Brittany Grooming

The Brittany (often called the Brittany Spaniel) is a medium-sized hunting dog with a medium-length, flat or wavy coat. Overall grooming of this breed doesn't take a great deal of work--but the Brittany is a well-known "Dual Dog," meaning the breed does well in both conformation shows and field trials. Owners who plan to show their Brittany Spaniels might need to spend more time on grooming.

Below you'll find details on caring for the Brittany coat (including info on brushing and bathing), along with details on optional haircuts.

Overall, grooming a Brittany Spaniel isn't too time-consuming. These dogs shed moderately, but they generally only need to be brushed a couple of times per week; baths are only necessary every 3-4 months, unless the dog gets especially dirty or stinky; and haircuts aren't required at all, though some trim their Brittany's coat a bit to neaten it.

Brushing: A slicker brush works best for Brittany dog grooming. First wet the coat with mist from a spray bottle, then starting at the shoulders, go through the entire coat with the brush, moving in the direction of hair growth. If you encounter a mat or tangle, first try working through it with your fingers, then continue working it out with the brush. Brittany dogs might shed seasonally (more heavily in the spring and possibly fall), so they'll need daily brushing during those periods.

Bathing: These dogs can be bathed in either a bathtub or an outdoor kiddie pool using a garden hose. Start by giving your Brittany a thorough brushing, then wet the coat completely. Using canine shampoo, lather well from the topline downward, making sure to include the legs, underbelly, and tail. (If preferred you can clean the head and ears with a washcloth to avoid getting soap in the dog's eyes.) Rinse thoroughly, then repeat with conditioner if desired. Towel- and/or blow-dry the coat, then give the dog another quick brush-through to make the coat look clean and neat.

Haircuts: Dogs of this breed don't need haircuts--but some owners, particularly those who show their dogs, have the coats trimmed to clean them up. (More details can be found in the Styling & Haircuts section.) In any case, owners are advised to take their dogs to a professional groomer at least once, as the groomer can offer tips on how to groom a Brittany Spaniel in general.

Brittany brushing is only necessary twice per week or so--but these dogs may shed more heavily during the spring and fall shedding seasons, so daily brushing is best during these periods. Some people also like to use de-shedding tools once or twice during shedding season (and intermittently throughout the year) to help with dead hair collection.

The best brush for a Brittany Spaniel, like other short-haired breeds, is a bristle brush. A grooming glove works well too.

To brush a Brittany: first wet the coat with water mist from a spray bottle. Then starting at the shoulders, go through the coat section by section with the brush or glove, moving in the direction of hair growth.

In reality, the phrase "Brittany Spaniel haircut" is a relative one. A completely shaved Brittany Spaniel is by no means a good thing, as the coat simply won't grow back correctly if most of it is cut off! Some owners, though--especially those whose dogs enter the show ring--do have the coats trimmed and neatened. The Brittany breed standard severely penalizes dogs with too much feathering on the ears and legs, so some show dog owners trim those furnishings to adhere to the regulations.

Otherwise, no haircuts are necessary. It's possible your Brittany will need occasional cleanup of the hair on its feet (for hygiene purposes only); it's best to consult a professional groomer for more info.