Bred in France to perform the duties of a setter and spaniel, the Brittany is one of the world's most versatile hunting breeds. Beyond the dog's field abilities are his exceptional qualities as a companion dog: handsome, affectionate, industrious, comical, and protective. For a family with children and for the active owner, the Brittany is an ideal choice. Author Richard G. Beauchamp, a world authority on sporting breeds, award-winning writer, and international judge, provides insightful chapters into the breed's development in Europe and the United States and its characteristics as a pet and working dog.New owners will welcome the well-prepared chapter on finding a reputable breeder and selecting a healthy, sound puppy. Chapters on puppy-proofing the home and yard, purchasing the right supplies for the puppy as well as house-training, feeding, and grooming are illustrated with photographs of handsome adults and puppies. In all, there are over 135 full-color photographs in this useful and reliable volume. The author's advice on obedience training will help the reader better mold and train into the most well-mannered dog in the neighborhood. The extensive and lavishly illustrated chapter on healthcare provides up-to-date detailed information on selecting a qualified veterinarian, vaccinations, preventing and dealing with parasites, infectious diseases, and more. Sidebars throughout the text offer helpful hints, covering topics as diverse as historical dogs, breeders, or kennels, toxic plants, first aid, crate training, carsickness, fussy eaters, and parasite control. Fully indexed.