Brittany vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Brittany vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed ComparisonBrittany is originated from France but American Cocker Spaniel is originated from United States. Brittany may grow 12 cm / 5 inches higher than American Cocker Spaniel. Brittany may weigh 6 kg / 14 pounds more than American Cocker Spaniel. Both Brittany and American Cocker Spaniel has almost same life span. Brittany may have more litter size than American Cocker Spaniel. Brittany requires Low maintenance. But American Cocker Spaniel requires Moderate maintenance

History

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.

american cocker spaniel - historyDescended from the English Cocker Spaniel when the latter were brought to the United States in the late 1800s. American hunters wanted a smaller dog for bird hunting, so they crossed them with smaller spaniel breeds. The English and the American Cockers were considered the same breed until 1935 when the American Kennel Club officially separated them into 2 distinct breeds. After this the American Cocker’s popularity increased dramatically. To this day they are one of the most popular breeds in the U.S. Recently their popularity has spread back to England. The American Cocker Spaniel has evolved from a hunting dog life to a very popular family pet.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Gun dog
Origin:
France
United States
Height Male:
43 - 52 cm
16 - 21 inches
38 - 40 cm
14 - 16 inches
Height Female:
40 - 50 cm
15 - 20 inches
34 - 38 cm
13 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
11 - 14 kg
24 - 31 pounds
Weight Female:
12 - 18 kg
26 - 40 pounds
7 - 12 kg
15 - 27 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 13 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 12
1 - 7
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Brittany Spaniel Brittany Wiegref Epagneul Breton French Brittany
Cocker Spaniel, Cocker
Colors Available:
tricolor, orange roan, liver roan, black roan
Black, black with tan, merle, buff ASCOB
Coat:
Flowing Medium length
Long, fine, shiney
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Sweet
Affectionate, Cheerful, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

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.

american cocker spaniel puppy - descriptionThe American Cocker spaniel is a sturdy dog of medium size. The have a rounded head with a broad and deep muzzle. The jaw is even and square while the teeth have a scissors bite. The American Cocker has round eyes that are almost always dark with the exception of the Merle who can have blue colored eyes. They have long ears and a docked tail in the U.S. Docking is illegal in most of Europe. The American Cocker bred for field hunts have shorter coats than those bred for show. Grooming is essential for this longhaired breed. It is especially important for the eyes and ears to be kept clean.

Characteristics

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.

Favored Qualities

american cocker spaniel dog - characteristicsThis is a gentle, happy dog. They are high energy, high spirited, friendly dogs who like people and other animals alike. They are happy to be with you and want to please you. He can find a home in the country and in the city alike. He is inquisitive and easy to train.

Potential Difficulties

But be warned they can be stubborn and hard to housebreak. They can be shy and need a lot of socialization as a pup. They can take over a household if you are not the strong pack leader they need. They have a tendency to urinate when excited and must live inside with the family. They are far too social to be left outside. An unhappy, unstable cocker can be into resource guarding of things, spaces and people. They can bark obsessively or be hyperactive. They must have a loving home with the family.

Health Problems

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

american cocker spaniel puppies - health problemsPerhaps the least of the American Cocker Spaniel’s health concerns are the tendency to overeat and become obese. The more serious concerns include glaucoma, cataracts, dysplasia, allergies, Cherry eye, lip fold pyoderma, liver disease, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure (CHF).

IMHA

The most serious health issue the breed faces is IMHA or Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia which can be deadly. In fact, it is almost always fatal and comes on quickly. With this condition the dog can bleed out internally and there is little that veterinary medicine can do.

Caring The Pet

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.

Feeding puppies and adults

american cocker spaniel dogs - caringThe American Cocker Spaniel breed requires attention to detail and making sure your puppy gets enough and your adult doesn’t get too much. Feed the pups twice a day until they reach the age of 4 months and then cut them back to the adult dose of once a day at supper time. Feed from a cup to a cup and a half.

Health Issues

not previously mentioned include Ectropion and Entropion, Prolapse of the nicititans gland, gastric torsion and elbow dysplasia. Have your puppy tested for eye diseases and any issues with the knee and hip. These are social dogs and will not do well alone outside. They need to live inside.

Exercise and games

The American Cockers love to play and need a lot of exercise. Nice long walks, games of fetch or even agility will keep your Cocker happy. have plenty of stamina and need regular exercise. They also enjoy a good hunt.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. English Springer Spaniel vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
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  26. English Springer Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  27. English Setter vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  28. French Brittany vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  29. Boykin Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  30. Pudelpointer vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  31. American Water Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  32. Picardy Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  33. Braque d'Auvergne vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  34. Barbet vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  35. Ariege Pointer vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  36. Pont-Audemer Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  37. Irish Water Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  38. Blue Picardy Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  39. Canadian Pointer vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  40. Deutsch Drahthaar vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  41. Clumber Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  42. Stabyhoun vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  43. Styrian Coarse Haired Hound vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  44. Vizsla vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  45. Large Munsterlander vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  46. Tyrolean Hound vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  47. Cockalier vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  48. Braque du Bourbonnais vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  49. Cesky Fousek vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison

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