“THE BRITTANY’S COAT SHOULD PROTECT IT IN ALL TYPES OF COVER. Our standard points out that ‘too little is preferable to too much’.”
I would be remiss if I didn’t point out the other problem that judges sometimes have with our breed. Square is in the eye of the beholder. A dog can look long in body, but when you have a chance to measure from the top of the withers to the ground and then measure from the forechest to the rear of the dog, it should be the same length. Measuring from the top of the withers to the elbow should equal the measurement from the elbow to the ground. Th e length of a Brittany is in the chest which allows it to have adequate room for an athlete’s heart and lungs. If
you think a dog is long, be sure to look at both sides of the dog, because many times they have markings that further that illu- sion of length. A dog that is overly square will crab or side wind, because they can’t get out of their own way. I encourage stu- dents of the breed to make the opportu- nity to try this measuring experiment as it will help you develop your “eye” for the correct look for a square Brittany. Th at brings me to the fi nal point I’d like to make, coat. Th e Brittany’s coat should protect it in all types of cover. Our standard points out that “too little is pref-
erable to too much.” It says that because if you’ve ever seen a heavily coated dog after running in the briars for an hour, you just have to wonder how long it’s going to take you to get all those pesky little bri- ars out. Th e Brittany still functions in the fi eld and while an individual may never get the opportunity of a fi eld experience, if he was turned loose in a fi eld, could he function without injury and in an athletic fashion? Th at is a judge’s responsibility to determine when judging this wonderful, energetic, intelligent, and athletic breed, with “the soft expression of a bird dog.”
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