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Selecting
a dog is a very personal choice and you must find
a breed that suits your personality, lifestyle, and
family.
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Brittanys
can make excellent family dogs and have many outstanding
qualities, but they can be considered “high maintenance.” They
require personal attention daily, good training and
discipline. Most are still bred as hunting dogs so
many of their behaviors and traits reflect that.
If these qualities appeal to you, then you would
probably make a good Brittany person. Before making
that decision, though, you must be fully informed
about the needs of this special breed.
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Brittanys
are generally very good eaters, but you should watch
how much they eat, so they do not get fat (average
weight is 35-45 lbs.).
If
they must be left alone for longer periods of time,
like when you are at work, they should have a few
good toys to keep them occupied and entertained.
Crate
training is highly recommended both for aiding in
housebreaking and safe traveling if necessary. Crate
training also makes overnight vet stays less frightening
for your pet.
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Brittanys
coat is fairly easy to care for. If your dog is strictly
a pet, a good brushing with a brush once or twice
a week is sufficient. This pulls dead hair from the
coat and ensures your dog is free of parasites such
as fleas or ticks. If you do this regularly, you
will never need to take your Brittany to the groomer.
Something
that is often overlooked in dog care is clipping
the nails. Long nails can ruin a dog's feet because
the longer they get the more danger there is of one
being snagged and torn off. Unlike humans, dogs carry
many nerve endings in their nails and this can be
extremely painful. You should consult your vet for
proper instruction on clipping your dog’s nails.
As for bathing, this need only be done when a good
brushing will not do the trick. Any basic dog shampoo
is fine for this.
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You
should consult your vet for proper instruction on clipping
your dog’s nails. As for bathing, this need only be
done when a good brushing will not do the trick. Any
basic dog shampoo is fine for this.
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Brittanys
do require attention every day. These are dogs that
are very attached to “their” people and fully expect
to receive as much attention as any other family member.
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In
fact, the only generalization that can be made
about Brittanys is that you cannot make generalizations
about this breed.
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Brittanys
usually live 12-14 years, so anyone considering this
breed needs to be prepared to make that kind of commitment,
particularly because they require plenty of daily
attention throughout their lives.
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Puppy
or
adult dog?
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While
puppies are cute and cuddly, house-breaking and chewing
everything in sight are phases that not everyone
is prepared to work through. After the puppy stage
they become more docile which is especially important
if you have younger children.
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Brittanys
are a very special and unique breed. They are not for
everyone. They can make excellent family dogs and have
many outstanding qualities, but they can be considered “high
maintenance.” They require personal attention daily,
good training and discipline. Some of their most positive
attributes are their medium size, wash-and-wear coat
and cheerful, intelligent disposition that makes them
an ideal companion for any individual or family. Brittanys
also make excellent hunting dogs. Most get along well
with other dogs and many excel in the challenges of
different types of competition and hunting.
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