Irish Red and White Setter vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison

Irish Red and White Setter vs French Brittany - Breed ComparisonFrench Brittany is originated from France but Irish Red and White Setter is originated from Ireland. French Brittany may grow 41 cm / 16 inches shorter than Irish Red and White Setter. French Brittany may weigh 14 kg / 30 pounds lesser than Irish Red and White Setter. Both French Brittany and Irish Red and White Setter has almost same life span. Both French Brittany and Irish Red and White Setter has almost same litter size. French Brittany requires Low Maintenance. But Irish Red and White Setter requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Gun dog
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France
Ireland
Height Male:
17 - 20 cm
6 - 8 inches
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
Height Female:
15 - 19 cm
5 - 8 inches
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
25 - 34 kg
55 - 75 pounds
Weight Female:
13 - 17 kg
28 - 38 pounds
25 - 34 kg
55 - 75 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 13 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
5 - 10
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Brittany Spaniel Brittany Wiegref Epagneul Breton French Brittany Spaniel
Irish R&W Setter, IRWS
Colors Available:
liver roan, black and white (not universally accepted), orange roan, Orange and white, black roan, liver and white, tricolor
Creamy white and red
Coat:
flowing , medium length
Shortish, smooth with feathering
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Intelligent, Loving
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate 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 red and white setterClassified as a gun dog in the UK for hunting game birds, and as a sporting dog in the USA, the Irish Red and White Setter was available with his red and white coat. Breeders however, started focusing essentially on the red variety so that the red-and-white setter all but disappeared.

Fortunately, the breed was revived and considered a separate breed from the Irish Setter. He has gained recognition with all the major kennel clubs.

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 red and white setter puppy - descriptionThe Irish Red and White Setter is a large dog standing at between 56 – 61cm, both male and female, and weighing at around 25 to 34kg.

Always used as a gun dog for its speed and scent, its head is carried high and its long feathery tail is held out level with its back and then it ‘sets’ into a pose, giving its handler a clue where the bird is hiding.

The Irish Red and White Setter has a lean, muscled body which is well proportioned, being slightly more heavily built than the Irish Setter. He also has a broader head.

The coat is shortish but it has those long silky fringes which are known as feathering around the tail, chest and legs. The Irish Red and White Setter is red and white but you may find some freckling around the legs and muzzle. The ears are usually red and they are long, silky and floppy.

Temperament:

As gun dogs, the Irish Red and White Setter is a loyal and devoted family pet who can become a good friend of children too as they love to play. He is a lithe dog and bounding in energy, and he will therefore require a reasonably sized garden.

He will need to be trained and socialized and once trained he makes an obedient and reliable companion.

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 red and white setter dog - characteristicsThe Irish Red and White Setter is every bit as beautiful as the Red- or Irish Setter even though he may not be as well known.

Setter lovers are thrilled that this beautiful, playful, well tempered dog has been saved from extinction. He has plenty of stamina to be an excellent sporting dog.

He is intelligent too and easily trained. He is an affectionate, loyal, gentle, devoted family dog and he has also got good looks on his side.

Give him the right kind of food, a warm, dry place to sleep, lots of exercise and games and your love and attention, and you’ve got a friend for life.

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

Chronic Allergies:

irish red and white setter puppies - health problemsDogs like the Setter can get chronic allergies if they’re exposed to the same food over and over again. Setters are prone to chronic allergies when exposed to a food such as soy. That is why if you’re unsure, rather speak to a dog expert about what to feed a Setter and what to avoid.

Heart Disease:

Feed your Setter foods rich in taurine to avoid heart disease. Taurine is found in chicken and red meat. You can see how important the right food is for your setter as the wrong food can cause a host of illnesses.

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 red and white setter dogs - caringGrooming your beautiful Irish Red and White Setter isn’t going to be a difficult task, and a good brush twice a week will ensure he stays looking his best.

Because he has long ears, these should be checked, especially if the dog loves to swim. Water, dust, debris and wax can build up and cause an ear infection.

His nails will also need to be trimmed if they get too long and don’t naturally wear down.

Exercise:

This is a beautiful dog that offers ruggedness and endurance, and essentially he needs to be a country dog or live in a home where there is a good sized garden. He loves being on the go, and is a dog that will gladly join you on your hikes, cycling trips or swimming – you can count him in.

Diet:

Irish Red and White Setters are an active breed and are naturally lean and lithe, being fast runners. Make sure to give them the right food so that they maintain this muscle mass.

If in any doubt, speak to your vet to find out what is essential for a dog like this. Protein for instance is vitally important as are fats. These dogs need high amounts of energy. Vitamins and minerals are also very important for keeping a dog healthy and strong.

Try and include some nutritious home-made food into his kibble such as cooked chicken, brown rice and vegetables as well as some raw meat occasionally. These dogs can develop horrible skin allergies if they don’t get in some raw meat from time to time.

Fresh, cool water should be constantly available to your pet.

Comparison with other breeds

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  26. French Brittany vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  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