APPEARANCE
The American Brittany has a body built for speed and agility. The legs are long and disproportionate to the frame of the body that declines as it reaches the tail. The front legs stand straight in balance with the high chest. The hind legs are angled and forward. The head is round and distinct. The ears are short, set just above the eyes, and lie loosely against the sides of the head. The shoulders are erect and muscular.
An absent or docked tail is also a characteristic of the American Brittany.
Brittanys come in a variety of colors, where an orange and white coat is most common in the American Brittany. Other colors include liver and white, orange roan and liver roan, all of which are acceptable in the show ring. There is also tri-color, which is acceptable in most countries except America, since black is a disqualification in their conformation events, this color combination is much less common there but extremely common in the UK, and in France, the home country.
TEMPERAMENT
The American Brittany is an all-around pleasant breed. The breed was originally bred as a poaching dog and noted for being easy to train, sensitive, and sweet-natured. Properly raised Brittanys are sensitive and soft-hearted, with personalities that win. Brittanys are all around sound dogs, as they are excellent family pets as well as working dogs in the field. Most do not let a chance to give a kiss or the famous Brittany hug get away. Its easy-going nature and ability to be trained make it a welcome indoor companion. It is extremely active and will play for hours with family members or other family pets if given the opportunity. Young children are welcome playmates, but supervision is recommended to ensure the Brittany does not become too spirited and rough with the child. Social activities, such as sporting trips and family games are significant to keeping it content. However, it will endure short-term solitude if trained for guard duty.
HEIGHT AND WEIGHT
Brittanies should range in a height of 17.5 inches to 20.5 inches at the withers, with females at the lower end and males taller. A properly constructed and healthy Brittany maintains a weight between 30 and 45lbs, depending upon height.
EXERCISE
The answer to how to calm the often overactive American Brittany is to provide opportunities for ample exercise. It will run and obtain sufficient exercise in a moderately sized yard. Since it appreciates spending time with family members and sporting activities, running and playing with them in a fenced area will achieve the goals of exercise and companionship. It needs exercise at least once each day; the longer the session the more at ease it will be afterwards.
GROOMING
Grooming the American Brittany is not particularly time consuming. The coat does shed so regular brushing will help to lessen the amount of fur that is left behind their favorite lounging spot (usually all over the house if kept indoors!) Regular baths are also recommended to keep the coat healthy and smooth.