered lot. Pat and Mark are clearly aware of their breeding program, producing fine looking dogs beside their hunting attributes. I would recommend NCB to anyone looking to acquire a truly classic Brittany!

We own a puppy from Nissens Classic and have had a wonderful experience, enjoying every minute. This is especially remarkable considering we are first time pet owners. Rudy is four months old and has adapted to our family and routine so easily. He is everything we wanted in a pet; lovable, enjoys the outdoors like we do, low shedding, smart and easy to train. He is the star at training and if we had a nickel for every person that stops us to comment on the breed of dog or just how darn adorable he is we'd have a hundred dollar bill in our pocket. My husband enjoys bird hunting as a hobby and in the spring Rudy will begin bird hunting training. Our experience with Nissens has been excellent. Pat helped us get Rudy home which was 4.5 hours away,included all information we needed for our vet, his AKC registration, his food to get him started with little adjustment and is available for questions too. She loves her dogs and has a tears in her eyes as they leave her home. Our puppy is part of our family and it is hard to imagine life without him.

Bogey is awesome! We lost our 20 year old cat this summer and the house was too lonely and organized so I did my research and decided a Brittany would be a good fit. Little did I know how wonderful Pat and Mark would be to work with. We met with Pat and Sabrina (the mom dog)prior to the puppies being born. Pat kept us informed and shared pictures for the first 8 weeks. During puppy classes, the trainer commented often how smart Bogey was and how quickly he learned besides just being adorable. Our little Brittany puppy turned the family room into a play zone. Our house is filled with love and excitement and we could not be happier!! I did read "Puppies for Dummies" before we got our Bogey since I have not had a dog since childhood. That was a huge help in knowing what to expect and no surprises. Bogey is a wonderful addition to our family. We do not hunt but go for long walks and jogs. I recommend Nissen's Classic Brittany's to anyone interested in a Brittany.

I've not owned any of this breeder's dogs, however I've hunted over them since 1998, so that covers several generations of their dogs in the field. Training certainly makes up a part of the experience, but these dogs are obedient, enthusiastic, biddable, and dedicated in the field. You spend little or no time waiting for the dog handler to get the dogs attention, or to get a runner back to business. they know their job; they do it very well; they point, flush and retrieve as they are instructed to do; they back and perform with abilities that are hardwired into the bloodlines. To have lunch among a dozen or so of them sleeping happily and dreaming of the afternoon's birds to come, is something of value.

Well Beau is going to be 4 years old in the coming January and I can say that having Beau has been a real pleasure since we got him as a puppy. This is easily the most intelligent dog I have ever owned. I've hunted Ruff Grouse and Pheasant with him and he's done a great job at both. Among his tributes are hunting wild birds(obviously)and being a very loving pet that wants to be with us and please us no matter what we ask of him. My wife has taught him to ring a cowbell when nature calls, do his outside business in a 6'x6' gravel pit we affectionately call "the potty pit" (no stepping in something unwanted under foot), when he plays with his toys that we keep in a bin we put it on the floor (or ground outside) and he picks his toys out one by one to play with, when he's done we tell him "Clean Up" and he puts his toys back in the bin. He also does the typical doggy tricks like rolling over, sitting, staying and many others. For the hunters out there thinking of getting one of the pups from Classic Bird hunts all I can say is this French Britt that I got from them is a hunting and retrieving machine. Points well and holds the point, retrieves are nothing short of fantastic and has a soft mouth. In the 4 years I have hunted Beau I have yet to have a tooth hole in any of the birds that Beau has retrieved. At home Beau is a real treat too! His laying at my feet as I type this and when done he will follow my to watch TV and either snuggle on his bed or lay with my wife on the couch. He's one very easy going dog with us and with strangers that come to visit. When we decide to get another Britt it will be from Mark at Classic Bird Hunts. I have been at their home base during hunting season and have been with as many as 8 of Marks Britts at one time. All have been biddable and very affectionate and possibly the most easy going bunch of dogs I have ever been around.

I would highly recommend that anyone considering a Britt to look at the Britt's from Classic Bird Hunts. Mark really has some great dogs!

Don Kirmess

Are you in need of a friend or a bird dog? Why choose when you can have both? These dogs have personality, are quick to learn and devoted to pleasing their owner. They have the stamina to be your partner in the field day in and day out, and once back at home they are wonderful members of the family.

I have never spent much time with the Classic Brittany breed until hunting with Mark Nissen and Randy Matis. Their dogs were as amazing in the field, as they were laying next to me in the house. Each dog had their own personality and they were simply just happy dogs. I only spent 3 days with them(wish it could have been more), but I am verified Classic Brittany breed lover now.

My wife and I were looking for a French Brittany knowing that it could be both a family member and a hunter. I was glad that I had done my homework and found Mark. After talking to many breeders in my search I couldn't be more pleased with our choice of Classic Bird Hunts for our puppy. Mark is a conscientious breeder that likes to keep track of how the pup's are doing in their new homes and is happy to help out with any question that my wife or I have had regaurding Beau's (formerly Conan) training. This last Sept./Oct. was Beau's first time in the big woods chasing Grouse and he more than exceeded my expectations for his first hunt. At only 8 moths old he was pointing birds and retreived every one I was able to knock down and worked tiredlessly for the 6 hours that we would spend in the woods every day for 6 days straight. Amazingly Beau went from hunting mode to family pet like he flipped a switch which made me and my wife very happy! Mark did a great job picking the Dam and Sire for his pup's, hard hunters and happy and enjoyable family dogs, Mark has breed some real champs of the dog world. After getting Beau and meeting several other of Beau's litter mates and mother I would highly recommend Mark and Classic Bird Hunts if you are looking for a lovable and hard hunting Britt !

Don Kirmess

I have grown up around brittnays and have never been so impressed by a breeder! After observing Mark and his dogs in the field and at home, my husband and I decided to get a pup. We have been overjoyed. His ability to learn commands while adapting to a home with an older dog has been wonderful. We look forward to fall hunting season and a lifetime of brittnays from Classic Bird Hunts.

For my 50th birthday my wife Lisa gave me the green light to order my dream dog...a Brittany. This lead me all over the US via the internet and found me at Mark's doorstep. In March I decided to "hand pick" my pup from the litter...WOW was I in trouble! I left with two, Max & Maggie. I had the priviledge to meet Mark's Mom who saw over the pups for their first (6) weeks. Molly, Max & Maggie's mom, was a real sweetheart as well. So far they are the perfect house pets & travelers and are already "hunting" moths, butterflies and mice...I just know they'll do fine this fall on their first real outing with Mark in September. Max & Maggie have already met (4) of Mark's trained, professional dogs and they all get along great. I would recommend Mark and his dogs to anyone with "puppy fever"!

We own a brother to Molly and couldn't be happier. He is easy to train and calm and sociable with all other dogs and people, a pleasure to have around the house. Our 12 grandchildren love him and he returns the affection. I am not a hunter myself but I occasionally tag along with my husband and can vouch for his love of hunting, intensity, pointing and retrieving. My favorite part of the hunt is the dinner that follows!

I'm not a hunter but I know HG Mark Nissen well and I'm familiar with his dogs related to the recent litter, expecially Spooner. Spooner is well behaved in a variety of settings. He is friendly but well-mannered. Mark is an excellent trainer and maintains high standards for himself and his dogs. He is an honorable person to deal with and has a real dedication to bringing healthy, well-bread, well-trained dogs into our lives.

Frodo is a French Brittany and now 22 months old. I started hunting behind Frodo when he was less then 7-months old. I had never trained or even hunted behind a pointer, before getting Frodo. I am amazed at how he came preloaded and ready to play. Frodo has become a constant companion. He comes with me to the work place and is appreciated by coworkers and students alike. My 33 year old daughter, who has loved all our dogs says Frodo is number two. Her childhood buddy still holds number one. Frodo comes from Classic Bird Hunts. He hunts with excitement and has learned to adjust how far out he ranges. He responds well to commands to move right or left, in or out. At 10 months he would honour anothr dogs point. It took awhile for Frodo to reetrieve but after having a bird taken away from him by another dog he decided retrieving was pretty cool. Mark Nissan has helped me when I needed advice and is always interrested in seeing his dogs again.

I have hunted with Classic Bird Hunts for over 10 years in Wisconsin, Kansas, Arizona and Saskachawan. All of the hunting was behind well trained Brittanys who have a great nose for birds in all conditions, even in the trees. I have especially fond memories of Zoe, who being a gracious host, greeted me with a wagging tail when I arrived. She paid close attention when I laced up my boots and leaving nothing to chance, licked my ear a couple of times to be sure she would get to go hunting that day. Very friendly and a delight to be around.

I've been fortunate enough to hunt with Classic Bird Hunts in several different states/environments and I'm always impressed how the dogs naturally adapt from the thick Wisconsin woods, to the open grass (and sand burrs!) of Kansas and to the rocky hillsides of Arizona. It's always a pleasure!

Over the years of hunting and friendship with Mark, it has been a privelage to spend time in and out of the woods with our four-legged friends. The depth and quality of the experience are all enhanced by the intelligence, devotion and affection of his dogs, not only during the hunt, but year round. My only regret at this time is that I cannot become a 24/7, 365 day member of this family.

I own a brother to the dam. Long-legged, adapts range to cover, all business in the field, checks back often, excellent nose. Temperament is everything you could want: responsive, fun-loving and full of affection for people and other dogs. An easy keeper, easy to hunt, and easy to love.

It's been my pleasure to share the woods with Classic Bird Hunts dogs. Their Britts are professionals in every sense of the word. That is to say, they are: reliable, intelligent, experienced and physically fit.

It has also been a pleasure to share living quarters with CBH dogs. They are universally well mannered and a joy to be around.

As a field dog owner myself and someone who has been faced with the difficult decision of "what breeder do I choose" - it boils down to trust. Mark Nissen and Randy Matis love dogs and care for them as if they are members of the family. Puppies are carefully watched over and prepared for their new vocation as a field companion.

Classic Bird Hunts’ Brits have beautiful temperaments exhibiting mild mannered, highly social personalities around people, children, and other dogs of all sizes and breeds. They’ll make themselves right at home and be loyal, endearing companions in your household. It’s a great joy to watch these dogs work in the field! They live to hunt and work incredibly hard for those who get to hunt over them. I’ve been fortunate to witness many incredible points while in the field with these dogs, and I can’t wait for the next opportunity to head into the woods with these hardworking, lovable Brits!

Although I do not have an American Brittany from Mark Nissan,as a neighbor in northern Wisconsin where his bird hunts are conducted, I can attest to the charming and hard working nature of his bird dogs. Even after a challenging day in the woods, the dogs immediately come to our cabin to play with our Cairn terriers, accept treats and hugs from our family members, and generally make themselves at home. We are continually impressed with gentle, fun loving behavior, as well as their obedience to their owner, Mark Nissan. Our stays in our cabin are made more enjoyable when the "Brits" are next door.

I've hunted over Brittanies from this breeder for more than a decade and they are uniformly birdy, well behaved but relentless hunters. You can't go wrong here.

Both my wife and I have had the pleasure of hunting over CBH's Brittanies for several seasons now. I promise you that you won't find a more reliable or versetile hunting dog anywhere!!! Mark and Randy do incredible jobs at developing hard working obedient dogs while still allowing the individual personality and style of each one to shine through. They can work close, they can run, they can trail, the can reposition. They see more birds and more species of birds thatn most dogs that you see. Also, they're great pets!! WE had our 18 month old girl at the CBH lodge this year and they were as friendly as they could be as she inspected their paws, ears and noses. I have hunted with lots of dogs and guides and if you told me that I could only hunt with one group for the rest of my days, I would want it to me with Rosie, Belle, Bobo, and lucy (and mark & Randy too if necessary). Can't say enough good things.

Gabe and Nissa Kochmer
Chicago, IL

I've hunted over several generations of these Brittanys in a variety of conditions for the full spectrum of upland birds. Grouse and woodcock in northern Wisconsin. Pheasant and Quail in Kansas. These dogs have an amazing capacity for work, tough conditions and challenging weather. One below zero, bone dry day lingers in my memory.

As hard as they work these dogs are extremely steady and careful on point. They are always aware of the handler and extremely tractable. It's always a pleasure to hunt over a dog that has so much punch, yet is so eager to please.

The biggest bonus is how gentle and sweet these dogs become after the hunt. They're lap dogs at heart.

Being a gun dog owner myself, I truly appreciate hunting over great gun dogs. I have been shooting over CBH's best for at least 10 years now, and a finer experience I have not found. The guides are the best, but the subject here is their four legged accomplices. The names of the greats, that pop of the top of my mind, that I have had the pleasure to walk the woods with include the great Cosmo, Bella, Rosie, BooBoo, and Spooner and Lucy.
These are dogs after my heart, in that while they excel and are masters of the game of upland bird hunting, they are just at home in the cabin sitting around the fire and socializing. You have to go a long way to find such balanced companions as this line of Brittany's. In my 40 years of chasing birds, I have learned what makes great gun dogs great, and I certainly put this group in the great category - the true dual purpose category. Accomplished in the field, yet warm and loyal members of the family.

I have hunted with CBH on numerous occasions from WI to Kansas and Arizona and they do not disappoint. The dogs are all very birdy and trainable. I would not hesitate to own one of these dogs or to hunt with them. Craig, from INdiana.