Brittany Birthday Wishes / Just Sayin

8 Beautiful Brittany Puppies & Their Lovely Mother
(please pause the PlayList before viewing)

One question frequently asked of me is how do I remember the dates and names of our litters of Brittany puppies? It really is quite simple you know. We plan our purpose driven breeding program well in advance, from year to year. As full time hobby breeders, we strive to continue to improve our ever developing line. Typically when John and I make a decision to breed there is an established list of serious inquiries. Long before an actual mating occurs we usually know several hunting families that we will be working with, what their expectations are for a Brittany, and they know who they will be working with. They understand our reason for breeding and how important their feedback will be to us. Eventually, in most situations, a friendship has developed and together all parties involved look forward to the future. As someone said to me recently, it is exciting to know that their new family member will arrive sometime this year. John and I wait with the same level of anticipation as those who will bring one of our very precious Brittany pups into their heart and home. When we have pups we spend a lot of time determining which pup will be the best fit for what family. I do believe when a breeder knows their line inside and out, backwards and forwards it easily could be possible to select a puppy blindfolded though! You'd be surprised though how reliable and accurate the various stages of our puppy evaluations are.

Anyway! John and I devote ourselves to the upbringing of our pups for those first 8 weeks and also work to be sure the awaiting families are well prepared. In that timeframe, we get to know each of the little ones very intimately. Additionally, our lives revolve around our entire crew, for what we do here is a lifestyle choice. Each litter is different, even when a repeat breeding is involved.

I don't always remember to acknowledge the birth date of when a puppy was born. But truly, I can count on someone to gently remind me! I am fairly successful with accuratley remembering the litter names and/or the actual names of our puppies. We only just started naming litters and we're not exactly consistent with doing that. It's a novel idea, sweet, warm and fuzzy but definitely not a requirement. We've tried themes but find it is much easier when John nicknames a puppy at birth based on it's unique appearance. Speaking of John, he really is super when it comes to giving nicknames - that's one of his specialties. Another one of his specialties is making sure each umbilical cord is at the proper length, is disinfected, tied off if needed. He also aspirates all pups at the slightest indication of any fluid in the pups lungs, nose etc. He listens very carefully to their first attempts to breathe.

For at least 56 consecutive days our pups are handled, nurtured, loved, hugged, cleaned and more. Our puppy socialization and development methods are found in the details of our Breeding 1010And it is a labor of love. Why would I not remember? I also connect the wonderful people who come into our lives as a result of our Brittany pups. I remember the stories of how people eventually connect with us. For instance, I remember when Helen came, a referral from several mutual friends, looking for an agility prospect. It was a most wonderful visit and just thinking of it fills my eyes with tears of joy, honest. As someone with years of experience in the sport of Agility and titles all the way to the top she knew what she wanted. I was fascinated with the bag of toys and items she brought with her to test each available puppy. I learned so much by watching her interaction. I knew when she had discovered the best agility prospect by 8 weeks old - that was definitely NOT something I could have done for her. But now I know. When Tenzing went home, there was a wonderful smile on Helens husbands face in addition to her own. And we were blessed to receive a new training book I'd never read, plus beautiful tote bags crafted by Helen, with Brittany appliques! Tenzing has been in active training for agility for 18 months, and now at 2 years old he has participated in his first competetive trials. I hear from others in the Brittany community he has done well. I missed out though on attending his first one. But I will look forward to when I sit outside of the course and see Helen and Tenzing!

Most every pup from a litter has a special story behind them in regards to meeting their new owner. Jim (who has Jersey) was out at a hunting preserve and someone from the club spotted him hunting with Brandi (Treasure/Gibson pup). The gentleman stopped to inquire about where the beautiful liver/white Brittany hunting hard was from. The two men spoke for a moment. A few minutes later Jim called Lori and asked her to call me to see if we had any pups left. We had been holding an orange and white girl for friends but that did not work out. So the answer was yes, we did have a pup. Later that evening I was on the phone with the person Jim had hooked up. I was asking questions, interviewing, and discussing medical care etc. Suddenly the phone went quiet. When the conversation continued I learned that I was speaking with a popular veterinarean in that area who specialized in sporting dog care. My face was a little red. A couple of weeks later we had the pleasure of meeting "Annie"s new parents, each of whom are practicing DVMs. It gets better! A Brittany club in their area had invited the doctor to a member meeting for a special presentation on first aid in the field. Dawn was there and noticed a young Brittany. She inquired of the pup and we all discovered what a small world it is! Annie has turned into an outstanding bird dog. Actually, most of the Brittanys from that litter are actively hunted. (If you've followed the blog you know we cater to the needs of experienced upland game hunters who want a close working (non-field trial) gundog, a hunting family with prior experience living with Brittanys!)

Then there is Max, who enjoys kayaking, mountain climbing and of course bird hunting with his best bud Mark. Mutual friendships abound through the weaving of lives in the ATB family. This includes the networking of professional gundog trainers and others who hook up with us. Such was the case with Mark and Max who ended up working with Grey's Outfitting where the BBW and Boogie spend time. Their owner also is involved with Grey's as a marksman.  A sister of the Molly & Jack pups whose birthday we celebrate, Miss Beccah, is living and loving life way up in God's Country in Northern Maine. She actually has an older half brother (Durgin) there. Sometimes our puppy owners let us know that in a couple of years they would be interested in another Brittany. Often they have an older dog. Such was the case with Beccah's owners. Great people to know, and who love their Brittanys.

We never refuse a pup to a family who wants "just" a pet. I believe a Brittany who lives life as "just" a pet is a very fortunate dog and the feedback from their owners is very important! Chase and his brother Remi (a popular name!) are fortunate in this way although their families are very open to bird hunting.  We do require ALL of our pups attend basic puppy training and obedience and by the time we've said 'yes', we are satisfied the home is a full quality home.

John just hollared across the room asking 'what are you writing out there?' Well, I tell him that since I've not posted here since New Years, I do have a lot to say! The thing is though, I've not covered any of what has been going on since the first of the month! Guess that means another post should be forthcoming. You'll want to hear all about how our son's new church is going, about how awesome ATB did at recent dog shows, and how we are oh so very close to announcing what we expect in the spring!

Just Sayin'
To know me is to understand how I feel about defining pet quality, dual quality, show quality, hunting quality in regards to pups. Any home that a J&A Brittany pup goes to is first considered a full quality and a top quality home regardless. John and I actively promote the breed as a close working family gundog. Breeding to produce quality gundogs requires breeding according to the AKC breed standard in regards to size, conformation, structure, temperament, coat, movement, etc. While we do not breed with the intent to show a dog from each litter we have, we do breed with the intent that every dog in each litter will hunt well. Without a doubt, there are many Brittanys from our program that either are or have potential to be competetive in the ring. Many of these dogs are spayed or neutered. Speaking of the show side, we are close to finishing 2 Brittanys we have bred. There are others right behind them. Showing is our hobby, secondary to our gundog program. Our ATB family all know this, but when someone mentions they'd be interested in showing a dog as well as hunting I will be 100% behind their effort in every possible way!)

Well, I do have wonderful memories surrounding the arrival and development of most every Brittany puppy that ever was born under our watchful eye. And I could continue to elaborate further about the lovely puppies of Molly and Jack. But it's chilly out here in the office and as I look over my shoulder, I see a couch full of Brittany dogs that looks very inviting and snuggly! I think I must go plop myself in the middle of it after enjoying a hot mug of home made turkey soup prepared by my private chef aka the love of my life, John.

Enjoy the brief video. This was taken within hours of Molly's whelping. The film quality is grainy, taken with my old camera. (Speaking of cameras, I am extremely lost without mine. It was lost somewhere on the Kennebunk training grounds several weeks ago...) John and I were resting on the couch, enjoying just watching the pups and Molly under the heat lamp, the radio playing one of my favorite songs and I was so tired I was singing along off key! But there you are, such sweet dear sweet little puppies of our Molly and our Jack, it is true for you as it is for all of the ATB family - you'll be in my heart, always. I hope you get to have a special treat and toy for your very special day tomorrow.  All sweet Brittanys from ATB, young or old, here there or everywhere - you are each loved more than you could possibly know!

Take care and God Bless you always... John, Ann and the Brittany crew here at All Things Brittanys