French Brittany vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison

French Brittany vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed ComparisonFrench Brittany is originated from France but American Pit Bull Terrier is originated from United States. French Brittany may grow 36 cm / 14 inches shorter than American Pit Bull Terrier. French Brittany may weigh 10 kg / 22 pounds lesser than American Pit Bull Terrier. Both French Brittany and American Pit Bull Terrier has almost same life span. Both French Brittany and American Pit Bull Terrier has almost same litter size. Both French Brittany and American Pit Bull Terrier requires Low maintenance.

History

french brittany - historyBrittanys are the product of France, actually developed in the Brittany Province. They are gun dogs designed to hunt birds. Referred to more often than not as a Spaniel their method of working is much more in line with the setters and pointers. They are believed to be developed somewhere between the 17th and 19th centuries, but not recognized until the 20th century. Orange and white dogs were portrayed on 17th century tapestries, hunting and retrieving. In 1850 the Reverend Davies wrote the first record of Brittanys that was verifiable.

The Brittany was recognized for the first time in 1907 as their own breed even though they participated in the Paris Dog Show in 1900. Once recognized the standards were written as well. It was not until 1931 that the breed was recognized in America and 1934 before the American Kennel Club approved them. Until 1982 they were known as the French Brittany Spaniel. The Spaniel was dropped in ’82. In the United Kingdom the Brittany is known as an HPR (Hunt, Point and Retrieve) breed and they do so with both birds and small game such as hares. The Brittany’s have more dual champions than any other American Kennel Club Sporting Breed in both Confirmation and Field Trials.

There are some differences between the current day French Brittany and the “American Brittany”. They are the same breed but different sub-sets and there are differences that can be noted between the two. The French Brittany is smaller than the newer American version and works closer to the hunter and the guns, while the American Brittany runs ahead of the hunter quite often. Some breeders however don’t consider these differences to be sub-sets and believe that the American breeders should accept the French standards reflecting the origin of the breed.

american pit bull terrier - historyThe history of the American Pit Bull Terrier might be a confusing one to some dog lovers and certainly to the general public that tends to lump all the “bully” breeds into a category called “pit bull”. This is because of the negative reputation this group of breeds has acquired over the past 30-50 years due to misuse and mis-breeding by the dog fighting industry. This categorization includes the American Pit Bull Terrier, The American Staffordshire Terrier, the Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

There is major confusion and disagreement on the difference between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier. The AKC does not recognize the American Pit Bull Terrier as a separate breed, but its founder and the UKC, ADBA do so. In the 1930’s the American Pit Bull Terrier was a recognized breed and in response to the negativity of pit-fighting, they renamed it as the American Staffordshire Terrier.

The American Pit Bull Terrier was developed to be a little larger in size than the Staffordshire in both height and weight. This breed comes from crossing various Bull and Terrier breed to get a working dog. The Amstaff for the most part is bred to be a show dog and is not usually a “street dog” used in dog fighting rings. The direct ancestors of the APBT are the Old English Bulldogs and the Old English Terriers. These dogs are great family dogs, gentle beyond comparison unless raised to fight. They make great therapy dogs as well as police dogs. They are not by nature cruel, aggressive or attack dogs.

Both professional confirmation breeders and street fight breeds have developed new strains of the American Pit Bull Terrier. A few are worth mentioning here.

Old Family Red Nose

One of the oldest strains of the American Pit Bull Terrier they are red in color and that red is a very unique tone. They have a copper colored coat and nose with red nails, red lips and amber or red eyes. These dogs were originally from Ireland and when they came to America they had the red nose. Originally bred for gameness, it is the red color that is sought after now.

Colby Pit Bulls

These are another old breed, but they have black noses and were initially bred by John P. Colby in the late 1800s. These dogs were known to be indominable fighting dogs and were bred into almost every line of American Pit Bull Terriers that exist today. The line is still maintained by the Colby family.

Description

french brittany puppy - descriptionThe French Brittany is an energetic, compact, solid, athletic dog. They have average size heads, intelligent expressions, floppy ears, and a long, elastic and free gait. Most Brittanys are born with short tails but if not, they are docked outside the United Kingdom. Docking is illegal in the United Kingdom so those Brittanys might have a long tail.

Their coats are orange roan, orange and white and liver roan. A tricoat of orange, liver and white is allowed within a specific placement of the three colors.

american pit bull terrier puppy - descriptionTrue to their reputation as fighters, the American Pit Bull Terrier looks like one – powerful, strong and well built. This belies their gentle disposition but too often they are judged by their looks. With a broad, brick shaped head, thick neck and deep chest, they are stocky, muscular and agile. They usually have cropped ears, but the tails are not docked. Their legs are strong and hindquarters especially muscular. These dogs are much stronger than they look. Round soulful eyes are one of the traits that people who keep these dogs as companion animals love about them. They have a scissor bite and one of the strongest jaws of all domesticated canines.

Characteristics

1.Children

french brittany dog - characteristicsVery friendly with children

Special talents

Dual champions in Field Trials and Confirmation. They both point and retrieve.

Adaptability

They are not as adaptable as some hunting breeds. They are very active and need space both indoors and out. They are not recommended for life in apartments in the city. A rural environment is best. They do not adapt well to the damp and cold weather.

Learning ability

They are very intelligent and have very high learning ability.

american pit bull terrier dog - characteristicsFor those who live with the American Pit Bull Terrier there is no better dog. The APBT loves people and loves children. They think they are lap dogs, and they certainly are watch dogs. They love their people but their barks at strangers at home are not because they are protecting their people but rather they are greeting the strangers into their home. Unfortunately, they will not greet another dog in the same way. However, when their people are seriously threatened they will give their lives to defend them.

These are strong, confident dogs who want to please their people. They love children and make great family dogs but require a strong owner and a strong pack leader. The need to be under control around other dogs and because of their strength, need a strong owner. It is their aggression towards other animals that must be controlled.

Health Problems

french brittany puppies - health problemsGenerally, a hardy breed that is mostly healthy, the Brittany in France usually lives on average 12 years 6 months. In the UK the average if 12 years and 11 months and many dogs living to be 14 or 15. Some of the health issues that might pop up for the Brittany include:

  1. Ear Infections
  2. Hip Dysplasia
  3. Canine Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
  4. Epilepsy

american pit bull terrier puppies - health problemsThough the American Pit Bull Terrier is healthier than most large dogs, they do have an issue with hip dysplasia. Breeders have been working to breed this out of the APBT and their work in this area has helped with the other issues with the patella, heart and thyroid. The APBT can have skin allergies and Demodex Mange. This condition can be either deadly or just a localized skin issue. Immunizations and testing is essential for this breed. When not immunized, American Pit Bull Terrier puppies have a greater incidence of parvovirus than other breeds. They also might have cataracts and congenital heart disease.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

french brittany dogs - caringFeed puppies a high quality puppy food designed for medium sized dogs. Give about one to one and a half cups per day in 2-3 meals.

Feeding the adult

For the adult French Brittany feed a high quality adult dry food designed for medium sized dogs. Give about two cups per day in 2 meals.

Points for Good Health

Excellent vision and scent

Games and Exercises

The French Brittany is an active and enthusiastic bird dog that loves to exercise. They have the stamina and drive that goes with an efficient and successful hunting dog. They need daily exercise, regular walks and excel at field trials and confirmation. They are also good at lure chase, flyball, rally and obedience.

Feeding

american pit bull terrier dogs - caringHow you feed your American Pit Bull Terrier puppy is important to her health as an adult and long life. The adult dog should be fed one and a half to two and a half cups of high quality food twice a day. Puppies should be fed more often as they grow. DO not feed your APBT soft or canned dog food. Their food should be dry. Be careful not to feed too much as you do not want an obese American Pit Bull Terrier.

Health issues

As previously mentioned this is a healthy breed with problems with:

Cataracts

These are usually inherited, and the pup may show signs early, or they could be developed later in life. They can be removed.

Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia as in many larger, stronger breeds this can be a major problem. Breeds should test for it and APBT breeders are attempting to breed it out of the APBT.

Congenital Heart Failure

This is a congenital issue that breeders are also breeding against and if they have it your American Bit Bull Terrier was likely born with it.

Allergies

Many APBT are allergic to grasses or out outside allergens. Shots or medication can deal with these.

Exercise and games

This is an athletic, joyful breed that loves to play, love sports and loves any activity that bonds it with its family. Some of the many sports the American Pit Bull Terrier likes to participate in include: agility, obedience competition, weight pulling, lure coursing and fly ball. He also needs backyard exercise and daily walks.

When walking your American Pit Bull Terrier, make sure she is on a leash as the breed has a tendency to be aggressive with other dogs coming into their space. The APBT loves to work. They are good therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, even service dogs.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Terrier dog
Origin:
France
United States
Height Male:
17 - 20 cm
6 - 8 inches
43 - 56 cm
16 - 23 inches
Height Female:
15 - 19 cm
5 - 8 inches
40 - 53 cm
15 - 21 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
16 - 30 kg
35 - 67 pounds
Weight Female:
13 - 17 kg
28 - 38 pounds
14 - 27 kg
30 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 13 Years
8 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
5 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Brittany Spaniel Brittany Wiegref Epagneul Breton French Brittany Spaniel
Staffordshire Fighting Dog, Pit Terrier, Pitbull, Pit, Half and Half, Bull Baiter Dogs, Old Family Dog - the Irish name, Yankee Terrier - the Northern name, Rebel Terrier - the Southern name
Colors Available:
liver roan, black and white (not universally accepted), orange roan, Orange and white, black roan, liver and white, tricolor
Red, Black, Fawn or Bucksjin
Coat:
flowing , medium length
Smooth, Shiny, Short, Single layer
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Intelligent, Loving
Affectionate, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. American Pit Bull Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. American Pit Bull Terrier vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  3. American Pit Bull Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  4. Bull Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  5. Schnauzer vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Fox Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Bull and Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Bedlington Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Irish Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Kerry Blue Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  12. Lakeland Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Jagdterrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  14. Blue Paul Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Indian Bull Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Irish Bull Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Japanese Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Brazilian Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Old English Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Scoland Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Skye Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Welsh Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. French Brittany vs English Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  27. French Brittany vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  28. French Brittany vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  29. French Brittany vs English Setter - Breed Comparison
  30. French Brittany vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  31. French Brittany vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  32. French Brittany vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  33. French Brittany vs Barbet - Breed Comparison
  34. French Brittany vs Ariege Pointer - Breed Comparison
  35. French Brittany vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  36. French Brittany vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  37. French Brittany vs Deutsch Drahthaar - Breed Comparison
  38. French Brittany vs Clumber Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  39. French Brittany vs Braque du Bourbonnais - Breed Comparison
  40. French Brittany vs Cesky Fousek - Breed Comparison
  41. French Brittany vs Drentse Patrijshond - Breed Comparison
  42. Pudelpointer vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison
  43. Picardy Spaniel vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison
  44. Pont-Audemer Spaniel vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison
  45. Irish Water Spaniel vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison
  46. Stabyhoun vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison
  47. Styrian Coarse Haired Hound vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison
  48. Vizsla vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison
  49. Large Munsterlander vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison
  50. Tyrolean Hound vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds