Brittany

The Brittany is a compact, energetic pointing gundog from France. In New Zealand, it is valued for upland bird hunting, NZKC field trials, and active family life.

Recognised by the New Zealand Kennel Club under the Gundog Group, the Brittany has a modest but established presence in New Zealand. It is lighter and faster than many traditional setters, making it well suited to NZ's open hill country, Canterbury quail habitat, and pheasant estates in Hawke's Bay and Otago.

The Brittany developed in the Brittany region of north-western France during the 19th century as a versatile pointing and flushing gundog for hunters on foot. Lighter and faster than the heavy setters of the era, it could work close to the hunter while still covering ground efficiently. The breed was standardised in the early 20th century and spread to Europe, North America, and eventually to New Zealand and Australia.

In New Zealand, the Brittany's dual ability as both a field trial competitor and a family companion has earned it a loyal following among hunters and sporting-dog enthusiasts. Its natural pointing instinct, compact size, and willing temperament make it well suited to NZ's quail country in Canterbury, Marlborough, and Central Otago, and to pheasant hunting on private estates in Hawke's Bay and Otago.

The Brittany is a square-proportioned, medium-sized dog with a light, athletic build. Its coat is orange and white or liver and white, with dense, flat or slightly wavy hair and light feathering on the legs and ears. The breed is often born tailless or with a short bob; under New Zealand's Animal Welfare Act 1999, tail docking is banned, though this is largely academic given the breed's natural tendency toward short tails.

In the field, the Brittany moves with a ground-covering, efficient gait. Its expression is alert yet gentle, reflecting the breed's combination of drive and biddable nature. The feathering on the legs and ears picks up grass seeds and burrs in NZ scrub country, so a quick check after each outing is worthwhile.

The Brittany is affectionate, high-energy, and eager to work alongside people. It forms strong bonds with its family and is generally good with children and other dogs when properly socialised from an early age. The breed is sensitive by nature, which means it responds well to calm, consistent handling. Harsh correction is counterproductive and can undermine the trust needed for reliable field or trial work.

On NZ farms and rural properties, the Brittany is in its element. It is curious and alert, and while not aggressive, it will bark to signal unfamiliar arrivals. Daily mental and physical engagement is important: a Brittany left alone for long periods or under-exercised will find its own entertainment, which is rarely what owners have in mind.

Grooming

• Brush the coat weekly to remove loose hair and prevent tangles, paying close attention to the feathering on the ears and legs, which collects grass seeds in NZ scrub.
• Check and clean the drop ears at least once a week. After water work or swimming, dry the ear canal thoroughly to reduce the risk of infection.
• Bathe when the dog is genuinely dirty rather than on a fixed schedule.
• Trim nails every three to four weeks and brush teeth several times per week.

Exercise

• The Brittany needs 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous exercise each day. A walk around the block is not enough for this breed.
• Upland hunting for California quail in Canterbury, Marlborough, and Central Otago, or pheasant on private estates in Hawke's Bay and Otago, is ideal exercise and gives the breed's natural pointing instinct a genuine outlet.
• Between hunting seasons, agility, flyball, scent work, and NZKC field trial training keep the Brittany focused and content.
• Secure off-leash running in a fenced section or open paddock is valuable. The breed has a strong hunting drive and will range widely given the opportunity.

Environment

• The Brittany does best in a home with a section or open space where it can move freely. It can adapt to a smaller property if its exercise needs are fully met.
• NZ rural properties and lifestyle blocks suit this breed very well. It is a natural fit for families who hunt, compete in field trials, or spend time outdoors.
• The breed handles New Zealand's varied climate well, though dogs in the deep south should have warm, dry shelter through Southland winters.
• This is not a dog that copes well with long periods alone. It needs company, work, and stimulation to remain balanced.

The Brittany is an active breed with a lean build, and its diet should reflect its energy output. During hunting season or periods of heavy training, caloric needs increase noticeably. Choose a complete, balanced dry food appropriate for the dog's life stage and activity level. NZ-based premium brands and imported options are both available; look for real meat as the first ingredient and no artificial preservatives.

Fresh water should be available at all times, especially after field work or vigorous exercise. Treats should make up no more than 10 percent of daily calories. During active hunting seasons, consult your vet about whether a performance formula is appropriate.

The Brittany is generally a healthy, robust breed with a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. Responsible breeders in New Zealand screen for the hereditary conditions most common in the breed before using dogs for breeding. Sourcing a puppy from health-tested parents and maintaining a regular veterinary programme are the most effective steps an owner can take.

Ear care is particularly important for Brittanys used in water work or hunting near NZ streams and rivers. The drop ears limit airflow and can trap moisture, creating the warm, damp conditions that allow bacterial and yeast infections to develop. Weekly cleaning and thorough drying after any water exposure reduce this risk considerably.

The Brittany is one of the more trainable gundogs: quick to learn, eager to please, and responsive to clear communication. It picks up both basic obedience and advanced field skills with relative ease when training is consistent and reward-based. However, the breed is sensitive, and a heavy-handed or impatient approach damages its confidence and willingness to work. Short, varied sessions are more effective than long, repetitive drills.

Training priorities for NZ owners

• Start socialisation early. Introduce the puppy to farm livestock, people of all ages, other dogs, vehicles, and the sounds of the field before 16 weeks.
• Basic obedience (sit, stay, recall, heel) should be solid before advancing to field work or NZKC trial preparation.
• The Brittany excels in NZKC field trials and obedience competitions. Its natural pointing instinct can be developed with structured gundog training from an experienced handler or affiliated club.
• Positive reinforcement, including food rewards, praise, and play, is the most effective method. The breed does not need force to perform well.
• Recall training is essential given the breed's strong hunting drive. A reliable recall keeps the dog safe in open NZ country.

Breeding Brittanys in New Zealand should be approached with care and a commitment to the breed's long-term health and working ability. The New Zealand Kennel Club provides registration services and maintains breed records. Before breeding, both sire and dam should have hip scores and be free of significant hereditary conditions. Given the breed's modest numbers in NZ, ethical breeding practices are important for maintaining genetic diversity and quality.

Brittany registration and microchip registration in New Zealand

Keeping a Brittany findable is mostly paperwork: a profile carrying your phone number, a photo, and the dog's details, sitting where a scan can reach it. Registering your dog with United Pet Club sets that up free, and the record never lapses or bills you.

A scanned chip is only ever as useful as its record. Pop your Brittany's fifteen digit number into a free United Pet Club account and the record does the rest: free updates after every move, every brand accepted, searchable day and night. Microchip registration first, account alongside.