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The Brittany, often still called the Brittany Spaniel, is a leggy, athletic bird dog with a coat that is far easier than it looks. Compared with Cocker or Springer Spaniels, a Brittany has lighter feathering and a flatter, denser coat that sheds moderately and resists tangling. For most Brittany owners, grooming is less about keeping the coat pretty and more about cleaning up after long days outdoors. Here is a practical routine.
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The Brittany Coat
Brittanys have a dense, flat or wavy coat that is neither silky nor wiry. Feathering on the ears and legs is light compared with other spaniels. Colors include orange and white, liver and white, and roan patterns, and the hair tends to be fine. Shedding is moderate, with increases in spring and autumn.
Weekly Brushing
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One or two sessions a week of 10 to 15 minutes usually suffice:
- Slicker brush over the body and feathering to lift loose hair.
- Metal comb through the ear and leg feathering to catch small tangles and burrs.
- Bristle brush or grooming mitt to finish and bring out shine.
In spring and autumn, increase to three sessions a week to stay ahead of seasonal shedding.
| Task | How often | Why it matters for Brittanys |
|---|---|---|
| Brush body and feathering | 1-2x per week | Removes loose hair, prevents light tangles |
| Post-field check | After every outing | Burrs, ticks, grass awns, scrapes |
| Ear check and dry | Weekly and after swimming | Drop ears hold moisture |
| Nail trim | Every 2-4 weeks | Active dogs still need dewclaws trimmed |
| Bath | Every 6-10 weeks or as needed | Coat sheds dirt well; over-bathing dries skin |
After Field and Trail
Brittanys are bred to cover ground through brush and cover, and they bring plenty of it home. After each outing:
- Comb the ears, armpits and leg feathering for burrs and seeds.
- Check between toes and around pads for cuts, thorns and grass awns.
- Run your hands over the body for ticks, especially around the head, neck and ears.
- Look inside the ears and nose if the dog is sneezing or shaking its head.
A grass awn that burrows into the ear canal or between the toes can cause serious problems. If you suspect one, see your vet promptly.
Ear Care
Brittany ears are short compared with other spaniels, but they still hang over the ear canal. After swimming or bathing, dry the inside of the flap and use a vet-approved ear cleaner if recommended. Check weekly for redness, odor or dark wax.
Bathing
A Brittany’s coat sheds dirt well; a quick rinse after muddy runs often suffices. Full baths every six to ten weeks are usually enough. Use a mild shampoo, rinse thoroughly and towel-dry. The coat dries fairly quickly, but make sure the feathering and ears are dry before the dog settles down for the night.
Light Trimming
Most Brittanys need very little trimming. Useful tidies include:
- Trimming hair between the paw pads to reduce burr collection.
- Neatening straggly ear feathering.
- Tidying the hocks and sanitary area.
The coat should not be shaved; it offers protection from brush, sun and weather.
Nails and Paws
Even very active Brittanys may not wear their nails down on soft fields. Trim every two to four weeks, and always trim dewclaws, which can snag and tear in the field. Check pads for cracks after rocky hikes.
Hunting Season vs Off-Season
A Brittany’s grooming load changes with the calendar. During bird season, when the dog may run through briars and wet cover several days a week, budget a 10-minute check and comb-out after every hunt and a quick freshwater rinse if the dog has been in muddy or brackish water. Many hunters trim the ear feathering and leg furnishings shorter before opening day so burrs have less to grab. In the off-season, the coat can grow a little fuller and a weekly brush is usually enough. Spring is also when shedding and tick activity rise together, so pair the heavier brushing with a thorough tick check.
Professional Grooming Costs
A Brittany rarely needs a groomer. A bath, brush-out, tidy trim and nails typically costs $45 to $75 in the US. Many owners use a groomer before or after hunting season for a thorough clean-up.
FAQ
Do Brittanys shed a lot?
Moderately. They shed year-round with spring and autumn increases, but their coat is less profuse than many spaniels’.
Should I trim my Brittany’s feathering?
Light tidying is fine, especially if your dog works in dense cover. Keep the body coat natural and unshaved.
Bottom Line
Brittanys have a low-fuss coat that needs brushing once or twice a week, light trims and occasional baths. The real grooming work happens after outdoor adventures: combing out burrs, checking paws and ears, and finding ticks. Build that post-outing habit and your Brittany will stay comfortable and field-ready.
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