Grooming
It’s easy to imagine the peppy Brittany twirling in place and panting, “Let’s get our groom on, Mom!” When it comes to grooming, the breed is the equivalent of your favorite cotton dress with pockets—low maintenance, functional and pretty to look at. (#score) Here are some grooming tips for your Brittany:
Brushing: Short, dense hair equals less brushing and little shedding. These pups need a weekly brushing with a soft brush, like the Bass Brushes Shine & Condition Brush, or a brushing mitt, like this grooming glove from Frisco, to remove dirt and any loose hairs from their coat. Follow up with a comb on the longer feathers, normally on the ears, legs and tummy, and the hard part’s over.
Ear cleaning: Don’t forget to check their ears for debris and any redness or swelling. If you notice anything, speak to your vet. If your vet recommends at-home cleaning, follow this step-by-step guide on how to clean dog ears.
Bathing: Bathing once a month will keep your Brittany smelling fresh. Need to freshen up in between? A quick swipe with a grooming wipe, and they’re ready for hugs.
Nail trimming: After their bath, give their nails a trim. You’ll know it’s time when you hear the tell-tale “click-clack” on the kitchen floor. Post bathtime is the perfect time for nail trimming, as the bath softens the nails and makes the whole process easier for everyone.
Dental care: The last grooming chore is taking care of that smile. Veterinarians recommend brushing daily to prevent tooth loss and disease. Get step-by-step toothbrushing instructions. And don’t forget to schedule your Brittany for an annual professional cleaning by your vet.
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Training
Training is a must for the Brittany , especially for Brittany puppies. Their intelligent mind leads them to independent thinking, and, as hunting dogs, they have a strong prey drive. Starting training while they’re a puppy helps them more readily adapt to your way of thinking.
Teach them the fundamentals like sit, stay, come and how to walk nicely on a leash. These skills are important to help keep them safe and well-mannered as they grow up. But it’s important to understand that these pups have strong hunting instincts that you’re never going to completely train out of them, like their desire to chase.
Like all dogs (and you!), Brittanies respond well to reward-based training, aka positive reinforcement. Reward them when they do a good job with treats, lots of praise and play breaks with fun toys, and redirect them when they don’t do what you want them to do. And be sure to take a break or a walk before either of you gets frustrated. Keep training fun for both of you!
Socialization is another necessity for this social butterfly. They need to know what behaviors are appropriate when meeting someone, furry or not, outside their family. Take your puppy on walks and let them meet new people and dogs you pass by. Consider enrolling them in puppy school, too, where they can learn to play nicely with other puppies and mix and mingle with other people all in one location.
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Diet
Brittany dogs typically do well on a high-quality commercial dog food. Be sure to factor in your dog’s age and choose a formula that fits their stage in life (puppy, adult, senior). Look for the statement on the packaging that says the food meets the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials.
Because your Brittany is so high energy, your vet may recommend slightly larger portions, more frequent feedings, or a high-protein food. But again, consult with your veterinarian, as they are in the best position to help you pick the right food for your dog based on their individual needs.
High-quality treats will also be a hit with your puppy, and small training treats are great for teaching tricks and practicing obedience. Remember that treats equal calories, though, so make sure they don’t overindulge. If you notice your pup gaining a little extra weight, chat with your vet. They can help you put together an exercise and diet plan to help your pup lose the weight and maintain the nutrition they need.
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Exercise
Run, walk, play, rinse, repeat. Your bundle of fun will need lots of exercise. Lots. Brittany dogs are athletes through and through, and plenty of exercise—think 60-90 minutes throughout the day—keeps them happy, healthy and out of trouble. If you don’t fulfill your dog’s energy levels every day, they’re creative and will come up with their own ways to entertain themselves, and your favorite heels or your flower garden may not appreciate their efforts.
One benefit of lots of exercise is that they get to spend plenty of time with you, which will always be their favorite thing to do. Lace-up your sneakers and snap on your pup’s leash for your morning run. Take them on weekend outings as you explore the Great Outdoors full of hikes, camping trips and other adventures.
If you enjoy a bit of friendly competition, get involved in dog sports. Because these pups were bred to be versatile, they excel at a variety of sports, including agility, tracking, flyball and obedience, to name a few. And these sports pull double-duty as training activities. #doublewin
If you want to take advantage of your dog’s gorgeous look, Brittanies do well in the show ring, too. Brittany dogs are one of those rare breeds who often win titles in both the field and in conformation (dog shows). Either way, you’re guaranteed to have a lot of fun, and you may come home with a few championship ribbons to show off.
These pups have a strong prey drive. After all, they were born to be pointing dogs, where they chase and point at their quarry, so hunters can find them. Always have your pup on a leash when you’re not in an enclosed area, like a fenced yard. These pups will chase everything they think needs chasing, and no amount of training—or yelling as they speed away—will stop them until they’ve finished the chase. And they won’t look both ways before crossing the street. So, for your sanity and their safety, always keep them on a leash.
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Environment
Brittany dogs need a home where they’ll get a lot of love and a ton of exercise. They really need a home with a fenced backyard where they can safely run around and stretch their legs during a rousing game of fetch, and therefore, aren’t ideal for smaller places like apartments.
The breed is an exceptional family dog who loves kids, although you’ll want to supervise them around smaller kids and babies, as your pup may accidentally knock a tot over in their enthusiasm. Brittanies get along great with other dogs in the home, and they can get along with cats if raised together from puppyhood. But they do have strong hunting instincts, so small animals will be chased.
Brittanies need lots of attention and time with their humans. If you’re lucky enough to work from home, you might possibly be their favorite person ever. If you have to be gone for long, schedule time at doggy daycare or arrange for a neighbor or pet sitter to come by and play with your pup. If you travel a lot, this may not be the dog for you—they will miss you way too much!
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