Luna's Adventures

In North America, the word “spaniel” denotes a flushing dog and water retriever, which is why “Brittany Spaniel” became simply “Brittany” in 1982 (edited to add that this was under the AKC, they are still Brittany Spaniel in the CKC). Brittanys are pointing dogs, so they don’t fit the typical North American definition of a spaniel and, the AKC breed club felt it was misleading.

HOWEVER

“Brittany Spaniel” was derived from the French name for the breed, which originated in the Breton (Brittany) region of France, the Epagneul Breton. Contrary to our definition of “spaniel,” in France during the development of the breed, “epagneul” simply meant something along the lines of “long haired hunting dog” and “braque” meant something along the lines of “short haired hunting dog.” That’s why you have your Epagneul Bretons, your Epagneul Picards, Epagneul Français, etc., which are all long-haired pointing breeds, and your Braque du Bourbonnais, Braque d’Auvergne, Braque Français, etc. which are all short-haired pointing breeds.

Spaniels by the North American definition (water retrievers also used for flushing) were mostly developed in the UK and in North America itself, and the words weren’t really interchangeable when the breeds were being developed in the 17-1900s.

She's a pretty fine looking dog for a little parvo-ridden street mutt, if I do say so myself.

Strong girl, will knock you over. <3