Mixed vs Brittany - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Mixed is originated from United States but Brittany is originated from France. Mixed may grow 58 cm / 23 inches higher than Brittany. Mixed may weigh 92 kg / 203 pounds more than Brittany. Mixed may live 7 years more than Brittany. Both Mixed and Brittany has same litter size. Mixed requires Moderate maintenance. But Brittany requires Low maintenance

History

Many people are inclined to think that mixed breed or cross-breed dogs, also known as mutts or mongrels or designer dogs are just pavement specials. They think they look nothing much better than junkyard mutts.

This may be so, but not always, and these mixed breed dogs always seem to have hearts of gold. A Mixed breed is a dog that has parent’s who aren’t registered and who come from different breeds. In other words the parents aren’t of the same breed.

Guessing a cross breed’s ancestry can be difficult as these mixed-breeds have more genetic variation than pure breeds. They've been around since ancient times. The dogs originate in different countries and they all have different coats, different sizes and different temperaments.

It is sad but true – there are literally millions of mixed dogs worldwide, some of which never know what it is to live with- and be lovingly cared for by a human being.

brittany - historyOne of the most intense bird dog breeds in existence is the Brittany, bred for hunt. The breed used to be called the Brittany Spaniel, but since the breed is closer to a setter or pointer, that moniker has been dropped. The Brittany is named for the French Province in which they were originally developed. Sometime from the 17th to the 19th centuries, the breed was developed. Images of a very similar dog can be found on 17th century paintings and tapestries. However, the first written description comes from 1850 by a Reverend Davies, describing a hunting episode. The breed was recognized officially in the early part of the 20th century and made a splash at the 1900 Paris Dog Show.

The first official standards were written in about 1907 and the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1934.The Brittany is expected to point to and then retrieve birds and other small ground game. Because the Brittany both points and retrieves they are known in the U.K. as a Hunt, Point and Retrieve breed or an HPR, and they have more Dual Champions than the rest of the AKC Sporting group.

There are actually two types of Brittanys in the minds of many breeders. There is the “French” Brittany and the “American” Brittany. When the breed arrived in the United States in 1931 they became immensely popular in a short period of time. In 1942 American Breeders began the American Brittany Club, rewriting the French standard to fit the dog they knew. Today there are definitely difference between the two sub-sets that can easily be seen. The French dog is smaller than the American dog. The American dog is a runner pacing ahead of the hunter while the French dog works more closely with their human companions. Another visible difference is that the French accept black spotted Brittanys, while in the United States a black spotted coat is considered a fault. Both sub-sets are known for their willingness to follow human directions, their eagerness for the hunt, and their agility and speed.

Unfortunately, the European wars took their toll on this breed as they did on many others. Following the second World War, their numbers in Europe were drastically reduced. The French had stop breeding them altogether during the war. It was in this depleted gene pool that the French agreed to accept the black spotted Brittany. Along with the U.S., Canada also does not recognize the black spotted Brittany.

Description

Sometimes Mixed dog breeds come about from two dogs meeting on the streets and mating or it could be two pure-breeds accidentally mating, resulting in a mixed breed.

The mixed breed dog puppy could inherit looks from just the one purebred parent so that he grows up looking like a pure-breed. With a cross breed the standard for breeding isn’t the same for purebreds where the appearance and temperament is more or less the same.

A mixed breed dog doesn’t have these standards to conform to and they are as varied and unique as the colors in the rainbow. It’s not possible to know what a mixed breed dog’s puppies will look like. A typical example of a mixed breed is a Labradoodle. People love the temperament of the Labrador but they want the low shedding qualities of the Poodle as well.

Mixed breed dogs can be small or large and that means different litter sizes. If you don’t want your Mixed dog breed becoming a parent, you can spay or neuter your dog.

Temperament:

There are many people who avoid choosing a ridiculously high priced pure breed puppy and they prefer to choose a mixed breed. This is partly because these mixed breed dogs are healthy, resilient and nearly always a good match for you and your family.

brittany puppy - descriptionThe Brittany is much like other hunting dogs – pointers and retrievers – in size and stature. He is solid and strong but not heavy. He is compact with an average size head and floppy ears, docked tails or short natural tails, and expressively intelligent looking eyes. He is athletic, energetic, and alert. He has a long, elastic and free gait. The French dog is smaller and the dog with black spots is accepted. The American Brittany is larger and only a tri-color of orange, liver and white is acceptable.

Characteristics

Doesn’t matter what your Mixed breed dog looks like – he is a unique individual and you can never really predict what kind of a character he will turn out to be.

He might inherit a bit of placid behavior from one parent and a bit of clownish behavior from the other. It’s what makes them so special.

Ask most dog lovers who have owned a mixed breed and you will usually hear them say that they wouldn’t trade their amazing loyal and devoted pet for all the money in the world.

brittany dog - characteristicsThe Brittany is particularly trainable and friendly. They love to play and are sweet-natured. They don’t due well with harsh correction though and a stern look will cause them to wither. Socialize them young or they can become shy around strangers. They are loyal and family oriented. They can easily become attached to their humans.

Health Problems

All dogs, whether pure breeds or mixed breeds, need to be excellently cared for. When you consider the unconditional love your dog gives you, you want to ensure that you’re kind and loving towards him.

Every dog can be prone to common dog illnesses and there are some genetic predispositions for dogs with certain breeds within them.

Dental Disease:

All dogs can battle with problem teeth, but it appears to be more rife with smaller dogs. Dental disease starts with tartar build-up and when it isn’t removed from the teeth it progresses towards infection of the gums and teeth.

What you need to know is that not caring for the teeth can mean your pet losing his teeth but also putting your dog in danger of joint disease and problems with the kidneys and heart.

Obesity:

Obesity is a huge factor in small- and large dogs and can pave the way for other diseases with your pet. Being obese can shorten the life of your pet because it contributes to heart disease, digestive disorders, back pain and joint problems.

Parasites:

Fleas, ticks, mites and worms can play havoc with the health of your pet. Some of these parasites can then be transmitted from your pet to you. Parasites can cause pain, weight loss and even death for your pet so it is important to be vigilant in these matters.

Bloat, when the stomach twists and fills with gas as well as cancer and heart disease are just some of the more common diseases to look out for.

brittany puppies - health problemsThe breed is a hardy one and Brittanys are mostly healthy dogs. In Europe 1 in 5 dogs dies of old age and that age is usually 14 or 15 years. They do have a few issues that they may be susceptible to. These would include:

Ears – prone to infections

Hip Dysplasia – bones don’t fit well into joints

Epilepsy – mild or serious seizures are possible.

Hypothyroidism – Low levels of thyroid hormone

Canine Discoid Lupus Erythematosus – autoimmune disease

Caring The Pet

Good nutritious food, exercise, grooming, a dry place to sleep, taking your pet to the vet when he is sick as well as plenty of love and attention will ensure your Mixed dog breed’s health and happiness.

  • Brush his coat twice a week.
  • Check the ears and eyes for infection.
  • Check his teeth and be careful what you give your pet to chew on.

Keep die diet of your pet simple and consistent to avoid digestive problems. Quality commercially manufactured food is a good choice. Boiled chicken, brown rice and cooked or raw vegetables will be excellent added into your dog’s kibble from time to time. Add in some raw meat occasionally as it is good for warding off skin diseases.

Exercise your pet regularly, but don’t overdo it with young dogs as it can lead to joint problems later on in life.

Feeding

brittany dogs - caringDon’t overfeed your Brittany. Keep him at hunting weight by feeding a half a cup up to 2 cups per day depending on the size of your dog and activity levels. Serve this in two meals not one.

Health issues

Ears – prone to infections – make sure that you check them and wipe them out routinely to prevent infections.

Hip Dysplasia – bones don’t fit well into joints – this can be genetic or otherwise, causing lameness and arthritis. If severe it can require surgery to correct.

Epilepsy – mild or serious seizures are possible. This can be genetic/hereditary but is set off by an infectious disease of the brain, head injury, poison, tumor, or metabolic disorder. There is no cure, but medication can be very effective.

Hypothyroidism – Low levels of thyroid hormone – can cause drooping eyelids, obesity, lethargy, mental difficulties or irregular heat cycles or all of this. Medication is available as it is for humans but must be taken daily for the rest of the dog’s life

Canine Discoid Lupus Erythematosus – autoimmune disease that is rare in dogs. Cats and humans can also have it. It is a skin disease and does not become the more serious and deadly Systemic Lupus. The Discoid version of this disease causes loss of pigmentation and a scaling on the nose which can then progress to the skin around the ears, eyes and genitals. There could be ulcerated lesions and tissue death in more severe cases. Sun exposure can make the condition worse.

Exercise and games

The Brittany is a hunting dog that acts like a pointer but will retrieve fowl and birds in the water or on land. If you don’t hunt, the Brittany can still be your family dog. They need lots of exercise and mental stimulation. They need a job if they are not going to hunt and expect them to be distracted by every bird they see. Try flyball, agility, FAST CAT, field trials and dock diving. They are very task oriented and have boundless energy. They excel at obedience and confirmation as well.

Basic Information

Group:
Companion dog
Gun dog
Origin:
United States
France
Height Male:
9 - 110 cm
3 - 44 inches
43 - 52 cm
16 - 21 inches
Height Female:
9 - 110 cm
3 - 44 inches
40 - 50 cm
15 - 20 inches
Weight Male:
2 - 112 kg
4 - 247 pounds
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
2 - 112 kg
4 - 247 pounds
12 - 18 kg
26 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 20 Years
12 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 12
1 - 12
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Cross breed, mutt, cur, mongrel
Brittany Spaniel Brittany Wiegref Epagneul Breton French Brittany
Colors Available:
cream, tri-colored, Brown, tan, black, white, bi-colored, liver, chocolate
tricolor, orange roan, liver roan, black roan
Coat:
Short to long, single or double-coat
Flowing Medium length
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Detached, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Sweet
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. English Springer Spaniel vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  2. Brittany vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  3. Brittany vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  4. Brittany vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  5. Brittany vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  6. Brittany vs Barbet - Breed Comparison
  7. Brittany vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  8. Brittany vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  9. English Setter vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  10. French Brittany vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  11. Pudelpointer vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  12. Picardy Spaniel vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  13. Ariege Pointer vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  14. Pont-Audemer Spaniel vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  15. Irish Water Spaniel vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  16. Deutsch Drahthaar vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  17. Clumber Spaniel vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  18. Stabyhoun vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  19. Styrian Coarse Haired Hound vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  20. Vizsla vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  21. Large Munsterlander vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  22. Tyrolean Hound vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  23. Cockalier vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  24. Braque du Bourbonnais vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  25. Cesky Fousek vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  26. Mixed vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  27. Mixed vs Labradoodle - Breed Comparison
  28. Mixed vs Bernedoodle - Breed Comparison
  29. Mixed vs Giant Maso Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  30. Schnauzerdor vs Mixed - Breed Comparison
  31. Pastor Garafiano vs Mixed - Breed Comparison
  32. Shepard Labrador vs Mixed - Breed Comparison
  33. Utonagan vs Mixed - Breed Comparison
  34. Samoyed vs Mixed - Breed Comparison
  35. Mixed vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  36. Mixed vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  37. Mixed vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  38. Mixed vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  39. Mixed vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  40. Mixed vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  41. Mixed vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  42. Mixed vs Cane Corso - Breed Comparison
  43. Mixed vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  44. Mixed vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  45. Mixed vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  46. Mixed vs Dogue De Bordeaux - Breed Comparison
  47. Mixed vs German Shorthaired Pointer - Breed Comparison
  48. Mixed vs Bloodhound - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds