Health
Brittanys are generally healthy and hardy dogs. UK Kennel Club survey puts the median lifespan of the breed at 12 years 11 months. About 1 in 5 dogs died of old age at an average of 14–15 years. Because of their floppy ears, which tend to trap moisture in the ear canal, Brittanys should have their ears cleaned regularly. Hip dysplasia is known to affect some members of the breed, and statistics compiled by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals show that 14.9% of Brittanys tested between 1974 and 2009 were considered dysplastic, with the incidence of hip dysplasia being reduced to 10.3% for dogs born 2003-2004. Epilepsy has also been known to occur in the breed. American fanciers encourage owners of affected dogs to submit DNA to UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Lab for their ongoing research into the Brittany and canine health.
Brittanys are also listed among the breeds that are commonly affected by Canine discoid lupus erythematosus.
Aside from plenty of exercise, Brittanys are low-requirement, healthy dogs and are easy to handle. They need minimal grooming, as, unlike Labs and Shepherds, they are "single-coated". The hair that sheds from other dogs comes from the very fine undercoat. The Brittany lacks this undercoat and is, therefore, known by owners to shed little. A bath only when necessary is all that is needed.
Read more about this topic: Brittany (dog)
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