Caring
PUPPIES SHOULDN’T BE SEPARATED FROM DAM TOO EARLY. It is very important for breeders to give puppies the best start possible. Ideally, every puppy should begin learning how to be a dog by interacting with its mother and its littermates. But pet stores often sell puppies who are 5 weeks old or younger, already separated from their litter and lacking this important early socialization. 5 weeks is simply too soon for a puppy to leave its mother.
Ideally, your breeder will raise the puppies inside their house with lots of socialization until at least 7 weeks of age. If the breeder is doing a good job of socializing the puppies, he or she may keep the pups until 10 or 12 weeks of age Or longer. Because puppies often go through a fear period at 9 weeks of age, its best if the puppy doesn’t travel during its 9th week of life.
Adult Brittanys, properly socialized and cared for, should have little trouble adjusting to a change to a new home later in life. And even dogs who have suffered the worst treatment possible often have the amazing capacity to bounce back and become terrific pets and/or working dogs in loving homes.
Please don’t buy a puppy from a pet store. Pet stores that sell puppies often buy these puppies from puppy mills that are only concerned about making lots of money to the detriment of the puppies and dogs involved. The pet store is unlikely to provide basic information about the breed, and unlikely to socialize the puppies as well as a good breeder. You won’t be able to meet the parents, so you don’t know about their health or temperament. While you might feel sorry for the puppy raised in these unfortunate circumstances, buying that puppy keeps the puppy mill in business. Consider adopting a dog from a shelter or a rescue organization instead. Or purchasing a puppy from a reputable breeder that you feel comfortable with.
Veterinary Care Guidelines For Puppies
0-2 years of age
The following wellness checklist outlines some of the important veterinary care your puppy needs during the first year. However, this should only be used as a general guide - it is important that you work together with you veterinarian to ensure your puppy is receiving the appropriate health care throughout his/her first year.
Strongly Consider for Brittany Spaniels all non-core vaccines and vaccination schedules for hunting dogs such as Lymes, Giardia vax, etc. Also Lepto, Corona and Bordetella. Hunting dogs are exposed to more than usual - tell your vet that your dog is a hunting dog!
6-10 weeks: A baseline physical examination, including:
- Fecal Examination
- First Vaccinations for core vaccines: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus (DHPP)
Ask your veterinarian if the following non-core vaccinations are necessary:
- Bordetella (Canine Cough Complex)
- Coronavirus (DHLPPC)
- Leptospirosis
Non-Vaccine Considerations include flea/tick/heart worm preventatives.
Important: Try to limit exposure to public places and other dogs until the 16-week core vaccination schedule is complete.
- Be prepared to give your puppy's history (birth date, any vaccinations already received).
- Discuss core and non-core vaccinations with your veterinarian and establish vaccination schedule (BIRD DOGS THAT TRAVEL SHOULD HAVE ALL CORE/NON-CORE VACCINATIONS): Core vaccinations are those vaccinations required by law or needed by all puppies. Non-Core vaccinations are optional depending on your veterinarian's recommendation and your pet's lifestyle.
- Discuss puppy spaying/neutering options with your veterinarian; schedule procedure if possible.
- Find out the clinic's hours, emergency clinic number, etc. You may want to drive to the emergency clinic to become familiar with its location.
- Discuss appropriate flea, tick, heartworm and other parasite preventatives and the appropriate application/administration intervals.
10-12 weeks: Veterinary visit for vaccinations:
- Second vaccination / booster for DHPP
- Rabies vaccine (check with your veterinarian on timing, as laws vary among communities)
14-16 weeks: Veterinary visit for vaccinations:
- Third vaccination / booster for DHPP
- Begin with short, daily grooming sessions
- Brush your puppy all over including his/her underside
- Handle your puppy's paws so he/she will allow nails to be trimmed
- Reassure and praise your puppy as you groom
- Appropriate flea, tick, heartworm and other parasite preventatives should be already in place. Discuss with your Vet.
6 months: Veterinary visit, including:
- Physical exam for overall development and body condition.
- Dental check-up (most of your puppy's permanent canine teeth have come).
- Spay or neutering procedure, unless you are a qualified breeder.
Questions to ask:
- Any concerns you have with your puppy’s behavior or health and your veterinarian’s recommendations
- Your puppy's weight and how to tell if he/she is getting too heavy
- When to switch your puppy to adult food
- How to perform a Rib Check
American Brittany Club Code Of Ethics
Adopted November 30, 1996
The following principles are to be used as an educational guide and a tool for Brittany breeders for the purpose to develop more genetic and disease free dogs, while being ethical in all matters with the public and with our peers.
Objective and Purpose
To promote cooperation and friendship among the breeders and owners of Brittany’s and to encourage higher standards in breeding, training and showing of Brittany’s in the field and in the show ring; to discourage the breed from becoming split into groups of "field dogs" and "show dogs" and to strive to keep it forever a "dual dog".
Ethical breeders should:
- Comply with all ABC and AKC rules and regulations.
- Maintain a high standard of health, care, and cleanliness for dogs under one's care.
- Truthfully and realistically represent the Brittany being bred and/or sold in terms of quality, health, and genetic history. Refrain from breeding a bitch or using a stud until they are two (2) years old.
- Consult with your breeder and with knowledgeable, experienced members of the ABC, regional clubs, or local kennel clubs to broaden your understanding and knowledge of the history of the breed BEFORE breeding your Brittany.
- Breed only stock which are physically and temperamentally sound and in good health. No dog or bitch should be bred that is known to have serious inheritable defects or genetic diseases, such as:
- canine hip/elbow dysplasia, primary epilepsy, a seizure disorder
- eye disorders - retinal atrophy, undescended testicles
- heart defects, extreme shyness, viciousness, other inheritable diseases or defects
- Not attempt breeding without the ability to distinguish between correct and incorrect physical attributes. This ability requires a careful study of the breed standard, principles of genetics, and a study of both the sire and the dam's pedigrees. Breeders should study and learn the good points within our dogs, looking to both field ability and conformation.
- Have their breeding stock OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), GDC (Genetic Disease Control) or PennHip certification numbers for hips on, at least, both the sire and the dam; preferably for three (3) generations on both sides of the pedigree. In addition, other tests (brucellosis, eyes, elbows, and other unspecified tests) should be declared in agreement between owners of the sire and the dam prior to breeding.
- Refuse to sell to commercial wholesalers, retail brokers, or research laboratories.
- Have tails docked and dew claws removed soon after birth. Prior to the sale of the puppies, initial shots for known infectious diseases should be given and worming administered. A buyer should be supplied with a four- (4) generation pedigree, registration certificate, information on all veterinary care, and instructions for the care, feeding, and training of the Brittany.
- Remember your responsibility, as a breeder does not end with the sale of the puppy. A breeder should have contact with the buyer of a pup throughout the life of the dog. This information will enhance breeding knowledge and improve the foundation for a good long-term breeding program. This will also help your regional club to grow with new members and possible participants and workers.
- Use spay/neuter agreements and/or consider limited registration if it is known or believed to manifest hereditary defects detrimental to the breed. THE LONG TERM INTEREST OF THE BRITTANY SHOULD BE THE GOAL OF EVERY BREEDER.
- Consider DNA finger printing for all dogs in your breeding programs.
Copied From: http://clubs.akc.org/brit/abc_code_of_ethics.htm 2/14/2004.
