The J & A's Brittanys Purpose Driven Breeding Program

Brittany Breeding - 101
The ’genetic recipe’ of all Brittanys includes the ability to work and perform as an intelligent hunting dog. All Brittanys should point and find game at the most elementary level. We feel that as hobby breeders, the burden of proof rests with us regarding the validity of these statements. We enjoy a purpose driven breeding program that includes careful selection and planning well in advance for each successive breeding.  Our ongoing evaluation of our fun loving Brittany crew begins at birth and includes important feedback through the years from those who will love and own them. We are devoted to our Brittanys and consider it of utmost importance to learn specific things about each one as well as the great dogs behind them in their pedigrees. We make an effort to maximize the learning potential of each sweet little Brittany puppy by making it fun for them while stimulating its learning ability, interests and natural instincts. We know what we can expect to see in our Brittanys, what they stand to inherit, which traits to anticipate and look for in our pups. We can recognize and work to resolve uncertainties without sacrificing the quality attributes and strengths which we have identified to be consistent here:

• 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 families are primarily interested in a close working gundog. 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 4 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. A security surveillance camera, 2 way monitor, and a remote digital temperature sensor 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 - 4 weeks for many reasons. The health and stability of these early interactions prepares 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. We then weigh them 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 at an early age the easier it is for them to learn.

The animal - human bond is established slowly and deliberately. 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. 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, 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 know just how to guide a new Brittany owner to 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, 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 signing up for basic puppy classes 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.

All necessary health clearances are done well in advance of a breeding and only the healthiest of all Brittanys 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 actually were involved with the legislative process of making years ago.)

STUD SERVICE
Stud services of several J & A's Brittany's males are available for consideration including those owned by other individuals.

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:

• Prior Brittany experience or sporting dog breed
• Active lifestyle
• Love of the outdoors
• Hunting family
• Experienced, responsible dog owner
• References such as vets, trainers, other breeders, etc.
• 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:

• Initial contact us via email from the Maine Brittany site
• Our immediate response which may include a phone call, forwarded information, email, etc.
• Your indication to proceed further by returning required questionnaire and references (to discourage random Internet inquiries our questionnaire is only available via direct request)
• 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 

In closing and in the end, it is all for the love of the dog both given and received.  I know it sounds like a lot of work and I suppose it is.  But as has been said before, it is a labor of love and it is what we are called to do with our lives at this point in time. Even so, love me love my dogs.