Traits to Look for When Choosing a Brittany Puppy

If you've ever been led to a pen full of 6-week-old Brittany puppies and been told to pick one out, you know how impossible it can be. They are all so cute, playful and soft as a cotton ball. Choosing a Brittany puppy is important because generally you have decided that you want a bird hunting dog, and you want to be sure you choose one that is smart and has the traits needed to be a great bird dog.

  1. Good Traits

    • The most important thing for a Brittany bird dog to have is a good sense of smell. If the pup has runny eyes, it may mean that there is a sinus problem that might relate to smell. A vet has ways of checking this out. Watch to see how much the puppy is using its nose. It should be sniffing everything around it.

      You want an assertive puppy. Don't pick a shy puppy and expect it to be a good hunting dog when hunting with other dogs.

      Choose an alert pup--the one that is investigating you, your shoelaces, its tail, the food and is very active.

    Undesirable Traits

    • Make a loud clap and watch the puppies' reactions. Look for the ones who come to investigate, not the ones who scurry and hide. You want a puppy that won't shy away from a gun shot.

      While you want an assertive pup, you don't want the most aggressive one. Bird dogs often have to deal with other dogs on a hunt, and you don't want to keep breaking up fights your dog started.

    Considerations

    • Choose a pup that has more white fur than colored fur. The pup will be much easier to see in the woods when hunting.

      Listen to your instinct in a situation where you've narrowed it down to two or three pups. Chances are this dog is going to be a companion, too. Spend some time with the top choices and eventually the right pup will make itself known to you.