Hereditary Health and Conformation of the Brittany Spaniel

The Brittany spaniel puppies belong to a French breed widely known for their skills as gun dogs used in bird hunting, while also gradually becoming popular as companion pets. Despite the inclusion of “spaniel” in their name, Brittany spaniels are more aligned in traits with setters and pointers than typical spaniels. Their physical traits sit midway between spaniels and setters, making for agile and lively dogs.

Developed in France from the 17th century, the breed gained official worldwide recognition in the 20th century. Brittany spaniels have a medium build, with slight size variations between French and American lines. Typically, French lines stand around 17.5 to 20.5 inches tall at the withers and weigh up to 20kg. These dogs possess a solid but not heavy build, with a graceful long running gait that suits their hunting tasks. Their coat is straight with feathering around the legs and belly, and colour patterns range from liver and white, orange and white to orange roan, liver roan, and tricolour.

Average Longevity and General Health

The Brittany spaniel is widely regarded as a healthy and robust breed with relatively few minor ailments. The average lifespan in the UK runs about 12 years and 11 months, with many dogs reaching 14 to 15 years of age. Responsible and ethical breeding that prioritises genetic health testing is crucial to sustaining these figures and promoting the breed's vitality.

Conformation and Physical Traits

Brittany spaniels have a well-balanced conformation designed for function rather than exaggeration. Unlike some breeds, their physical characteristics do not typically cause conformation-related problems. However, owners should be attentive to ear care, as the breed’s long ears can collect dirt and moisture, which may lead to infections or irritations. Regular cleaning and drying of ears is highly recommended to prevent such issues.

Key Hereditary Health Concerns

1. Hip Dysplasia: A significant hereditary condition among Brittanys, hip dysplasia involves malformed hip joints causing pain, lameness, and arthritis. Approximately 10% of the breed are statistically likely to develop this condition in the UK. The British Veterinary Association advises hip score testing with breeding dogs ideally scoring below the mean breed score of 17, which is considered relatively high.
2. Elbow Dysplasia: Another common hereditary concern, elbow dysplasia affects the elbow joint and requires testing as part of responsible breeding practices. Ideal elbow scores should be zero to ensure healthier offspring.
3. Epilepsy: Seizure activity is noted in the breed and though no definitive pre-breeding test exists, affected owners are encouraged to contribute DNA samples to research projects, such as those at the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, to help understand genetic links.
4. Discoid Lupus Erythematosus: This autoimmune skin disorder has an elevated incidence in Brittany spaniels and owners should monitor for any unusual skin changes.
5. Other Health Conditions: Additional concerns include a range of eye disorders like multifocal retinal dysplasia, glaucoma, cataracts (generally appearing in later years), skin allergies, patellar luxation (dislocation of the kneecap), hypothyroidism managed with lifelong medication, cancers such as perianal gland adenomas and cutaneous melanoma, and rare cases of spinal muscular atrophy.

Genetic Diversity and Breeding Recommendations

The breed maintains a desirable low average coefficient of inbreeding at about 5.8%, helping to preserve genetic diversity and reduce the risk of inherited problems. Ethical Brittany spaniel breeders assess inbreeding coefficients diligently to keep this figure low, alongside comprehensive health screening to select suitable breeding pairs.

Breeders should implement hip and elbow scoring protocols and select breeding dogs with acceptable health scores to improve breed health overall. Collaborating with ongoing genetic studies and health registries supports the welfare of future generations of Brittany spaniels. Owners and prospective owners are encouraged to seek out reputable breeders who prioritise these health standards and responsible ownership practices.

Conclusion

The Brittany spaniel is a sound and well-conformed breed praised for its athleticism, longevity, and generally good health. While certain hereditary health issues require vigilance — especially hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, and autoimmune conditions — responsible breeding and early health testing can greatly mitigate risks. Regular ear care and monitoring for skin and eye conditions further contribute to their wellbeing.

If you are considering bringing a Brittany spaniel into your family, prioritise breeders who follow ethical breeding guidelines and comprehensive health screening. This approach ensures your dog’s health and the continued vitality of this wonderful breed.