J&A's The Story Behind the Story

The American Kennel Club's "Breeder of Merit" program began in October 2010.  In May 2011 John and I became enrolled as a result of meeting the current qualifications. This included:

• A history of at least 5 years involvement with AKC events
• Having bred a minimum of 4 dogs from AKC litters that had earned AKC Conformation, Performance, or Companion event titles in our Breed.
• A member in good standing of an AKC club.
• Certifying that applicable health screens are performed on animals that we breed as recommended by the American Brittany Club
• Demonstrating a commitment to ensure 100% of our puppies are individually AKC registered. 

Recently, we were very proud to discover we qualified for the AKC BRONZE Breeder of Merit, an advanced level of achievement and recognition. The additional requirements we have met for the BRONZE level include:

• Currently enrolled as a Breeder of Merit
• Provide PROOF of American Brittany Club's required health testing on sires/dams of litters
• Met our commitment of ensuring ALL puppies get registered
• Have had a minimum of 10 dogs earning titles with at least 5 of the titled dogs earning a prefix title (champion in all venues) and suffix titles in conformation, companion, and performance events. 

We've always been breeders of close working gundogs.  It's not a catchy phrase to promote our program.  It's who we are, who we have always been. Our preference was to simply stay in the woods and the fields with our Brittanys. We never had a desire to do much more than 'hunt em up'! Until a good friend said to me, if we wanted to be taken seriously as breeders, we should get involved.  

What did get involved mean?  Well, we discovered it meant meeting other Brittany owners and breeders, join the Brittany club, and support it's events. Then we had others say to us, "your dogs are beautiful, did you ever think about showing?" Well no, I absolute had not and had no desire to do so.  I was encouraged to give it a try although at that point in time I couldn't understand the importance of it.  

I jumped in feet first, without any experience or understanding of showing. Oh the stories I could tell of how I felt like a court jester when showing my dog!  And for years (and I mean YEARS!) when I showed, it was basically 'point fodder' for others.  But that is another story and that's okay! I was the one that the judge said he'd never seen anyone so excited to earn a second place red ribbon!  Hey, I earned a ribbon and I didn't care what color it was. 

So you get the picture.  Eventually my dear friend Julie Harris came into my life and between the two of us, we were determined to show to the best of our ability.  I can't tell you how much money and time we invested before achieving much more than a placement. (In time, we made a decision to enlist the assistance of a most amazing professional dog handler, J.M. Coccia.  Joyce finished Julie's BulletMan and shortly after that, finished our Pippin!) Julie and I improved our handling skills and our grit and determination grew stronger. It's a long story, a road full of twists and turns involving a lot of really super wonderful people. If they are reading this, I'm confident they know I'm talking about them.  And those who were not so 'really super wonderful' I bet they know who they are too! 

I am not a fan of showing dogs. But I believe in the purpose of showing my hunting dogs. Having said that, some of the best times with my dogs have been 'dog show weekends'. And now I really miss them. 

While there surely are many other breeders who have achieved far greater and grander accomplishments than the Bronze Breeder of Merit recognition, for me personally this is very humbling, significant and deeply meaningful.  In just 6 years, from 2012 to 2018 seven hunting dogs that we bred finished their AKC Championship, including one incredible girl who finished as a Grand Champion.

Last summer I showed Revere at the age of 12 months.  We only had 3 dog show weekends together. In that time he won Best in Sweepstakes, Best of Breed, Best Bred By Exhibitor, Group 4 Bred by Exhibitor and a 3 point major! And then, I fell in the ring and tore my hamstring. I went to physical therapy until everything shut down. But the story's not over.  It's just on hold. 

John will continue to title and finish hunting dogs. And we even hope to have a field champion someday - with my ultimate dream of a Dual Champion (both field and show). 

Thank you to everyone in our extended ATB Family who has jumped in feet first just like I did and finished your Brittany in any number of purebred dog sports! You found out it was fun to do something with your dog, that you could indeed compete and finish what you started!  YOU are the reason we are Breeders of Merit (Bronze Level) because you believe in our program, you get us, and understand what we're about.  No, we've never forced anyone but it's always ALWAYS been such a joy to see the determination you demonstrate. We have ENJOYED and will continue to enjoy guiding and encouraging others to step into a world beyond bird hunting! We are blessed. And we truly love you all. 

Our 7 champions and 1 grand champion that John and I bred are highlighted in the column over to the right. Someday I'm going to list ALL of our titled hunting dogs. Some really deserve a shout out for going above and beyond. 

(See John and Ann's Brittany Story for more about us)

J&A's Brittanys First Glimpse

Pictures are worth a thousand words. Our hopes were realized this morning. Holly's ultrasound shows 7+ puppies with healthy heartbeats.  Due @June 23.  Julie, John, and I are very happy. Here's a first glimpse of the puppies below.  We covet your prayers as Holly's journey to a safe, and uneventful pregnancy and whelping of healthy pups continues.

J&A's Brittanys Keep Calm and ....

Although I was very young when my parents were breeders of Boston Terriers, there are things I can still remember.  I also have my dad's whelping journal.  In 1990 John and I bred our first litter so one might think by now I'd be pretty adept at calling a pregnancy.  Alas dear followers, that is not the case!

Holly is now 4 weeks post breeding.  (Toph is 2 weeks.) Gestation takes 9 weeks so good grief and golly gee we are just about half-way!  We cannot be sure of the EXACT day Holly ovulated but we do know that pups are born 63 after a dog ovulates, or drops her eggs. Bet you didn't think you'd be getting a little biology lesson here.

Because of hormones, after a heat ends a dog that has not been bred may actually demonstrate or go through some of the same things a pregnant dog will. Sometimes they will even go through a false pregnancy, their teats will fill with milk, they'll nest and seek dark spaces and sometimes they'll carry and 'mother' toys as if they were puppies.  Despite knowing these things happen, I'm going to continue to remain extremely hopeful!

One of the first things to take place in a pregnant dog is a change in her nipples.  They may become just a little bit more prominent and darker in color. Sometimes too, even though the heat has ended, in a pregnant dog the slightest, clear discharge may remain.  Both of these things are true about Holly.

Almost from the first week Holly's behavior and demeanor has been so different. She has chosen, almost from Week 1, to retire to her crate and rest there most of the day when she's inside.  With the exception of how very excited she gets about John's every move, there is less of this now.  She seems to really prefer spending long periods of time sleeping in her crate, her den.  Instead of being one of the first dogs to come around when it is mealtime, Holly is often no where to be seen. It's as if the smell of food is offensive to her. This past week it has been especially challenging to get Holly to eat her regular food despite putting cheese, fish oil, bits of steak etc. in it to entice her. But today when getting the dog dishes ready Holly actually tucked her tail between her legs and headed in the opposite direction, remaining once again in her crate.

Holly did this yesterday for both her breakfast and for her dinner so she absolutely needed to eat something.   I cooked a boneless chicken breast in the microwave for her, mixing in some brown rice and a little chicken broth. Lo and behold Miss Holly Beth came running from the other room. Clearly she thought whatever I was cooking smelled good enough to eat. And that is what she did! Not just one serving, but two leaving me very, very happy.

As I mentioned previously, there's times I really think her rib cage has sprung. Like first thing this morning.  As Holly went out the door I glanced quickly at her and noticed a slightly expanded rib cage.  She hadn't had breakfast yet. Her 'tuck up' is still obvious, her waistline has not expanded. But that rib cage...

Once again this morning while setting out the dishes to feed our crew Holly was no where to be seen. I measured out each portion of dog food the sound of which caused a gathering of hungry and well behaved Brittanys. I fed them yet still no Holly.  I looked in the other room and caught sight of her laying in the very back of her crate. Without any fanfare I prepared the chicken dish again and popped it in the microwave briefly. I took it out, set it on the counter to cool and walked away.  Guess who came running and happily ate the meal prepared for her. Even if it meant hand feeding the last few spoonfuls.

Another interesting observation is her selective interaction with me.  If I'm sitting down on the couch Holly may suddenly appear next to me and then look deeply into my eyes.  She usually waits for an invitation to jump up next to me. She (and the others) know I am not a fan of uninvited jump ups and will respect that most of the time.  Happily, I will signal to Holly and up she goes, leans into me (we call that hugging) and snuggles.  John can ask Holly to give hugs, give kisses and she will oblige!  She'll stay with me for a little while and then, interestingly enough, she will then go sprawl out and on my bed for awhile.

There's going to be an ultrasound taken. And we are going to confirm Holly's pregnancy. I will not only "keep calm and wait for results'' like the meme above declares but more importantly I will put Proverbs 3:5 into action:

Stay tuned. Thank you for following along with us. As always, take care and God bless and join us with all faith believing that we'll see the evidence of things hoped for  - John, Ann, and All Things Brittany 

J&A's Brittanys Moment of Truth Cometh

Holly Beth - is she or isn't she???

As they say, "patience, young grasshopper."  Not that I'm impatient.  There's no irritability involved, no restlessness, no sense of rushing which are all signs of impatience. It is just so hard to think about anything else in this excitement of waiting to confirm first Holly's and then Toph's pregnancy!

When we first bred Holly and then Toph, all the wonderful possible outcomes nearly consumed my thoughts.  This is understandable because it's been 4 years since we've had puppies!  

Holly is just about 4 weeks along.  I can look at her in one moment and say 'yeah, you are definitely going to have puppies' and the next minute I am a doubting Thomas about it!  Friends of ours bred their first litter this past spring and we'd often talk about this unknowing from one day to the next.  Then, on the day of her dog's ultrasound there was a happy, happy, joy, joy phone call from the vets confirming there were puppies and we were so happy for our friends.

Our plans are to have an ultrasound next week. As we get closer to the moment of truth with Holly Beth I'm hopeful the results will be what my heart desires. Although it's my nature to be optimistic and positive it is my Christian faith that sustains that ability.  The only way I can truly distract myself and avoid being anxious is to turn to my Bible for guidance. So that's what I did. In doing so I quickly found 15 verses beginning with  'Do not be anxious ...'  and including an exhortation to trust in the Lord. (Back to basics, Ann. Back to basics.) Time for a little personal declaration:

"I will be anxious for NOTHING! I'm making a decision not to worry.  In every thing that concerns me, through prayers and petitions to the Lord I will make my requests, my desires known to Him.  Because I delight myself in Him, His Word promises to give me the desires of my heart. The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guards my heart and my thoughts in Christ Jesus. I commit my way to the Lord, I also trust in Him..."Paraphrase Philippeans 4:6,7 and Psalm 37:4 

Ann & Billy

By the way, this declaration isn't just about the dogs.  It is about ALL THINGS that matter to me.  And tonight, that includes the concern in my heart for my nephew Billy who is fighting hard against cancer. We'd appreciate your prayers.

Stay tuned. Take care and God bless. John, Ann, Holly Beth and All Things Brittanys.

J&A's Brittanys Strike a Pose!

It is such a cool raw day here in Southern Maine and believe it or not I turned the heat up inside the house! Toph went back home this morning so the previously discussed waiting games have officially started.  In the meantime I had fun this afternoon putting together the following 4 collages of Holly & Bullet, and of Toph & True.  Today is such a quiet, peaceful, uneventful day here at home.  The dogs are all so content. Actually, I'm in the mood for some Ted's Fried Clams. I haven't eaten any fried food since December intentionally which has paid off but! Tomorrow is Mother's Day, John will be judging a field trial so this will be my present to me 😇and to him too of course after his long day of judging today!

Holly-Beth

J&A's Carry the Dream of Acton JH, NA 110 Prize 1

Sire: CH J&A's Magnificent Obsession of Acton JH (Hemi)

Dam: J&A's Dreams Come True of Acton JH (Treasure)

Bullet

CH J&A's High Caliber Harris Special SH, CGC, FDCH

Sire: J&A's Apple Jack of Acton JH (JackDog)

Dam: KJ's Bouncin' Crysta (Chrissy)

Toph

J&A's Birch Spring Breaking New Ground JH, NA 107 Prize 1

Sire: CH J&A's Magnificent Obsession JH (Hemi)

Dam: CH Birch Spring PC Lunar Eclipse JH, NA Prize 2 (Luna)

True

J&A's Keeper of the Stars of Acton SH

Sire: CH Gibson JH, CGC (Gibby)

Dam:  J&A's Dreams Come True of Acton (Treasure)

J&A's Brittanys: The Art of Raising a Litter

Puppy Cave = Transformed Grooming Studio! (Treasure above) 

NOTE:  Some of the following text is taken from pages I have previous written on this ATB blog and/or our from our website!

We enjoy a purpose driven breeding program that includes careful selection and planning well in advance for each successive breeding.  An ongoing evaluation of our fun loving Brittany crew begins at birth.  It continues through the years through important feedback from those who will love and own them. The years pass quickly by but every day is still an ongoing experience of the love of the dog, both given and received. The ones we held in our hands wet from birth are the same ones we kneel next to as they take their final breaths.  This, this for us is a lifestyle choice and for all the right reasons. 

Because we're a multi-dog family we make sure that an expectant mother has her own warm, cozy, private space away from other dogs to comfortably settle into prior to whelping.  She spends more and more time there as the due date approaches.  It's set up to have many creature comforts for canine and humans alike. Some people have a man-cave. Well, we have a puppy-cave!

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 separate and 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 during this time.

During labor, we remain close by, 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. It also makes it easy for us to communicate with each other of course.  (Pups will eventually  outgrow their initial need for such an intimate, private, and nurturing environment.) 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. (In recent years we have set up a private live video stream for the new families to enjoy the pups development.)    

Early interactions prepare the way for healthy and stable relationships with other dogs and 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 veterinarian for dew claw removal and tail docking. This will also be their first health exam. (Tails of our neo-natal pups have been submitted in past years to UC Davis as part of their ongoing Brittany genetic DNA research.  DNA has also been collected from our adults for this purpose.)

We weigh pups every 24 hours and look for their birth weight to double around 10 days. Pups are handled daily.  Certain behavior is anticipated at various stages and it’s fun to watch for and identify each one. For several years we've kept an informal journal. This helps to compare similarities and differences in pups from previous litters including weight, size, and dates of significant phases of development. (These phases are noted in "The Art of Raising a Puppy by Monks of New Skete" which is required reading!)

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. See our blog pages for particulars.

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. Truly qualifying as "a labor of love"  

Weaning in itself is an important part of their development.  About 3 weeks old we introduce pups to warm puppy mash. It is quite a comical experience.  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. This helps with mom's milk drying up. 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. The dam is always able to escape her pups however she often chooses to be with them especially at night. Pups are usually eating dry puppy food 3 times a day when they go home. 

We are devoted to our Brittanys and consider it of utmost importance to be aware of specific things about each pup as well as be personally familiar with 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 learning fun for them while stimulating its learning ability, interests and natural instincts. We begin this at birth through the SMART PUPPY program.

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 as breeders that John and I do. Our preparation includes establishing a firm, solid, foundation of trust and respect. The groundwork we lay involves the potential new owner as we guide and direct them in their own preparations to eventually bring pup home. We have always referred to puppy take home day as "the first day of the rest of their life". As we entrust the care of a Brittany puppy by placing them into the loving arms of fully prepared new owners we are assured and confident they will be responsible to continue what began here, long before pup was even born. 

Breeding Better Gundogs

We have now bred four generations of OUR line of close working Brittany gundogs who are actively hunting with their families.  The quality attributes and strengths which we have identified to be consistent in our Brittanys include:

• 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 quality 

Of course, the ’genetic recipe’ of all Brittanys should always include the ability to work and perform as an intelligent hunting dog.  When possible, we maintain the best evidence of this is seen by going out into the field to work with an adult relative of a Brittany pup under consideration.  Great hunting dogs produce great hunting dogs. We enjoy supporting our claim about the natural hunting instincts prevalent in our Brittanys by actual field work (weather permitting) on an actual game bird. 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, early, consistent and frequent exposure to birds is a must. (All J & A’s Brittanys pups are introduced to birds before leaving.)

We believe there are critical factors in a hunting dogs performance to consider. and that the younger a Brittany is introduced to birds (correctly) the better.  The purpose of a Brittany is first and foremost a sporting dog bred to hunt. While the AKC breed standard should be adhered to in regards to conformation the existing hunting standard is equally as important and should not be overlooked. We desire to see Brittanys from our program participate at the youngest age possible in the AKC and/or NAVHDA hunting tests.  The most successful examples of a dogs ability to fulfill the purpose for which it was bred will also be the dogs that are best adapted physically to perform that purpose. Here is where adhering to the breed standard is the most important. Form (conformation) follows function with the function being the purpose for which the dog was bred.

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. 

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. My belief is that they are full quality homes. We encourage involvement in showing, hunt tests, field trials, fly ball, agility, obedience etc. Although our primary focus is on close working gun dogs, many of them are show quality pups and do very well in the ring! (Check out the column on the right).

In closing, I apologize that some of this is redundant to those who are already on our waiting list. You read most of this in our puppy reservation policies! But right now there is not a lot to share on the day to day. Toph is ready to go back home though, so the waiting game continues. As always thanks for your interest and following along!  Take care and God bless you and yours always. John, Ann, & All Things Brittany 

J&A's Brittanys Waiting Game

Holly Beth 2 weeks post breeding

WEEK 2

John is Holly's "Person." 

Throughout the entire gestation period of a dog there are often times of second guessing and right now is no exception. Is it wishful thinking or is there really a deeper color in Holly's teats?  Is it being overly optimistic to suggest that even in the above picture she appears slightly thicker through her middle? Is it self deception to suggest I detect a very subtle change in Holly's behavior?  Frequently, as the 3rd week of pregnancy approaches a momma dog will actually experience morning sickness.  Sometimes it is simply a matter of discovering that they have vomited or their entire appetite may be a little off.  I have read that they will actually get nauseous. Holly is not a Brittany that typically would go lay down in her crate in the middle of a busy day, although there are others that do routinely.  (We have several crates throughout our home with doors always left open with a soft blanket inside. That is unless you are Hemi and you pull your blanket out and proudly prance around with it but I digress. Positive crate training is so important from the start.) Neither is HB likely to prefer my company over John's as he is her Person with a capital "P".  Lately though she frequently tucks in next to me for some serious snuggles and I am more than happy to oblige her as we play the waiting game! Holly is one sweet Brittany and seems even more so now.

 As John definitely is Holly's Person and also his top hunting girl she is accustomed to being top dog regarding his daily outings to the field. There's an early morning routine here which the entire crew recognizes and it begins with the sounds and activities associated with John loading the All Things Brittany truck with his dog training gear.  From the time he unplugs the training collars from their charging ports to when he first opens the dog topper they are all revved up for their greatest joy awaits them. (Full disclosure: Getting up at dark o'thirty in the morning is not my idea of joy. Pulling my act together in time to head out before the sun comes up and being 'Suzie Sunshine" isn't something that will always work well either!) Weather permitting, our dogs are run several times a week. Some of this is for training, most is for conditioning and exercise, and all of it is for the love of the dog both given and received. Some days birds are involved, other days they are not but the dogs always anticipate encountering them and that always makes for an exciting morning whenever John loads the truck.  In order to keep Holly's stress level from bouncing off the charts she rides shotgun in the truck with John to the field.  Caution is exercised as far as she's concerned though and her amount of field running has been curtailed.

Holly and her momma Treasure.

I know there are plenty of people who show, trial, hunt etc. with their dog even if a pregnancy is anticipated. I'm not one of them. I'm over protective and I admit that I am careful to avoid potential problems, risks, or even dangers.  Although I know my girl is healthy, disease free and up to date on vaccinations how do I know that other dogs where we're going are?  I also consider the possibility of injury caused by any number of reasons so I err on the side of caution. I rarely will even go to a dog event when there are puppies involved or the possibility of them!  (If I do, I spray the bottom of my shoes with Lysol and then change into another pair before setting foot onto my property.)  Perhaps I am over cautious but I'd rather play it safe and think twice before risking the well being of my girl. We even limit visits by our friends and/or their dogs during this time! But they understand and still love us.

Well, that's enough rambling for now.  Time to call it a day. The windows are open tonight and the peepers are singing "cold feet, can't sleep"!  At least that's what John's mom use to tell me they said. All is quiet. Toph is still here tonight. Tomorrow I plan to groom her and make her pretty before returning home to her family where she is greatly missed.  So the waiting game continues as we will wait and see if her time here has been successful.  Thank you for your interest in All Things Brittany and as always God bless you and yours.  John, Ann, and our canine crew

J&A's Brittanys - The Art of Anticipation

Can you spot Bullet?  September 2008

ANTICIPATION : a feeling of excitement about something that is going to happen: the act of preparing for something.

There are several hopeful families at this juncture including my own! There are at least two families who have had or currently have a J&A's Brittany starting this journey with us all over again. I am reading over new questionnaires as they arrive and then referring to John for his opinion as well.

ATB Family at a Hunt Test

It is our preference that the majority if not all pups from any given litter will be going to bird hunting homes but an exceptional pet home is always a requirement! Hunting season is only a couple of months each year. A Brittanys natural instincts cannot be turned on or off so in the off season we also desire involvement in American Kennel Club (AKC) and/or North American Versatile Hunting Dogs Association (NAVHDA) hunt testing. This is not to control the future of any dog we have bred. It is to ensure you and your Brittany will have the best relationship possible!  It also will show that our breeding program is consistent from generation to generation.  Hunt tests are NOT competitive in nature and shouldn't be perceived as such.  It's about having fun with your Brittany, letting the bond between you become stronger, learning from each other. A great place to start learning more about them is AKC Pointing Breeds Hunt Test.  Pups can be entered in an AKC hunt test at 6 months of age! Brittanys from our program have earned their Junior Hunting title at just 2 weeks shy of their 6 months birthday!  Take a look back at some "Braggin' Rights" about several J&A's Brittanys and their owners at various stages.  The majority of these owners were brand new to hunt tests!  (As you read beyond the photographs to what I wrote you'll see where our anticipation for a litter of pups was growing.)  Our pups will be registered with AKC and also with NAVHDA.  They can be tested at an even younger age.  The first level of testing is called the Natural Ability. There are local NAVHDA chapters that meet for training on a regular basis. And there's always an opportunity to hook up with other dog owners with pointing breeds through various clubs including local Brittany clubs as well. Likewise, we're available to help teach you as well.  The thing is, the natural instincts are there, they are proven to be strong and you have a window of opportunity to continue to develop and fine tune them!  The training and the testing are also a wonderful opportunities for the entire family.  Here's additional photos and a look back  to past field events.  We are "All for the love of the dog, both given and received" and are sincerely interested in setting our puppy people up for success right from the beginning.  Pups born in June or July will have so much fun because by the time they are 8 weeks old we'll have introduced them to birds and had some fun in the field with them!  

Ann & Hemi (Holly
and Toph's sire)

Holly field trial major win.

A friend of mine wrote this great article about the Brittany as a dual dog. In every litter there exists the potential for a puppy as a show or field trial prospect. As we identify this we'll discuss it further with you. While our personal focus since 1986 has been on the Brittany as a close working gundog for the walking upland game hunter we actively promote our breed as a dual dog. We will absolutely guide and support a puppy owner who wishes to further pursue this.

Thank you for following along!  As always take care and God bless, John, Ann and our canine crew. 

J&A's Brittanys - 8 Days A Week

8 Days A Week because I am a huge Beatles fan and I found myself singing to Holly "Love you every day girl, always on my mind.  One thing I can say girl, love you all the time" and so on and so forth.  Yup. I sing to my dogs. Doesn't everyone?

Yesterday we returned Bullet to Julie, Sassy, Thistle, and his son Quincy. His wiggly butt was so very happy to see them because although ours is his second home there is no place like Home.

It will be awhile before we can or cannot confirm Holly Beth's pregnancy but if she is, then we now have one 7 day week behind us.  We (John and I) spoke about keeping this all quiet until we knew for sure, which is very logical. To share openly from my heart again via this blog  is a little scary to be quite honest.  The reality here is that I've had the hope I held in my heart crushed to smithereens. Sadly,  that is a reality all dog breeders face at times for one reason or another. Another sad reality for dog breeders are knowing some folks passionately thrive on gossip, criticism, and create drama concerning other people's business. Fortunately, our ATB family and friends have carried us through the difficult times with their love, prayers, and support. We're cautiously hopeful as we move beyond a season of sadness.

The ending here is unknown yet we obviously long for a happy one. We've always believed in transparency. Writing is something I have always enjoyed doing.  Remember when I use to fall asleep at the keyboard in past years? I want to do that again by sharing the moments of expectations and inspiration as well as those moments of questioning all things. The what ifs, the highs, the lows but above all I desire to share the potential of the joy that lies ahead.

As I write I am always reminded that God is in control of all things.  And that included "All Things Brittany".  He alone is my inspiration, my source of strength and trust. Not only concerning the dogs although He is the one who led us down this path. But in every waking or sleeping moment.  God speaks to us through His written Word, He speaks to us through the Holy Spirit, and He speaks to us through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, my Lord and my Savior.  There's a lot more to life than our minds can comprehend and our eyes can see.  I am convinced that the God of all mankind who created the universe and all things can also work through His 'lesser creatures'.  Thankfully so! I've seen it and perhaps you have too.

"Aunt Julie" has already made several puppy blankets God love her. If you're new to ATB for many years she has crocheted a puppy blanket for every Brittany puppy born here. The puppy blankets are kept with pups and mom, they are well loved and when a puppy goes home they bring home the scents they are familiar with.

We'll do an ultrasound at the proper time. I'll remain positive by putting together a playlist of 'whelping room' music. Speaking of which, I've found several wonderful new artists to follow including Danny Wright and Keven Kern.  Their music is similar to Doug Hammer.  I am all about using music, lighting and mood for the benefit of momma to be dog and puppies.

So I'll get on with this day. It started with John running dogs at the training field with some friends and their Setters.  Speaking of which, Charlie did earn his first two qualifying scores towards an AKC Junior Hunter title.   We're so proud of him! Ticks are bad this year. We've been picking them off ourselves and our dogs.

The inquiries continue to be welcomed.  Because of the length of time since our last litter in 2014 we just did not expect anyone would wait that long although a few folks have. That in itself is humbling. I'm screening ruthlessly as I always do. That is not a bad thing but I am actively seeking qualified homes so please visit our website so that we can send you the necessary information. You'll get our puppy reservation policy, a copy of our purchase agreement, and a questionnaire to return if you feel we'd be a good fit for you!

As always thank you for your interest in All Things Brittany and God bless you and yours.  John, Ann & the crew

Check our Facebook page "J&A's Brittanys/All Things Brittany" for public photo albums and take a look at our slideshow galleries on the website too!

TRUE - AKC SENIOR HUNTER / More!

TRUE - OUR NEW AKC SENIOR HUNTER My heart is bursting with pride on behalf of John and our "True" puppy.  True sailed through his Junior testing level quickly earning his JH title.  He continued to do well at each successive Senior testing level and likewise qualified for his first 3 legs.  Then it became more of a struggle and we gave him a break from it all. He's always had a nice retrieve and never had a problem backing the point of another dog.  John ran him in a field trial where he won an adult placement in Open Gun Dog but trialing is just not our thing. The handsome True was shown a few times and quickly won his first 4 points in his first four back to back dog shows but was not shown again. Maryann has an interest in learning how to train at the SH level and  insisted this spring we try to finish him.  The first day out he didn't qualify but on the second day when brought back to show the judges he would back another dog he did not disappoint!  Congratulations to True and John, I couldn't be happier about this.

J&A's Keeper of The Stars SH - "True" 

Sire: CH Gibson JH CGC  &  Dam: J&A's Dreams Come True of Acton JH

Breeders/Owners/Handlers: John & Ann Short

True is the third Brittany which we have bred to earb the AKC Senior Hunter (SH) title but the first one soley owned by us.  (Bullet, co-owned with Julie, was the first to finish his SH title as well as our first bench champion.  Wilson (Bullet's son) owned by Pete Sipperly and Kira Lajeunesse was the second to finish his SH title and is also a bench champion.  I should note that Wilson is a NA Prize 1 Brittany also in training for his UT title.  Both boys are working towards Master.)

OUR BOYS SURE HAVE BEEN BUSY
Hemi & Luna's beautiful litter of 10 Brittany puppies arrived on April 19th at Birch Spring Brittanys in North Hampton, NH.  This is a repeat breeding of the litter which resulted in a NAVHDA Breeders Award of Merit for the Thayers.  Pups from the first litter are actively trialed, shown, and of course hunted including our own "Toph" (J&A's Birch Spring Breaking New Ground JH, NA Prize 1).

Photo by Birch Spring Brittanys

Bullet & Brandy's sweet litter of 4 arrived on March 28th, also a really nice repeat breeding. Bo & Christine Longley of Merrymeeting Brittanys in Litchfield, Maine have good reason to be proud of this litter.  Two of the boys, Rocky and Argos, earned their AKC Junior Hunter titles and the majority of pups in the first litter are in active hunting families.

Photo by Merrymeeting Brittanys

TEAM AVATAR HAS A DUAL JUNIOR HANDLER!

On Mother's Day 2014 at 8 years old our granddaughter had her first handling 'lesson' here thanks to our dear friend Julie Harris. I'd just had my first total knee replacement so Julie had taken my young puppy Holly Beth to live with her for a few months. (It was also when Bullet & Thistle's pups were born including Quincy, Zuko, and Ammo.) With Julie's help Alana took Holly Beth around the yard and from the start it was easy to see what a natural handler she was.  Holly went on to be shown by Alana in the Central Maine Brittany Club Specialty show winning their first blue ribbon. Soon she was old enough to show in AKC Junior Showmanship and obtained her pin and number. Eligible now to show as a Junior she presented my champion "Hemi" (Holly and Toph's father) and at her first show won BEST JUNIOR IN SHOW with competition at the Union Maine shows.  Alana took handling classes to perfect her 'craft' and presented both Hemi and her puppy Zuko at various shows.  In the spring of 2015 Alana won her 3rd Novice Junior Showmanship class with competition and moved up to the Open Juniors.  Life happened and she didn't get back into the ring until this spring, this time with her 14 month old puppy "Toph".  At back to back specialties Toph's show debut first place win in 12-18 month catapulted her and Alana into the Winners Bitch competition.  Alana showed Toph in a highly professional and impressive manner.  A couple of weeks later Maryann, Alana, and I had a girls weekend at the West Springfield show.  Alana won her very competitive Opne Junior class of 7 and went on to compete for the coveted Best Junior in Show. Another junior won this but Alana worked Toph the entire time, right up until the judge made her decision.  She also  competed in the adult classes and did really well.  Alana also expressed an interest in learning how to handle in the field along with her mom. We're really excited about this. To make a long story short Alana successfully handled Toph to her first Junior Hunter Advanced leg.  They did so well the hunt test judge called them back to run as the 'bye dog' with another dog that didn't have a bracemate.  This was pretty cool that out of 22 dogs they were selected.  Toph actually finished her JH title at a very young 6 months old with Maryann handling.  Now we are looking further at field trials. Maryann handled Toph to a  2nd place Amateur Derby win when 6 months old.  As I've been saying all along, the best is yet to come!

ATB HUNT TEST RESULTS

The 2016 Central Maine Brittany Club hunt tests have come and gone.  I've completed all of the official AKC paperwork and sealed the envelope.  Now the accomplishments of Brittanys from our breeding program at this event can finally sink in, especially True's accomplishment as AKC SENIOR HUNTER!

NEW AKC JUNIOR HUNTERS

J&A's Heart of Seumas JH

Sire: CH J&A's High Caliber Harris Special SH

Dam: GCH CH J&A's Sisters of the Heart JH

Breeders: Julie Harris & Ann Short    Owners: Julie Harris & John Short

Birch Spring LH White Feather JH, NA Prize 1

Sire: CH J&A's Magnificent Obsession of Acton JH

Dam: CH Birch Springs PC Lunar Eclipse JH, NA Pz 11

Breeders: Phil & Ben Thayer   Owners: Phil & Sherri Thayer

J&A's Jack Be Nimber JH

Sire: CH J&A's High Caliber Harris Special SH

Dam: J&A's Dreams Come True of Acton JH

Breeders: John & Ann Short    Owners:  Dan & Joanne Woodman

J&A's Superior Jack's Rugar JH

Sire: J&A's Apple Jack of Acton JH

Dam: J&A's Superior Nova JH

Breeders: John Short & James Turner   Owners/Handler: James & Lori Turner

ATB Junior Hunter & Junior Hunter Advanced QUALIFIERS

J&A's Birch Spring Breaking New Ground JH, NA Prize 1

Sire: CH J&A's Magnificent Obsession of Acton JH

Dam: CH Birch Springs PC Lunar Elipse JH,, NA Pz 11

Breeders: Phil & Ben Thayer   Owners: Maryann Day & John Short  Handler:Alana Day

J&A's Rubies Are Heaven Sent JHA (she is already finished as a JHA)

Sire: J&A's Soaring White Sequoia of Acton

Dam: KJ's Rambling Molly Rose

Breeders: John & Ann Short   Owners: Roger & Marilyn Gilman  Handler: Tyler Gilman

J&A's High Caliber Shamrock Special

Sire: CH J&A's High Caliber Harris Special SH

Dam: GCH CH J&A's Sisters of the Heart JH

Breeders: Julie Harris & Ann Short   Owners: Roger & Marilyn Gilman

Merrymeeting's Little Rockstar JH

Sire: CH J&A's High Caliber Harris Special SH

Dam: Merrymeeting's Brandy JH

Breeder/Owner/Handlers:  Walter & Christine Longley

It's been a very busy year so far and will continue to get busier! Bullet as well as his son Wilson are working now towards their Master Hunter title.  John has several judging assignments for Junior, Senior, and Master levels of AKC hunt tests coming up throughout New England and New York.  There are several AKC and American field trials we all have an interest in.  Maryann successfully completed her judging apprenticeships. Young Ayden wants to try his hand at showing too. A few dog shows remain on our immediate radar.  We're also looking towards summer and field tune ups for several dogs from our program. Still up in the air about where we will be running dogs but we do have a nice area over in Dayton that has worked out well so far. It's been a lot of fun having Maryann regulary come alongside of us with Toph and Zuko. 

As for puppies we'll enjoy meeting Luna and Hemi's pups in a couple of weeks. Sooner than later Bullet & Brandy's pups will be going to their respective new homes. Julie had a blast meeting them recently!  I have enjoyed sending referrals for both litters.  I am also enjoying my time with our senior dogs to 'simply be' while continuing to look towards the future with an eye on the past.  And the future looks good for J&A's Brittanys on many levels.  I think our boys are going to keep things moving forward. By the Grace of God, it looks very very good. 

As always thank you for your interest in All Things Brittany.  Take care and God bless!  John, Ann and our canine crew. 

ATB: Looking Ahead

Update: We must say goodbye to the fields and abandoned apple orchard where we've taken our dogs since 2005.  Appreciative of the current and previous landowners generosity to train, run, and introduce pups to birds the property will now be used to harvest corn and hay crops.  It's going to be hard to drive by every day knowing that special season has come to an end.  Truly the good times there gave way to a sense of community among family and friends who love their dogs as much as we do ours.  We're keeping our eyes and ears open though hoping to find another place nearby.

2/28/16 Where we run and train
the dogs. No snow!!!

Getting back to what I love.
(Pippin & Treasure)

The weather this winter reminds me a lot of what we experienced a few years ago in 2012. That year we consistently had no snow and the temperatures were fairly mild during the winter months.  We actually were able to run and train the dogs on birds throughout the entire winter season!  I also remember that was when the pain from OA in my left knee would often debilitate me. Today however, I am so thankful to be on the other side of two successful total knee replacement surgeries and so very eager to not just pick up where I left off, but to experience a myriad of new adventures! I've been in the field with dogs running two times now since surgery.  The first time was down to the Kennebunk Plains at the end of January. And the second time was yesterday at the training field. I am so ready to take my focus off of what I can or cannot do because of my knee. Currently, I am still measuring my goals and successes by how strong and pain free my knees are on any given day. It's been almost 4 months since the second surgery, and almost 2 years since the first one. Recovering from total knee replacement has been the most challenging experience of my entire life and I don't say that lightly. I do still have rough days. These surgeries are not for sissies! The fact of the matter is I have two brand new knees to rediscover what it is like to play an active role in my own life!!  The surgeries are behind me now and it's time to make good on my claim that indeed, the best is yet to come! Today my goal and my success will be making the rest of my life the BEST of my life.

So what lies ahead?  To begin with we're very excited working with two established breeding programs and a brand new one which we are supportive of. We're also happy that there are many very happy families awaiting news of these anticipated pups. There may be some availability once they arrive and for anyone wishing more information or might be remotely interested please  contact us and we'll happily refer you to the breeders. As for the next litter that we breed which will actually be born here - we will probably look to Holly-Beth for that honor.  J&A's Carry the Dream of Acton JH NA 110 Prize 1, is OFA Excellent and several names are on Holly's dance card!

Toph wonders about this show debut
stuff and why she lost her neck hair!

Next on the list is the show debut of the incredible J&A's Birch Spring Breaking New Ground JH, NA 107 Prize 1 "Toph"!  She was one very busy little puppy in 2015 the first year of her life and it looks as if she's going to take on 2016 in much the same way.  I am looking forward to seeing our daughter have some fun with her puppy in the ring.  J&As Blue Lightenin' Bolt JH otherwise known as "Zuko" will be shown a little more this year as well. Together he and "Toph" make up the dynamic "TEAM AVATAR".  This grandmother had to research the characters that these two youngsters are named after.  Zuko has been shown a few times by our daughter and our granddaughter.  He has been in the ribbons but they are anxious to see him earn some points of course.  His two brothers, J&A's Shamrock Special "Ammo" & J&As  Heart of Seumas "Quincy"  have done very well in the show ring so it's just a matter of time. 

 I am really looking forward to learning more about training a dog at the AKC Senior Hunter level. I also really like what NAVHDA has to offer.  Regardless, I really look forward to spending more time spent in the field with our dogs than ever before. We do wish to see pups from our program tested in one or both of the hunt test venues at as early an age as possible.  The earlier this is done the easier it is to see the strength of the natural instincts.  Then I like to see the dogs take a break from testing following the junior and NA level, to really work on obedience and compliance to their handler.  I guess that's where I am. Even so, the folks who seek us out are interested in one thing only and that is a close working gundog.  The rest is frosting on the cake as far as I'm concerned.  I don't like to promote our pups as show puppies though despite the fact that pups from our program frequently not only have great potential to be successful in the ring, but now more than ever they ARE!  I am not permitted to run until my 1 year anniversary following this second surgery so no showing for me. I did try it last year but as my other knee was showing off that was quite short lived. It's not really pretty when I show anyway. We'll leave it at that!  There's enough of my family and friends showing our dogs now so it's all good. I will sit ringside cheering, help with grooming, and take pictures for the time being. And be very proud while still believing, the best is yet to come. As always thanks for your interest in All Things Brittany, take care & God bless - John, Ann, and our canine crew.