Tyler Nikolas Buddy Bendel, our baby.

The AKC, who began recognizing Brittanys in 1934, says the following about Brittanys: "The Brittany is a medium-sized, leggy, dual-purpose dog, equally suited for sport and companionship. According to AKC® Registration Statistics, it has surged in popularity in the last 50 years due to its talents as both a hunting and show dog. Originally called the Brittany Spaniel, it is now referred to simply as the Brittany, as its hunting style more closely resembles that of pointing breeds. Its dense, flat or wavy coat can be orange and white or liver and white in either clear or roan patterns. ... A compact, closely knit dog of medium size, a leggy dog having the appearance, as well as the agility, of a great ground coverer. Strong, vigorous, energetic and quick of movement. Ruggedness, without clumsiness, is a characteristic of the breed. He can be tailless or has a tail docked to approximately four inches."

I say that our Brittany, Tyler, is a fierce companion. His loyalty to our family is unwaivering. Though Brittanys are primarily used for hunting, our Tyler has made one heck of a family dog. He is so intelligent and eager to please. We have never given him any formal training, yet he knows to sit, lay, stay {all the usual commands}; he even "points" on instinct! He never ceases to amaze me. He loves his pal "Ducky" {a stuffed duck, imagine that}. He's great with our two cats and loves children. He's seen his share of adversity in his short 2 yrs. On Tyler's first birthday he was hit by a car, breaking his front left leg. At the vet's office he was exposed to parvo and struggled trough several extended vet visits for nearly a month. He recovered and was back to his cheerful self quickly. Then in February of this year he and our sweet Nik ran away. They were gone for nearly a week; Nik didn't make his way home, but thankfully Tyler did with just a few minor cuts and bruises. Tyler has always been my weakness, but since he's been home it's been more of an obsession. He's spoiled to say the least! He's never alone, he's either with Mommy or Daddy or Grandpa is "Tyler-sitting."

I can't say enough wonderful things about our baby, or the breed for that matter. Whenever we are ready for a new little one, we will definitely be going with a Brittany!