NEW BLOOD FOR A RARE BREED
By Chrissie Hill
Although the first Brittany arrived in New Zealand in 1975, it still remains a rare breed in this country – why so, is not exactly clear, as any Brittany owner will tell you! A recent survey of registrations via the NZKC web site threw up some surprising statistics.
The first registration was in 1975 and since then, 483 Brittany’s have been NZKC registered, up to and including 2008. Non were registered in 2009. During these thirty four years, 23 Brittany’s have been imported from overseas – the majority coming in from Australia. Only 3 came from the USA and 2 from the UK. One import was from Eire.
Only seven Brittany’s are titled show champions. Currently there is one dual champion (show & field), two field trial champions and two with QC qualifications.
It is also not commonly known, that there are two “types” of Brittany – the American type and the French type (more commonly known as the Epagneul Breton in France and Europe). This has partly been brought about by the American and Canadian breed standards which are the only standards worldwide, that disqualify the colour black in the breed. Because of this one issue, some of their gene pool is obviously restricted. Having said that, the restricted standards only really apply to the showring in these countries and indeed, some breeders in the USA and Canada are actively breeding all colours in the Brittany. Those of unacceptable colour for the majority dog shows, are actually exhibited at Rare Breed shows!
Due to the vast size of the American continent, the Brittany as a breed, has been adapted to the various types of hunting available in most regions – and as a result, many of the American Brittany’s have some subtle physical differences now well established. For instance, it is generally noted that some are distinctly longer in the leg. This adaptation is understandable if you need to be on horseback to cover the distance while on a hunt, and need to be able to see a dog from a long way away – in cover. Increased height is an obvious advantage!
The New Zealand breed standard for the Brittany is closely modelled on the UK standard and the only significant difference is in the description of the tail. We still allow for the tail to be docked. The breed has a gene for natural bobtails, which can occur in litters producing both bobtail and long tail pups. Here, it is generally accepted that the long tails are docked, but there is now provision in the standard for tails to be left long.
The most common colour is orange and white, with optional ticking and roan pattern throughout. However, our standard accepts all colours – liver and white, black and white, liver tricolour and black tricolour.
Some exciting news for the breed in 2010, is the recent import of new blood to the South Island of New Zealand from the Northern Hemisphere. Barry and Chrissie Hill (Christchurch) have brought in a black tricolour male from Oregon, USA. This boy carries the royal blood of some of the very best breeding stock in France and from top dogs in Denmark and Italy. Working ability and good looks are undeniable.
He will bring some much-needed new genes into our tiny population and ensure the future quality of the breed is preserved.
France is generally accepted as the “home” of the Brittany as it is indeed where the breed originated. The Brittany is also regarded as the national dog of France. Its origins are still shrouded in mystery, but it is known that a native small, cobby hunting dog was crossed with imported English gentry Setters to create a hunting dog perfect for working with shooting woodcock. Indeed, the Brittany is the smallest of the gundog breeds classified as pointers and setters. There is some confusion created by the historical use of the name “Brittany Spaniel” by which the breed was known. Nearly all countries have now dropped the reference to “Spaniel” in recognition of the fact this breed points its prey, rather than flushes game (as spaniels do).
The parent club in France (Club de L’Epagneul Breton – or CEB) has a club motto that sums up this breed very well.
"Un maximum de qualites por un volume minimum" - which translated means
"A maximum quality in the minimum volume".