Irish Jack Russell vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison

Irish Jack Russell vs French Brittany - Breed ComparisonFrench Brittany is originated from France but Irish Jack Russell is originated from United States. French Brittany may grow 15 cm / 5 inches shorter than Irish Jack Russell. French Brittany may weigh 12 kg / 27 pounds more than Irish Jack Russell. French Brittany may live 3 years less than Irish Jack Russell. Both French Brittany and Irish Jack Russell has same litter size. Both French Brittany and Irish Jack Russell requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Working dog
undefined
France
United States
Height Male:
17 - 20 cm
6 - 8 inches
18 - 35 cm
7 - 14 inches
Height Female:
15 - 19 cm
5 - 8 inches
18 - 35 cm
7 - 14 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
Weight Female:
13 - 17 kg
28 - 38 pounds
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 13 Years
10 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
4 - 8
Size:
Medium
Small
Other Names:
Brittany Spaniel Brittany Wiegref Epagneul Breton French Brittany Spaniel
Irish Jack Russell, Shorty Jack Russells
Colors Available:
liver roan, black and white (not universally accepted), orange roan, Orange and white, black roan, liver and white, tricolor
tan, brindle, White coat with orange
Coat:
flowing , medium length
Short or long - coarse
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Intelligent, Loving
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

french brittanyBrittanys are the product of France, actually developed in the Brittany Province. They are gun dogs designed to hunt birds. Referred to more often than not as a Spaniel their method of working is much more in line with the setters and pointers. They are believed to be developed somewhere between the 17th and 19th centuries, but not recognized until the 20th century. Orange and white dogs were portrayed on 17th century tapestries, hunting and retrieving. In 1850 the Reverend Davies wrote the first record of Brittanys that was verifiable.

The Brittany was recognized for the first time in 1907 as their own breed even though they participated in the Paris Dog Show in 1900. Once recognized the standards were written as well. It was not until 1931 that the breed was recognized in America and 1934 before the American Kennel Club approved them. Until 1982 they were known as the French Brittany Spaniel. The Spaniel was dropped in ’82. In the United Kingdom the Brittany is known as an HPR (Hunt, Point and Retrieve) breed and they do so with both birds and small game such as hares. The Brittany’s have more dual champions than any other American Kennel Club Sporting Breed in both Confirmation and Field Trials.

There are some differences between the current day French Brittany and the “American Brittany”. They are the same breed but different sub-sets and there are differences that can be noted between the two. The French Brittany is smaller than the newer American version and works closer to the hunter and the guns, while the American Brittany runs ahead of the hunter quite often. Some breeders however don’t consider these differences to be sub-sets and believe that the American breeders should accept the French standards reflecting the origin of the breed.

irish jack russellOriginating in the United States of America, the Irish Jack Russell, also known as Short Jack Russells, was bred to bring about a calmer temperament and to also have a dog with shorter legs.

Always a working dog, breeders of the Irish Jack Russell wanted to create a dog with less of a hunting instinct in him and have a dog which would be more companionable.

These Irish Jack Russells look much like your regular Jack Russell but are more of a companion dog than a hunting dog. The Irish Jack Russell doesn’t adhere to any existing Jack Russell breed standard and isn't really recognized at major dog clubs and kennels. The truth of the whole matter is that there are different kinds of Jack Russells and different names given to them to differentiate between the taller Jack Russell and the short legged one. The shorter Jack Russell Terriers are known by many names such as Irish Jack Russell and Shorty Jack Russells.

Description

french brittany puppy - descriptionThe French Brittany is an energetic, compact, solid, athletic dog. They have average size heads, intelligent expressions, floppy ears, and a long, elastic and free gait. Most Brittanys are born with short tails but if not, they are docked outside the United Kingdom. Docking is illegal in the United Kingdom so those Brittanys might have a long tail.

Their coats are orange roan, orange and white and liver roan. A tricoat of orange, liver and white is allowed within a specific placement of the three colors.

irish jack russell puppy - descriptionIrish Jack Russells are small dogs standing at roughly 18 to 35cm and weighing in the region of 5 to 8kg for both males and females.

He looks much like your regular Jack Russell but he has shorter legs, and where the regular Jack Russell has an essentially white coat with orange-tan patches, the Irish Jack Russell can be solid tan or other color variations such as red, brindle, black and tan.

The coat can be short or fairly long and coarse. The Irish Jack Russell is a sturdy, compact dog with a flat skull, brown eyes and ears which are semi-erect, semi-floppy. He has a bright, alert, intelligent look on his face. The tail is set fairly high and has always been docked but these days it is inclined to be left long, taking away from the dog’s nice compact look.

Temperament:

The Irish Jack Russell is perhaps more placid than the regular Jack Russell and that is why he can adapt to life in the city or in the country. They’re intelligent dogs and therefore easy to train and have socialized.

Even though he is a small dog, training and socialization is important as he is a feisty, stubborn, know-it-all little dog. These are dogs which can become possessive of their owner and they can become quite aggressive when protecting their family. He is a highly trainable dog but it is important to have him trained as he tends to be aggressive with other dogs.

He is busy, active, happy and inquisitive and will require regular exercise to prevent him becoming restless and destructive. He has been a working terrier and he always wants to be busy.

Characteristics

1.Children

french brittany dog - characteristicsVery friendly with children

Special talents

Dual champions in Field Trials and Confirmation. They both point and retrieve.

Adaptability

They are not as adaptable as some hunting breeds. They are very active and need space both indoors and out. They are not recommended for life in apartments in the city. A rural environment is best. They do not adapt well to the damp and cold weather.

Learning ability

They are very intelligent and have very high learning ability.

irish jack russell dog - characteristicsThe Irish Jack Russell is a self-confident, energetic dog who will like nothing more than to be involved with everything you’re doing. The busier he is the better, and because he has strong hunting instincts you may find him digging in your garden for rats.

Have him trained and socialized if you want to avoid certain problems with him and remember to exercise him and provide him with the attention he craves.

He is a social dog and will pine away if you just leave him to get by on his own. Make sure that he becomes every bit as part of your family as everyone else and he promises to make you a loyal, devoted companion.

Health Problems

french brittany puppies - health problemsGenerally, a hardy breed that is mostly healthy, the Brittany in France usually lives on average 12 years 6 months. In the UK the average if 12 years and 11 months and many dogs living to be 14 or 15. Some of the health issues that might pop up for the Brittany include:

  1. Ear Infections
  2. Hip Dysplasia
  3. Canine Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
  4. Epilepsy

irish jack russell puppies - health problemsYour Irish Jack Russell is a dog that doesn’t battle with too many health issues, but nonetheless you still need to watch out for common health problems.

Jack Russell terriers are generally a healthy breed that can live up to 14 years of age, but still every dog is prone to the more common dog problems such as hip dysplasia, bloat, ear infections and dental disease among others.

If your Irish Jack Russell is in pain, he is lethargic and sick, don’t delay – take him to the vet right away.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

french brittany dogs - caringFeed puppies a high quality puppy food designed for medium sized dogs. Give about one to one and a half cups per day in 2-3 meals.

Feeding the adult

For the adult French Brittany feed a high quality adult dry food designed for medium sized dogs. Give about two cups per day in 2 meals.

Points for Good Health

Excellent vision and scent

Games and Exercises

The French Brittany is an active and enthusiastic bird dog that loves to exercise. They have the stamina and drive that goes with an efficient and successful hunting dog. They need daily exercise, regular walks and excel at field trials and confirmation. They are also good at lure chase, flyball, rally and obedience.

Grooming:

irish jack russell dogs - caringThe Irish Jack Russell is an average shedder with his short or longish coat which is easy to groom, requiring a brush once or twice a week. His nails grow quickly too and they can get caught on something and cause him damage. Trim your pet’s nails to prevent this.

Diet:

Feed your Irish Jack Russell good quality dog food each day. If you feed him commercially manufactured dog food, be certain to check the feeding instructions on the packaging.

He is a small dog, and overfeeding can be just as bad as under-feeding. It’s never a good idea to just go on and on feeding your pet dry or wet kibble day after day. Add in some cooked chicken, rice, pasta and vegetables as a treat and to also provide some variety for him.

Also a little bit of raw meat occasionally can do him the world of good and you’ll see the appreciation in his bright eyes and wagging tail.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Irish Jack Russell vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Irish Jack Russell vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Irish Jack Russell vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Irish Jack Russell vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Irish Jack Russell vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Irish Jack Russell vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Irish Jack Russell vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Irish Jack Russell vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Irish Jack Russell vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Irish Jack Russell vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Irish Jack Russell vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Irish Jack Russell vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Irish Jack Russell vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Irish Jack Russell vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Irish Jack Russell vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Irish Jack Russell vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Irish Jack Russell vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Irish Jack Russell vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Irish Jack Russell vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Irish Jack Russell vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Irish Jack Russell vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Irish Jack Russell vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Irish Jack Russell vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Irish Jack Russell vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Irish Jack Russell vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. French Brittany vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. French Brittany vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. French Brittany vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. French Brittany vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. French Brittany vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. French Brittany vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. French Brittany vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. French Brittany vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. French Brittany vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. French Brittany vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. French Brittany vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. French Brittany vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. French Brittany vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. French Brittany vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. French Brittany vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. French Brittany vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. French Brittany vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. French Brittany vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. French Brittany vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. French Brittany vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. French Brittany vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. French Brittany vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. French Brittany vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. French Brittany vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. French Brittany vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison