Breed

“The breed has a deep-bred instinct for pointing and is the ideal dog for small, restricted hunting areas. It is friendly, affectionate, and gentle; and if there are any flaws, you’d be hard-pressed to list more than this: a Brittany is the most sensitive of all breeds. Most can be 'voice-beaten' and are said to sometimes lack intensity on point (as compared with a pointer or shorthair). … On the plus side: once a Brittany learns something, the concept sticks for life. It is a ‘close-knit’ dog; that is, it bonds well to people and makes an excellent family companion. A hobby trainer in suburbia will have better luck with a Brittany than with many breeds I might name.”

                            Excerpt from Training your Pointer and Spaniel
                                Mike Sutsos and Robert Lee Behme

“While the breed is compatible with almost any family situation, it should be noted that this particular breed has two characteristics that need to be considered. First, the Brittany needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. If they do not have both, they become bored. Bored Brittanys are trouble because they are very intelligent. … The second thing that needs to be considered before becoming a Brit owner is that, for some reason, this breed seems to have a lot more difficulty dealing with separation from people than many of the other sporting breeds. They require a great deal of companionship and do not like to be left alone.”

                                                Excerpt from The Brittany’s Holy War
                                          M.J. Nelson
                                      (Gun Dog Magazine, April/May 2005)

“Intelligence, in fact, seems characteristic of the breed. You can, with perhaps marginal justification, level the claim that Brits haven’t got superb noses, great range or intensity on point, but nobody who owns one has ever accused them of being stupid. … Unlike some dogs – Labs and English pointers come to mind – Brits don’t respond well to heavy-handed training. … Brittanys are sensitive dogs with very long memories. A soft touch goes a long way with these little orange fellows.”

                                              Excerpt from Pocket Pointers
                                              Dave Carty
                                        (Gun Dog Magazine, Dec. 2007/Jan. 2008)

In addition to the above publications, two other books that provide enjoyable reading for the Brittany lover are “Bobs, Brush and Brittanies” by Joel Vance; and “Brittany Tales: Best of Dogs, Best of Times” by William McClure.