- high intelligence level
- natural bird hunting abilities
- natural retrieving skills
- soft mouth
- versatility
- ease of training, cooperative
- biddable with a well balanced, fun-loving disposition with children and adults
- dual purpose
The majority of J & A’s Brittanys clients are primarily interested in a close working gundog. That is the purpose of our breeding program. Speaking of burden of proof, we are happy to head out into the bird field and work with a parent, sibling, or other adult relative of a J & A’s Brittany pup under consideration. Without any hype we enjoy demonstrating the full potential of your puppy as demonstrated in 3 generations of Brittanys from our program. The dogs like to show off too.
THE ART OF RAISING A LITTER
It is a labor of love to get a pup ready to spend the rest of their life as an alert friendly, fearless, inquisitive, happy, and smart Brittany. It is perhaps the most important thing we can do. Our preparation begins by establishing a firm, solid, foundation of trust and respect. The groundwork we lay includes the potential new owner as we guide and direct them in their own preparations to eventually bring pup home. We have always referred to this as "the first day of the rest of their life". As we entrust the care of a Brittany puppy into the loving arms of fully prepared new owners we are assured and confident they are responsible to continue what began here, long before pup was even born. In the meantime, here is a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes at J & A’s Brittanys. When expecting, the mother receives the best possible pre-natal care and given the most respect throughout her pregnancy, whelping, nursing and rearing of her puppies. Although monitored closely, she is afforded privacy during labor and delivery with minimal assistance. Whelping occurs in a quiet atmosphere of low lighting, soft music, and warm, comfortable and clean surroundings. The safety, mental health, and overall well being of the nursing mother and her pups will always preclude any thought of ever permitting another family dog into her whelping box and surrounding area. Those are our rules and ATB respects them.
We remain nearby taking cues from the mother should our assistance be needed during delivery and to reassure her with our presence. Most of the time our presence is welcome but we respect cues that indicate otherwise! Shortly after birth each pup is carefully examined, photographed and weighed. Important information is quickly recorded and pup returned to it’s mother. This actually is their first “stimulation exercise!” We enjoy close observation of neo-natal pups and the interactions with their mother and siblings, sometimes simply sitting close by for hours. Neo natal pups are kept under an infra-red heat lamp, the temperature of the whelping box closely monitored. The whelping box is arranged so that one area is cooler for mom. We have used a security surveillance camera, 2 way monitor, and a remote digital temperature sensor to assure us peace of mind concerning their well-being 24 hours a day. Pups will eventually outgrow their initial need for such an intimate, private, and nurturing environment but not for several weeks. To avoid endangering any aspect of this stage of development we safeguard their nest and den on their behalf. Lessons and rules learned from mother and siblings are crucial especially during the first 3 to 4 weeks for many reasons.
Speaking of security surveillance a trend in recent years offers viewers a live video stream of whelping and puppy development. The concept is cute and understandable. Although we have the technology to follow this trend we decided live web cams are not appropriate here and would demean the very purpose and integrity of our program. We take the privacy of the dam in regards to whelping, nursing and rearing her babies very seriously. We do enjoy sharing frequent updates, slideshows and videos instead!
The health and stability of all of the early interactions of the pups will prepare the way for the most important relationship of all, the one they will have with humans. The first 72 hours is critical as pups are weighed at 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 hours to be sure they are gaining weight. During the first 36 hours pups and mother are brought to the veterinarean for dew claw removal and tail docking. This will also be their first health exam. (The tails of our neo-natal pups sometimes have been prepared for submission to UC Davis as part of their ongoing Brittany genetic DNA research. We are proud to say that DNA has been collected from our adults and puppies for this purpose.)
We weigh pups every 24 hours and look for their birth weight to double around 10 day. Pups are handled daily. Certain behavior is anticipated at various stages and it’s fun to watch for and identify each one. We identify similarities and differences in the pups as well as previous litters. Although the evaluation process is ongoing from birth we have identified key periods for individual testing and evaluations and have developed a series of tests and exercises for pups. The exercises help us evaluate the pups while providing them with new learning opportunities as they experience new sights, tastes, sounds, surfaces, scents, etc. The more things a puppy is exposed to during these first weeks the easier it is for them to learn and accept new experiences later in life.
The animal - human bond is established gently with lots of love as we progress slowly and deliberately with them. Keeping our purpose based breeding program in mind we begin by reinforcing the canine rules taught by the mother Brittany, introduce human manners, and continually provide stimulus to enrich the environment of our Brittany puppies. Each puppy is a unique individual. Our methods of evaluating puppy development has been refined over time and is based on highly respected research by Pffafenberger, Volhart, Hastings, etc.
From about 4.5 weeks on life for the young Brittany pup changes rapidly. Supervised and gradual introduction to the rest of the ATB family begins. Visits from prospective new families, evaluations by people unknown to the pups, vet visits, romps here there and everywhere, increased time with children, introductions to the crate, collar, and leash and so much more. It is a busy time where every moment of the day is devoted to puppy care in one way or another. And it is perhaps the most enjoyable part of raising a litter of pups despite the hard work involved.
Weaning in itself is an important part of their development. The first time a young pup is introduced to warm puppy mash is quite hilarious. Each pup reacts different and in the end it is one big mess. It is a great photo opportunity! Pups are separated from their mother for a few hours so as not to nurse and then have quite the appetite to try something new. When they are finished mom comes back in to clean up the dish and her babies. Once weaning is well underway pups are separated from their mother for several days and fed warm puppy mash 5 times daily. When weaning is complete they are reunited with her for extended periods right up until the time they go home. No one can teach respect to a young puppy like a mother dog. Pups are usually eating dry or slightly moistened kibble 3 times a day when they go home.
We enjoy helping each new owner help their pup reach its full potential. We stand behind every Brittany puppy we are responsible for bringing into this world and will remain available for the lifetime of the dog. Despite what the dog has inherited, and regardless of how well prepared it is when it leaves us - training must be ongoing. Just obtaining a Brittany from a good line is not enough. The new owner must provide proper nutrition, nurturing and training regardless of pups intended purpose. If the dog is to be hunted then regular and frequent exposure to birds is a must. (All J & A’s Brittanys pups are introduced to birds before leaving.)
We do have minimal requirements which include participating in a basic puppy class and letting us know when and where they have been scheduled. All potential puppy buyers read "The Art of Raising a Puppy" by the Monks of New Skete, a book similar to our beliefs on raising a puppy. (It is enjoyable to use this book and follow along as labor approaches, pups are born etc.) Additionally, hunting families also read "Bill Tarrant Trains Gun Dogs" a very humane approach to gun dog training. Before bringing a pup home new owners provide us with the date of the appointment they’ve made for pup to visit their vet within the first week.
Our pups and their mother are thoroughly examined by our vet during the first 48 hours of life at which time tails are docked and dewclaws removed. We do know how to perform these procedures ourselves but prefer to have it done by our veterinarean at this time. They are then examined a second time just before 8 weeks of age and receive their first puppy shots. Each client goes home with a state health certificate issued by our veterinarean.
J & A's Brittanys is not a commercial breeding kennel, we do not sell to pet stores, and are not dealers of dogs. Licensed as a personal Maine Municipal Kennel, we are inspected annually and are limited by Maine law as to how many animals we own or puppies we may sell. All necessary health clearances are done well in advance of a breeding and only the healthiest of animal is used. We will always take a Brittany back. Some of our policies and contractual agreements are based on Maine’s animal welfare laws regarding the sale of dogs, some of which we participated in the legislative process of making them.
SERIOUS INQUIRIES We maintain a waiting list of carefully selected homes, people considered as a “Serious Inquiry” and prepared to welcome a Brittany into their life based on:
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Prior Brittany experience or sporting dog breed
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Active lifestyle
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Love of the outdoors
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Hunting family
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Experienced, responsible dog owner
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References such as vets, trainers, other breeders, etc.
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Understanding a wait is usually involved
J & A’s pups are not defined with a single function in mind. They are dual purpose dogs. Our client’s homes are not defined as a show quality, pet quality, or a hunting quality home. They are full quality homes. We encourage involvement in showing, hunt tests, field trials, fly ball, agility, obedience etc. We will provide the very best puppy possible according to your expectations including a prospective show dog.
The following steps are involved when inquiring about a J & A's Brittany:
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Our immediate response which may include a phone call, forwarded information, email, etc.
- Your indication to proceed further by returning required questionnaire and references
- Our review and follow up with an invitation to come and meet us and our canine crew
- In the case of an expectant mother or very young puppies visits are delayed temporarily because of a self imposed quarantine here. (When you do visit please leave your other dog(s) at home.)
NOTE: Our questionairres are provided as a courteous response to serious inquiries only and are not provided here as a form. This is to discourage random Internet inquiries. We appreciate the initial inquiries from those looking for a Brittany.
We are proud to pass along specific qualities of our breeding program. Stud services are available for approved females and will include:
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Review of 4 gen pedigree and AKC registration certificate
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Hands on visit with owners and female and/or photographs
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Up to date / current with proof of all necessary immunizations
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PennHip evaluation and/or OFA certification, other clearances
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Veterinary certificate of current, negative Brucellosis test
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Photograph of actual service (with witness)
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Certification of actual stud service (with witness)
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Stud dog owner will supervise and assist if needed
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Female is customarily brought to the male
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Signed contract agreed upon by all parties
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AKC Litter Registration
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Advance notice of females heat
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Progesterone essays strongly suggested
Our available sires: (PennHip and/or OFA certification)
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CH J & A's High Caliber Harris Special JH (w/o)
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J & A's Apple Jack of Acton JH (w/o)
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J & A's Soaring White Sequoia of Acton (w/l)
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J & A's Keeper of the Stars of Acton JH (w/o)
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J & A's Magnificent Obsession of Acton JH (o/w)
Spring 2013 - Selective Breeding Program
Our waiting list for our next litter (due mid May 2013) is full. We are currently accepting serious inquiries through 2014. After acquainting yourself with our breeding program, if you would like to determine if you and your family would be a good match for us as well as one of our Brittany dogs please contact us via this website. We will not respond to random Internet Inquiries, only to those who are specifically interested in what we have to offer, when available. It is a good idea to get on our list at least 6 months to a year in advance of an actual planned breeding if our Brittanys are desireable to you.
Congratulations! You've reached the end of Brittany Breeding 101 and we promise - there will not be a test!
Matthew 6:19 - 21