These dogs are known for their happy manners. However, they are also fiercely independent and can get a little obsessed when it comes to birds! Normally though, they will respond well to their 'hoomans', as really all they want to do is please you! For this reason, they make incredibly good dogs for first-time owners. They're incredibly active and will need a few daily brisk walks in order to keep them fit and healthy. Additionally, their high intelligence means that they need plenty of mental stimulation. It's also important to start socialising and training these guys from a young age, this way you can guarantee a content and well-rounded dog!

These dogs take their name from the popular area of France, Brittany. The area lies across the English Channel from Wales and for over a thousand years, it's thought that there was a lot of importing and exporting between the two areas and it's that more than likely this included the exchange of dogs! However, the first records we have of these dogs date back to the 17th century, including a variety of paintings and tapestries. They have since become fairly popular in Britain and other European countries and were a recognised breed in France in 1907. Unfortunately, the onset of WW2 saw a decline in the breed and it took time to bring the breed back into prosperity. During this time period, however, the breed was referred to as the 'Brittany Spaniel' and breeders wanted the word spaniel removed from the name, as they are actually pointing dogs! And eventually, in 1982, the name was changed by the Kennel Club.