Brittany requires PATIENT owners in otherword the brittany can be timid. It is very easy to wreck a brittany compared to a lab during training processes. As far as swimming, I wouldn't take a brittany duck hunting in the winter, they get cold very easy and they need to move around to stay warm. I have witness a brittany lock up in the pond trying to retrieve a wood duck and the dog did not swim more then 40 yard total, this happen in 25 degree weather. I hunt with my drahthaar and my buddies brittanys for pheasant, quail, chukar and grouse and I like the brittany stamina. They are extremly hyper/active for first year to year and a half depending on how often you hunt or excerise the dog. I believe brittany are strictly for upland game and grouse hunting only.