Sussex Spaniel vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison

Sussex Spaniel vs French Brittany - Breed ComparisonFrench Brittany is originated from France but Sussex Spaniel is originated from United Kingdom. French Brittany may grow 18 cm / 7 inches shorter than Sussex Spaniel. Both French Brittany and Sussex Spaniel are of same weight. Both French Brittany and Sussex Spaniel has almost same life span. Both French Brittany and Sussex Spaniel has same litter size. French Brittany requires Low Maintenance. But Sussex Spaniel requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Sporting dog
undefined
France
United Kingdom
Height Male:
17 - 20 cm
6 - 8 inches
33 - 38 cm
12 - 15 inches
Height Female:
15 - 19 cm
5 - 8 inches
33 - 38 cm
12 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
13 - 17 kg
28 - 38 pounds
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 13 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
2 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Brittany Spaniel Brittany Wiegref Epagneul Breton French Brittany Spaniel
The Sussex
Colors Available:
liver roan, black and white (not universally accepted), orange roan, Orange and white, black roan, liver and white, tricolor
Golden liver
Coat:
flowing , medium length
Quite long, thick, silky
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Intelligent, Loving
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

french brittanyBrittanys 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.

sussex spanielThe Sussex Spaniel comes from Sussex in southern England. The whole purpose of his development was for him to rush between reeds, causing birds to fly up and for their owners to then shoot them so that they could retrieve them.

His history dates back to the 19th century when breeding for the dog started. The first breed standard was also written during this time.

It was about in 1969 that some of these Sussex Spaniels were imported to the United States where they were referred to as a sporting breed. Today they are still a rare breed.

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.

sussex spaniel puppy - descriptionWith his low, long body and short legs, this beautiful golden liver color spaniel has long, silky ears and a long, feathery tail.

He is a moderate shedder. He is quite a distinctive looking dog with his silky coat and sombre expression. You’d descibe him as medium sized dog, standing at between 33 – 38cm in height and weighing 16 -20kg.

Temperament:

The Sussex Spaniel is more slow and sedate than the Cocker Spaniel but he still makes an excellent pet and companion.

He is strong and robust. He is clever too, but slightly stubborn, while also being clownish and entertaining. They’re the kind of dogs who bond strongly with their family and aren’t that enthusiastic with strangers.

They take a while to warm towards people they don’t know. He is steady, reliable and determined and makes a good watchdog. Because he is gentle and even tempered he makes an ideal pet for children and he is able to get on well with other dogs too.

It’s good to have them trained and socialized as they become even more amicable around other people and dogs they don’t know.

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.

The Sussex Spaniel makes the perfect pet for families where there are children.

sussex spaniel dog - characteristicsHe is a low drooling dog and he adapts easily to life with his human family, preferably in the countryside.

He isn’t the most intelligent breed, but most people love him just like that because he’s eager to please and just wants to be your trusted, loyal pet and companion.

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

sussex spaniel puppies - health problemsYour Sussex, like any other dog, is going to be prone to some diseases and conditions. If you are going for a puppy, always look for a reputable dog breeder, as this at least gives your dog a better chance of a healthy life.

Some health conditions that can affect your Sussex Spaniel include -

Pulmonic Stenosis: 

This is a congenital heart disease where blood doesn't flow properly and where the right side of the heart works harder and actually enlarges.

If the obstruction is severe, it can cause arrhythmia or congestive heart failure.

If the stenosis is mild, you may not even notice any conditions, but if it's severe, your pet may have difficulty with breathing, his stomach may be distended, and with strenuous exercise he could even collapse.

Intervertebral Disc Disease:

This is when a disc in the spine ruptures and pushes upward into the spinal cord. It can be an injury or an inherited condition.It is painful and will include anti-inflammatory medications and possibly surgery.

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.

Grooming:

sussex spaniel dogs - caringBecause of the long, silky hair, brushing your Sussex twice a week will be necessary to prevent matting from dirt adhering to the fur.

The insides of those long floppy ears can be a breeding spot for bacteria as they don’t easily dry. When you brush him, check inside the ears to make sure they aren't red which could be a sign of ear infection.

Remember, if you don’t like to do all the grooming chores there are, a grooming parlour will do the chores for you. They cut your dog’s hair, check inside his ears, clean his teeth and trim his nails.

Diet:

Every dog needs excellent food to be healthy. Many people feed their pets the wrong kinds of foods and then wonder why they have to fork up so much on vets fees.

If you feed your Sussex Spaniel one of the commercial manufactured foods, make sure its one of the good ones packed with vitamins and minerals. Tasty home-made food added to his kibble a couple of times a week can do him the world of good if its kept simple – no spicey, exotic foods that can upset the stomach.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots all chopped up and mixed into the dry kibble once or twice a week will ensure a healthy, happy pet.

To avoid skin allergies and a dull coat, try and add in some raw meat occasionally. Always make sure he has access to fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

These dogs have been accustomed to a life of running in open spaces and they’re going to want lots of exercise. They love ball games and they love a walk in the countryside with lots of new scents to follow.

It’s why this dog isn’t suited to life in a small city property. He needs space and the outdoors to use up his energy.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Sussex Spaniel vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Sussex Spaniel vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Sussex Spaniel vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Sussex Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Sussex Spaniel vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Sussex Spaniel vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Sussex Spaniel vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Sussex Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Sussex Spaniel vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Sussex Spaniel vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Sussex Spaniel vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Sussex Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Sussex Spaniel vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Sussex Spaniel vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Sussex Spaniel vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Sussex Spaniel vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Sussex Spaniel vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Sussex Spaniel vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Sussex Spaniel vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Sussex Spaniel vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Sussex Spaniel vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Sussex Spaniel vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Sussex Spaniel vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Sussex Spaniel vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Sussex Spaniel vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. French Brittany vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. French Brittany vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. French Brittany vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. French Brittany vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. French Brittany vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. French Brittany vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. French Brittany vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. French Brittany vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. French Brittany vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. French Brittany vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. French Brittany vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. French Brittany vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. French Brittany vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. French Brittany vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. French Brittany vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. French Brittany vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. French Brittany vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. French Brittany vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. French Brittany vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. French Brittany vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. French Brittany vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. French Brittany vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. French Brittany vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. French Brittany vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. French Brittany vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison