Spanish Water Dog vs Brittany - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Spanish Water Dog vs Brittany - Breed ComparisonSpanish Water Dog is originated from Spain but Brittany is originated from France. Both Spanish Water Dog and Brittany are having almost same height. Both Spanish Water Dog and Brittany are having almost same weight. Both Spanish Water Dog and Brittany has almost same life span. Spanish Water Dog may have less litter size than Brittany. Spanish Water Dog requires Moderate maintenance. But Brittany requires Low maintenance

History

spanish water dog - historyBred in Spain to guard and herd sheep, the Spanish Water Dog was also used in hunting because he could retrieve in water. The breed is closely aligned with other water dogs like the Irish Water Spaniel, Portuguese Water Dog and French Barbel. It is especially true that the Spanish Water Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog share some of the same ancestors. The two breeds are closely related.

In the early days of the breed, they were separated into three different sizes and types. The dogs from Northern Spain were smaller than the others and came from the regions of Cantabria and Asturias. These lighter colored dogs eventually became their own breed – the Cantabria Water Dog. The second group came from western Andalusia marsh lands. He had a long chorded coat. The third group was the strongest and largest and came from the southern Andalusian sierras. This was by far the largest and most influential group, most of whom were herders. Eventually the groups interbred and today’s SWD carries the traits of all three. They were and still are a very versatile breed. In addition to herding they fished or retrieved for hunters.

The breed was revived in the 1970”s by two breeders, Santiago Montesinos and Antonio Garcia Perez travelled through southern Spain to buy or borrow dogs for breeding. By 1980, they had established the Spanish Water Dog Club of Spain and reestablished the breed. They fought to the breed recognized in Spain first. After five years of hard work, the Federation Cynologique Internationale recognized the breed permanently in 1999.

The UKC, or United Kennel Club, of the United States, recognized the breed in 2001, accepting them for confirmation by 2004. In the United States the breed was championed by Ken and Jerry Mann to attain that UKC recognition. Still the AKC, or American Kennel Club, held out on their recognition. The Manns showed the SWD in 2000 in the AKC Rare Breed Conformation and the UKC multi-breed show in 2004.

The Manns also used their breed for herding in the United States in entered them into the herding competition. In the they advocated for and got the SWD into the herding group for confirmation with the UKC in 2013. The American Kennel Club approved the requests of the Spanish Water Dog Club, Inc and recognized the breed in 2005 as foundation stock. By 2008 the AKC recognized the SWD to be able to compete in field trials by not conformation. In 2015 the SWD will be admitting to AKC conformation and fully recognized as a member of the herding group. They were also recognized by the American Herding Breed Association in 2007.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Gun dog
Origin:
Spain
France
Height Male:
44 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
43 - 52 cm
16 - 21 inches
Height Female:
40 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
40 - 50 cm
15 - 20 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 22 kg
39 - 49 pounds
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 18 kg
30 - 40 pounds
12 - 18 kg
26 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
12 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
1 - 12
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Perro de agua Español SWD Turco Andaluz • Turkish Dog
Brittany Spaniel Brittany Wiegref Epagneul Breton French Brittany
Colors Available:
solid black, beige, brown, or white; bicolour where the second colour is white; or particolour
tricolor, orange roan, liver roan, black roan
Coat:
distinctive curly coat which is woolly in texture and may form cords when long
Flowing Medium length
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal
Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Sweet
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

spanish water dog puppy - descriptionThe Spanish Water Dog is an athletic, medium size, robust breed that is not as tall as it is long. In countries like the US, the tails are docked but it is not a conformation fault if they are not. The carry themselves with pride and elegance, have a strong head and expressive eyes which are brown. They have flat skulls and wide set eyes. Their paw pads, eye-rims and nose should be darker than their coat or at least the same color. Their eyes are chestnut, hazel or dark brown and their ears are medium height and triangular. His coat is curly and his topline is straight. With a broad chest and arched rib, he is a very athletic looking dog. The breed has much respiratory capacity with broad shoulders and straight sturdy legs. The breed has rounded feet , tight toes, and resistant pads.

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.

Characteristics

1.Children friendliness - yes

2.Special talents - water/swimming search and rescue

spanish water dog dog - characteristics3.Adaptability - very adaptable with the right exercise. Neither heat nor cold bother them.

4.Learning ability – Smart but need a reliable recall.

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.

Health Problems

spanish water dog puppies - health problemsThe Spanish Water Dog has much of the same health problems as the other water dogs and dogs their size and heritage. Here are some of the health issues they are prone to.

  • PRA- Progressive retinal atrophy – can cause blindness.
  • Hip dysplasia- can cause lameness or arthritis.
  • Cherry eye – can be successfully treated.
  • Cataracts – usually in old age and not removed.
  • Hypothyroidism – affects the immune system of middle aged dogs.
  • Allergies – skin and food.

• Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency – inability to digest food – can be treated.

  • Addison’s Disease – Adrenal glands not functioning. Can be treated.

• CHG – Congenital Hypothyroidism with Goiter – inherited and pups don’t grow correctly.

• Neuroaxonal Dystrophy – cognitive and muscular dysfunction. Vitamin E and insulin deficiency

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

Caring The Pet

spanish water dog dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy – Because of the breed propensity to some genetic dietary issues it is important to feed high quality food made from mostly meat. Avoid grains as much as possible. Don’t feed adult foods to the puppies. Feed puppy breed specific or medium size dogs.

2.Feeding the adult - Feed the adult as little grain and as much protein as possible. Feed adult breed specific or medium size dog’s food.

3.Points for Good Health - speed, stamina and agility

4. Games and Exercises – This is a working breed. Remember they are both herders and hunters and need exercise. They love strenuous hiking, running, jogging, long walks, swimming and playing fetch. Don’t over work the puppy/young dog until they have matured and their growth plates close.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Spanish Water Dog vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  2. Spanish Water Dog vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Spanish Water Dog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  4. Spanish Water Dog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  5. Spanish Water Dog vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  6. Spanish Water Dog vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  7. Spanish Water Dog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  8. Spanish Water Dog vs Dutch Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  9. Spanish Water Dog vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  10. Spanish Water Dog vs English Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  11. Spanish Water Dog vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  12. Spanish Water Dog vs Catahoula Cur - Breed Comparison
  13. Spanish Water Dog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  14. Spanish Water Dog vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  15. Spanish Water Dog vs Pyrenean Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  16. Spanish Water Dog vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  17. Spanish Water Dog vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  18. Spanish Water Dog vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  19. Spanish Water Dog vs Queensland Heeler - Breed Comparison
  20. Spanish Water Dog vs German Coolie - Breed Comparison
  21. Spanish Water Dog vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  22. Spanish Water Dog vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  23. Spanish Water Dog vs Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  24. Spanish Water Dog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  25. Spanish Water Dog vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  26. English Springer Spaniel vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  27. Brittany vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  28. Brittany vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  29. Brittany vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  30. Brittany vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  31. Brittany vs Barbet - Breed Comparison
  32. Brittany vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  33. Brittany vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  34. English Setter vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  35. French Brittany vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  36. Pudelpointer vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  37. Picardy Spaniel vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  38. Ariege Pointer vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  39. Pont-Audemer Spaniel vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  40. Irish Water Spaniel vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  41. Deutsch Drahthaar vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  42. Clumber Spaniel vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  43. Stabyhoun vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  44. Styrian Coarse Haired Hound vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  45. Vizsla vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  46. Large Munsterlander vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  47. Tyrolean Hound vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  48. Cockalier vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  49. Braque du Bourbonnais vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  50. Cesky Fousek vs Brittany - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds