Brittany Spaniel...

[Ice_man]

I'm looking to get my first bird dog/pup. I grew up with GSP and labs my whole childhood and loved hunting behind them as upland game dogs. With getting a new pup I want to transition from doing less waterfowl and focusing a little more upland game. I've looked into a GSP but am highly considering getting a Brittany. I also do want a pointing breed. Nothing more nostalgic or beautiful than a good point on upland game.
I know GSP I may get a dog that hunts a little harder but have a more energetic dog at home. With Brittany's my understanding is they can be more mellow at home but maybe don't have the natural drive of a GSP.
This will more than likely be an indoor dog as well. Having a smaller frame Brittany is also a plus. Since hunting season is mostly September-January it will be a family pup half the year and hunting dog during the fall months. So I'm looking for a dog/breed that transitions well.
Am I off my rocker with wanting a Brittany?
Also, if you do have a Brittany I would love to see some in the field photos!
Thanks!

 

[sierracharlie338]

I don’t think you are but I’ve never had a Brittany. That is actually what I was looking for when I found my crackhead GSP. I couldn’t touch a Brittany for the price I found my gsp and so my decision was made. My female is only 50lbs and does ok as a home dog. We have to walk/run/play as much as possible to keep her from total chaos in the house but as she gets older she is mellowing out more.

 

[Eleven]

I want a Brittany too. I’m no help in that I’ve never hunted behind one, never owned one. But I want one now for the same reasons as you; a good versatile hunter that can come inside the home and ride in the truck up front when I’m running errands. I like the history of the Brittany, too.

 

[t_carlson]

I've had a few britts, including one that was my favorite "once in a lifetime" dog.

They can be pretty energetic. I've owned a GSP, and with that sample of one, I would not agree that britts are less wound up. Anecdotal, though.

There are three big differences I think you will see. First, britts (and other spaniels I've owned) are very much companion dogs. They want to be with you more so than other breeds.

The second difference is the coat. That long hair is a maintenance issue, plain and simple. You may or may not spend a hour or two digging cockle burrs out after many hunts.

Third, they are very intelligent, to the point of being devious. Not a bad thing, and quite often its amusing.

Aside from that, I think any other differences come down to the individual breeding rather than the breed. Britts are one of the "big four" breeds you see in field trials like NSTRA and AKC, the other three breeds being English Pointers and Setters and GSPs. That should tell you in terms of hunting ability, its a wash from breed to breed. Those four seem to comprise 80-90% of the winning field trial dogs.

They're great dogs. I'll own another one someday. They may or may not like water. Mine didn't. So if you still want to do a little light waterfowling (they cannot handle a real cold swim) they may not be your thing.

I've been pretty impressed with some wirehairs I've been around. From what you describe, they might be a great breed for you too. That will probably be my next pointing dog.

 

[Irish Miner]

Certainly wouldn't say you are "off your rocker", britts are great dogs.

My wirehaired pointing griffon is a family dog year round and come hunting season he's ready to go. His switch is always on and is energetic like most bird dogs and needs exercise daily to stay healthy, happy and behaved. Big time velcro dog. Bonus for very low shedding in the house. Downsides in having a griff - burr magnet comparable to a britt I suppose and doesn't like the heat. He excels in the fall and winter months with colder weather. He's a solid 60 lbs.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[taskswap]

I've only owned one Britt but one other thing I noticed, they're natural trail dogs. I never hunted upland with mine but with no training at all he would take off about 25 yards down a trail in front of me, then criss-cross it back and forth. That's a natural flushing behavior but I've never had a dog so automatically mirror me on a trail like that... Every dog is different, just my 2c.

 

[Gravel Road]

Go for it!
I have a young female French Brittany and she is awesome. My first bird dog and was so easy to train. They are supposed to be a versatile breed and that's the truth. She'll hunt anything. I was very surprised how little she sheds.
She's snoozing on the couch next to me right now

Dove hunting with an audience