Step-by-step: How to Groom a Brittany Spaniel

If you've ever stared at your Brittany's wavy, feathered coat and wondered where to even start, you're not alone. Learning how to groom a Brittany Spaniel is one of the most important skills you can develop as an owner, and it's not as intuitive as you might think. These dogs have a double coat, floppy ears that trap moisture, and a lifestyle that often involves mud, burrs, and tall grass.

A generic grooming routine just won't cut it.

The good news? Once you understand the breed's specific needs, an at-home session takes about 45 to 90 minutes, and you only need a full groom every four to eight weeks. As of 2026, the American Kennel Club recognizes the Brittany as a distinct breed, but the grooming fundamentals remain the same.

With the right tools and a consistent routine, you can keep your dog comfortable, healthy, and looking great year-round.

Quick Answer

Groom a Brittany Spaniel by brushing two to three times weekly with a slicker brush and undercoat rake. Bathe every four to eight weeks using dog-specific shampoo. Clean and dry the ears after every bath or swim.

Trim nails every three to four weeks. Brush teeth two to three times weekly. Always check for mats, ticks, and burrs after outdoor activity.

Why Grooming a Brittany Is Different From Other Dogs

Breeders and veterinarians will tell you the same thing: Brittanys are not your average house dog when it comes to coat care. Their double coat is dense, water-resistant, and prone to seasonal shedding. Their ears hang low and heavy, creating a dark, warm environment where bacteria and yeast thrive.

And their activity level means they pick up everything from grass awns to cockleburs on a daily basis.

Here's what makes Brittanys genuinely different from, say, a Lab or a Golden Retriever:

• Double coat structure: A soft, dense undercoat sits beneath a coarser, weather-resistant topcoat. This combination protects them in cold water and thick brush, but it also means they shed heavily twice a year.
• Feathering: Longer hair on the ears, chest, belly, backs of the legs, and tail requires consistent brushing to prevent mats and tangles.
• Floppy ears: The drop ear design traps moisture and debris, making ear infections a chronic problem if you don't stay on top of cleaning and drying.
• Field dog lifestyle: Whether your Brittany hunts upland game or just tears through the woods on hikes, they collect burrs, ticks, mud, and debris that need regular attention.

A one-size-fits-all grooming approach fails on all four counts. You need a breed-specific routine that addresses the coat's structure, the ears' design, and the dog's real-world activity level.

The Brittany Coat, Explained

Before you pick up a brush, you need to understand what you're actually working with. The Brittany coat is a double coat, which means it has two distinct layers with different functions.

The undercoat is soft, dense, and insulating. It keeps your dog warm in winter and acts as a temperature regulator in summer. During spring and fall, this layer sheds heavily in what owners call a "coat blow." You'll see tufts of soft fur coming out in clumps, and if you don't stay on top of brushing, it will mat against the skin.

The topcoat is coarser, straighter, and water-resistant. This is the layer that sheds water and protects your dog from brambles and brush. It's also the layer that gives Brittanys their classic, slightly tousled appearance.

The feathering is the longer hair that grows on specific parts of the body: the ears, the chest, the belly, the backs of the front and hind legs, and the tail. This hair is softer and more prone to tangling than the rest of the coat. It catches burrs, mud, and moisture, and it's where most mats form.

Now, here's the part that surprises a lot of new owners: you should never shave a Brittany. The double coat regulates their body temperature in both heat and cold. Shaving destroys the coat's texture, removes sun protection, and can cause permanent damage to the hair follicles.

The coat often grows back patchy, discolored, or not at all in some spots.

Instead of shaving, proper Brittany grooming focuses on:

• Removing loose undercoat during shedding season
• Keeping the feathering brushed and tangle-free
• Bathing on a schedule that preserves natural oils
• Drying the coat thoroughly after any water exposure

Understanding the coat structure explains every grooming decision you'll make from here on out. The tools you choose, the brushing technique you use, and the bathing schedule you follow all exist to protect and maintain this two-layer system.

The Essential Grooming Kit for Brittanys

You don't need a drawer full of fancy tools to groom a Brittany, but you do need the right ones. Here's what our research and aggregate owner reviews consistently point to as the minimum viable kit:

There's one image that captures the heart of the kit perfectly.

The slicker brush and undercoat rake are your two most important tools. The slicker brush handles the topcoat and feathering, while the rake digs into the undercoat to remove loose fur before it mats.

Which Brush Should You Use When?

Here's a simple decision tree to help you pick the right tool:

• Daily or every-other-day maintenance: Use the slicker brush on the whole body, then follow with the greyhound comb on the feathering.
• During spring or fall coat blow: Use the undercoat rake first to pull loose undercoat, then the slicker brush to smooth the topcoat.
• After a muddy hike or field work: Let the mud dry completely, brush it out with the slicker brush, then check for burrs and tangles with the comb.

One tool you can skip is the pin brush. It doesn't penetrate the double coat effectively, and you'll end up just brushing the surface while mats form underneath. Stick with the slicker and the rake.

Step-by-Step: How to Brush a Brittany Coat Properly

Brushing a Brittany looks simple, but there's a right way and a wrong way. The wrong way, brushing only the surface, leaves mats at the skin level that you won't find until they're painful. The right way uses a technique called line brushing.

The Line Brushing Technique

Line brushing means working through the coat section by section, from the skin outward, rather than just running a brush over the top. Here's how it works:

1. Start with a dry, clean coat. Brushing wet hair causes breakage and stretching. Always brush before a bath, not after.
2. Part the hair. Use your fingers or the comb to create a straight parting line in the coat, exposing the skin.
3. Brush from the skin outward. Hold the parted hair with one hand, and use the slicker brush with the other to brush from the skin to the tips.
4. Work in small sections. Move across the body one parting line at a time. This ensures you reach the undercoat, not just the surface.
5. Follow with the comb. Run the greyhound comb through each section to catch any tangles the brush missed.

Where Brittanys Mat the Most

Every experienced Brittany owner knows the trouble spots. These are the areas where mats form first and cause the most discomfort:

• Behind the ears: The combination of soft feathering and friction from the collar creates a mat-making machine.
• Under the belly: Low to the ground, catches grass, mud, and moisture.
• The backs of the hind legs: The longest feathering on the body, constantly rubbing against itself.
• The tail: Brittanys carry their tails level or slightly dropped, and the feathering sweeps through grass and brush.
• Armpits: Where the front legs meet the body, friction and sweat create tangles.

What to Do With an Existing Mat

If you find a mat, resist the urge to cut it out with scissors. You could easily nick the skin, which is thin and loose on Brittanys. Instead:

1. Try to work the mat apart with your fingers or a mat splitter.
2. Apply a detangling spray and let it sit for a few minutes.
3. Work from the edges of the mat inward with the slicker brush.
4. If the mat is too tight, carefully use blunt-tipped scissors to slice lengthwise through the center of the mat, then brush out the two halves.

If the mat is against the skin and too tight to brush out, it's time for a professional groomer. They have the tools and experience to remove it safely without injuring the skin.

Bathing a Brittany: How Often and Which Products to Use

Here's the most common mistake Brittany owners make: bathing too often. A Brittany's coat produces natural oils that protect the skin and repel water. Over-bathing strips these oils, leaving the skin dry, itchy, and prone to irritation.

The general rule is to bathe your Brittany every four to eight weeks, or when they're visibly dirty. During hunting season, you might need more frequent baths with a gentle formula. In winter, when they're mostly indoors, you can stretch it to eight weeks or longer.

How Often Should You Actually Bathe?

If your Brittany just went swimming in a clean lake, a thorough rinse with fresh water might be enough. You don't need a full shampoo every time they get wet.

Choosing the Right Shampoo

Brittanys have sensitive skin that reacts poorly to harsh chemicals and human shampoos. Human shampoo strips their natural oils and disrupts the skin's pH balance. Always use a dog-specific formula.

Our research points to these types as the most effective:

• Oatmeal-based shampoos: Great for sensitive or itchy skin. These soothe and moisturize while cleaning.
• Hypoallergenic formulas: Free of dyes, fragrances, and parabens. Good for seasonal allergies.
• Field or sport formulas: Designed to remove mud, burrs, and heavy dirt without stripping oils. Useful during hunting season.

Avoid anything labeled "deodorizing" or "brightening" unless your vet recommends it. These often contain stronger chemicals that can irritate a Brittany's skin.

The Bathing Process

When it's time for a bath, follow these steps in order:

1. Brush thoroughly first. Remove all loose fur and tangles before the coat gets wet. Wet hair mats faster and tighter than dry hair.
2. Place cotton balls in the ears. This prevents water from entering the ear canal, a leading cause of infections.
3. Use lukewarm water. Hot water irritates skin, and cold water doesn't lift dirt effectively.
4. Dilute the shampoo. Mix it with water in a cup before applying. This ensures even distribution and prevents concentrated spots.
5. Work from the neck down. Avoid getting shampoo in the eyes, ears, and mouth. Use a damp washcloth for the face.
6. Rinse thoroughly. Leftover shampoo residue causes itching and flaking. Rinse until the water runs clear.
7. Apply conditioner to the feathering. Focus on the ears, belly, and leg feathering. Rinse completely.
8. Towel press, then blow dry. Press the coat with a towel to remove excess water. Then use a high-velocity dryer to finish.

The high-velocity dryer is a game-changer for Brittanys. It blows out loose undercoat while drying, which cuts shedding dramatically in the following weeks. If you don't have one, you'll need to be very thorough with towel drying, then let the coat air dry in a warm room.

But be aware that air drying leaves the undercoat damp for hours, which increases the risk of skin irritation and hot spots.

A Note on Water Temperature

Brittanys run hot. Their normal body temperature sits around 101 to 102.5°F, higher than a human's. Lukewarm water, around 90 to 95°F, feels neutral to them.

Anything hotter can cause discomfort and skin flushing.

Bathing a Brittany is as much about skin health as it is about cleanliness. When you get the frequency and products right, you'll notice a shinier coat, less itching, and fewer skin issues.

The Floppy Ear Problem: Cleaning and Drying Done Right

If there's one thing that sends Brittany owners to the vet more than anything else, it's ear infections. The breed's drop ears create a warm, dark, moist environment where bacteria and yeast thrive. Add in a swim in a pond or a romp through dewy grass, and you have a recipe for trouble.

Here's the good news: ear infections in Brittanys are largely preventable with a consistent cleaning routine. The key is removing moisture and debris before they cause problems.

How Often to Clean Your Brittany's Ears

The image below shows the proper technique for cleaning a floppy dog ear.

The Step-by-Step Ear Cleaning Routine

1. Gather your supplies. You'll need a vet-approved ear cleaning solution and cotton balls or gauze. Avoid cotton swabs, which push debris deeper into the ear canal.
2. Lift the ear flap. Hold it upright to straighten the ear canal.
3. Fill the canal with cleaner. Squeeze enough solution to fill the visible canal. Your Brittany will shake, which is normal. It helps loosen debris.
4. Massage the base of the ear. For 20 to 30 seconds, gently massage the base of the ear flap. You'll hear a squishing sound, which means the solution is working.
5. Wipe out the debris. Use a cotton ball or gauze to wipe the inside of the ear flap and the visible canal. Never push the cotton ball deeper into the ear.
6. Dry thoroughly. Use a clean, dry cotton ball to remove any remaining moisture.

What to Watch For

Even with regular cleaning, problems can arise. Here are the warning signs of an ear infection:

• Head shaking or tilting
• Scratching at the ears
• Redness or swelling inside the ear
• A dark, waxy discharge
• A foul, yeasty odor
• Pain when the ear is touched

If you notice any of these signs, do not try to treat it at home. Take your Brittany to the vet. Ear infections can quickly become chronic or lead to more serious issues if left untreated.

The Drying Factor

For Brittanys, drying is just as important as cleaning. After any swim or bath, you need to remove as much moisture as possible from the ear canal.

Here's a routine that works:

1. Use a towel to dry the outside of the ear flap.
2. Place a dry cotton ball in the ear canal opening (not deep inside) to absorb residual moisture.
3. Leave it in place for 10 to 15 minutes, then remove it.

If your Brittany swims frequently, consider a drying ear solution. These alcohol-free formulas help evaporate moisture and maintain a healthy pH balance in the ear.

Nails, Paws, and Teeth: The Often-Forgotten Basics

Brushing and bathing get the most attention, but the details matter just as much. Nails, paws, and teeth are easy to neglect, and they cause real problems when they're ignored.

Nail Trimming: The Safe Way

Brittany nails grow fast, especially in active dogs that wear them down on pavement. But if your dog spends most of their time on grass or carpet, you'll need to trim regularly.

The general rule is to trim every three to four weeks. You'll know it's time when you hear clicking on hard floors.

Here's the safest technique:

1. Use sharp, dog-specific clippers. Dull clippers crush the nail instead of cutting it cleanly.
2. Identify the quick. The quick is the pink area inside the nail that contains blood vessels and nerves. In light-colored nails, it's easy to see. In dark nails, cut small amounts at a time.
3. Cut at a 45-degree angle. Position the clippers so the cut is angled away from the paw, following the natural shape of the nail.
4. Trim small amounts. If you're unsure, cut a thin slice off the tip, then check the cut surface. If you see a dark dot in the center, you're close to the quick. Stop.
5. Have styptic powder ready. If you accidentally cut the quick, apply styptic powder to stop the bleeding. It stings for a moment but works quickly.

The image below shows the correct angle for trimming a dog's nail.

If your Brittany is anxious about nail trims, start slowly. Touch their paws regularly, reward calm behavior, and trim just one or two nails per session until they're comfortable.

Paw Care for Active Brittanys

Brittanys live on their feet. That means paw pads take a beating, and they collect debris between the toes.

Check paws after every outdoor adventure:

• Burrs and foxtails: These can embed between toes and cause painful abscesses. Remove them promptly.
• Cracked pads: Common in dry climates or after running on hot pavement. Condition with a paw balm.
• Ice balls: In snowy conditions, ice collects between toes and causes limping. Trim the hair between the toes to reduce accumulation.

Most Brittanys tolerate paw handling well, especially if you make it part of their regular routine.

Dental Care: The Missing Piece

Dental health is the most overlooked aspect of dog grooming. By age three, most dogs show signs of periodontal disease, which affects more than just the mouth. Bacteria from dental disease can spread to the heart, liver, and kidneys.

The good news is that prevention is simple:

• Brush 2-3 times per week with a dog-specific toothbrush and enzymatic toothpaste. Human toothpaste is toxic to dogs.
• Use dental chews as a supplement, not a replacement for brushing.
• Offer chew toys that help scrape plaque from teeth.
• Schedule a professional dental cleaning once a year, or as recommended by your vet.

If your Brittany resists brushing, start slowly. Let them taste the toothpaste first, then introduce the brush. Use positive reinforcement and keep sessions short.

Over time, most dogs accept it as part of their routine.

Grooming After Field Work: Ticks, Burrs, and Mud

Brittanys were bred to work in the field, and many still do. Whether your dog hunts upland birds or just explores the woods on weekends, they come home with souvenirs. Ticks, burrs, mud, and plant awns can all cause problems if you don't address them promptly.

The Post-Field Routine

After every outing in the field or woods, follow this checklist:

1. Check for ticks. Run your hands over your dog's entire body, paying close attention to the ears, neck, armpits, and groin. Ticks attach in warm, protected areas.
2. Remove ticks promptly. Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull straight out with steady pressure. Do not twist or squeeze the tick's body.
3. Remove burrs and grass awns. Check the feathering on the legs, belly, chest, and tail. Burrs can work their way into the coat and cause mats. Grass awns (foxtails) can penetrate the skin and cause serious infections.
4. Brush out debris. Use a slicker brush to remove dirt, loose fur, and small debris from the coat.
5. Check the paws. Look between the toes for burrs, cuts, or embedded material.
6. Inspect the ears. Check for foreign material and moisture. Clean and dry if needed.
7. Wipe down the coat. A damp towel or grooming wipe removes surface dirt and allergens.

Ticks and Lyme Disease

Ticks are more than a nuisance. They transmit diseases, including Lyme disease, which is common in many parts of the United States. The CDC recommends checking your dog for ticks daily during tick season, especially after time in wooded or grassy areas.

If you find a tick, remove it immediately. If you live in a high-risk area, talk to your vet about tick prevention medications. These are far more effective than relying on checks alone.

The Mud Problem

Brittanys love mud. Whether they're flushing birds out of a swamp or digging after a scent, they'll come home covered. Here's how to handle it:

• Let the mud dry first. Brushing or bathing wet mud pushes it deeper into the coat.
• Brush out the dried mud. Use a slicker brush to remove the bulk of it.
• Spot clean with a damp towel. For light mud, a damp towel and grooming wipes may be enough.
• Bathe if needed. If the mud is heavy or smelly, a full bath is justified.

Seasonal Considerations

Field work grooming changes with the seasons:

• Spring and fall: Tick season peaks. Check daily after outdoor time.
• Summer: Watch for heat stress and cracked paw pads from hot ground.
• Winter: Remove ice balls from paws and check for road salt irritation.

A Brittany that works in the field needs more grooming attention than a house pet. It's not optional. A quick post-hunt check can prevent painful mats, infections, and embedded plant material.

Common Grooming Mistakes That Hurt Brittanys

Even experienced owners make mistakes. Here are the most common ones we see, along with why they're problematic and what to do instead.

Shaving the Coat

This is the biggest mistake you can make with a Brittany. Shaving destroys the double coat's ability to regulate temperature. It also removes protection from the sun and insects.

The coat often grows back patchy, discolored, or with a changed texture.

The fix: Never shave a Brittany. If you need to manage heavy shedding, use an undercoat rake instead. If you want a neater appearance, have a professional trim the feathering with scissors, leaving the coat structure intact.

Bathing Too Often

Over-bathing strips the coat of natural oils. This leads to dry, itchy skin, a dull coat, and increased risk of skin infections.

The fix: Stick to a four-to-eight-week schedule. Between baths, use grooming wipes or a quick water rinse to freshen up your dog.

Using Human Products

Human shampoo, conditioner, and toothpaste are not safe for dogs. They disrupt skin pH balance and contain ingredients that are irritating or toxic to pets.

The fix: Always use dog-specific products. Look for formulas designed for sensitive skin or active dogs.

Brushing Only the Surface

Running a brush over the top of the coat feels productive, but it misses the undercoat. Mats form at the skin level, out of sight, and cause pain and skin irritation.

The fix: Use the line brushing technique described earlier. Work in sections from the skin outward.

Neglecting the Ears

Floppy ears trap moisture and debris. Skipping ear care leads to infections that are painful and expensive to treat.

The fix: Clean and dry the ears weekly, and after any water exposure. Check for odor, redness, or discharge.

Cutting Nails Too Short

Hitting the quick causes pain and bleeding. One bad experience can make your dog fear nail trims for life.

The fix: Trim small amounts at a time. Use styptic powder when accidents happen. If you're unsure, ask a professional to demonstrate.

Forgetting Dental Care

Dental disease affects nearly all dogs by age three. It causes pain, tooth loss, and can spread bacteria to internal organs.

The fix: Brush your Brittany's teeth two to three times weekly. Schedule annual professional cleanings.

Using Spray Bottles for Training During Grooming

Some owners try to correct grooming resistance with punishment. This backfires. It creates fear and makes future grooming harder.

The fix: Use positive reinforcement. Treats, praise, and short sessions build trust. Grooming should be a positive experience.

Puppy Grooming: Building a Calm Routine Early

The best time to start grooming your Brittany is the day you bring them home. Puppies are more adaptable than adults, and early positive experiences prevent grooming battles later.

Start With Handling

Before you ever introduce a brush, get your puppy comfortable with being touched. Spend a few minutes each day handling their paws, ears, mouth, and tail. This desensitizes them to being handled and makes grooming much easier down the road.

Introduce Tools Gradually

Don't pull out a slicker brush and go to work on day one. Instead:

1. Let your puppy sniff the brush.
2. Run the back of the brush along their body without brushing.
3. Brush for 10 to 20 seconds, then stop.
4. Reward with a treat and praise.
5. Gradually increase the duration over several sessions.

Keep Sessions Short

Puppies have short attention spans. A five-minute grooming session is plenty. You can brush the whole body over the course of a day with multiple short sessions.

Make It a Routine

Dogs thrive on routine. Groom your puppy at the same time each day, and they'll learn to expect it. Many Brittanys start seeking out grooming as a bonding time, especially if it's consistently positive.

Reward Heavily

Treats are your best friend during puppy grooming. Reward calm behavior, not just the act of grooming. If your puppy is squirming, stop, wait for them to settle, then continue.

What to Focus On

During puppyhood, focus on the areas that will matter most as an adult:

• Paws: Handle them daily. Introduce nail clippers early, even if you only clip one nail per session.
• Ears: Touch the ears daily. Introduce the ear cleaning routine weekly.
• Teeth: Start brushing early. Use a finger brush or gauze before transitioning to a toothbrush.
• Feathering: Brush the feathering gently to prevent future tangles.

When to Start Professional Grooming

Consider taking your puppy to a professional groomer early, even for a simple bath and nail trim. This gets them comfortable with the environment, the sounds, and the handling. Choose a groomer who is experienced with sporting breeds and positive reinforcement methods.

Handling Puppy Wiggles

Puppies wiggle. It's normal. Here's how to make grooming easier:

• Groom after exercise, when your puppy is tired.
• Use a non-slip mat on the table or floor.
• Have a helper hold the puppy gently if needed.
• Break the session into small pieces if your puppy is particularly wiggly.

Puppy grooming is an investment. The time you spend now builds a foundation for years of easy, stress-free grooming.

When to Call a Professional Groomer

Not every grooming task needs to be DIY. There are times when a professional is the right call, and knowing when to ask for help saves you frustration and your dog discomfort.

Situations That Call for a Pro

• Severe matting: If mats are tight against the skin, don't risk cutting your dog with scissors. A professional has the right tools and technique to remove mats safely.
• Sanitary trims: If your Brittany is prone to getting dirty in the rear or belly, a professional can keep these areas neatly trimmed.
• Show grooming: If you're showing your Brittany, a professional groomer familiar with the breed standard is worth the investment.
• Nail trims for anxious dogs: If your dog is extremely fearful of nail trims, a professional has the experience and restraint techniques to do it safely.
• Seasonal coat blows: During heavy shedding seasons, a professional de-shedding treatment can remove far more undercoat than you can at home.

What to Ask a Groomer

Not all groomers know Brittanys. Ask these questions before booking:

• Have you worked with Brittanys or similar double-coated breeds before?
• Do you use scissors rather than clippers on the feathering?
• Will you avoid shaving the coat?
• What products do you use for sensitive skin?
• How do you handle nervous dogs?

How Often Should You See a Professional?

For most Brittanys, a visit to the groomer every eight to twelve weeks works well for a full groom. In between, you'll still need to brush at home and maintain ears, nails, and teeth.

The image below shows what a well-groomed Brittany looks like from head to tail.

The Hybrid Approach

Many owners find a hybrid approach works best. They handle weekly brushing, ear cleaning, and nail trims at home. Then they schedule a professional groom every few months for a deep clean, feather trim, and de-shedding treatment.

This approach:

• Saves money compared to full professional grooming every month
• Keeps your hands-on bond with your dog
• Ensures the coat gets professional attention when needed
• Keeps your Brittany looking their best year-round

When to Avoid Grooming at Home

If your Brittany has severe anxiety, aggressive behavior, or a medical condition that makes handling difficult, leave it to the professionals. The same goes for any grooming task you're not confident performing. It's better to ask for help than to cause pain or injury.

Seasonal Grooming Checklist for Brittanys

Brittanys have different grooming needs as the seasons change. Here's what to focus on throughout the year.

Spring

Spring is coat blow season. Your Brittany will shed their heavy winter undercoat, and it's your job to keep up with it.

• Brush daily with an undercoat rake to remove loose fur.
• Use the high-velocity dryer after baths to blow out dead undercoat.
• Start tick prevention if you live in a tick-prone area.
• Check for fleas as temperatures warm up.
• Trim paw hair to prevent burrs from collecting.

Summer

Summer brings heat, swimming, and more outdoor time. Water and grass are your Brittany's two biggest grooming challenges.

• Clean ears after every swim to prevent infections.
• Rinse the coat after swimming in lakes or ponds to remove algae and bacteria.
• Check for ticks daily after outdoor activity.
• Watch for hot spots in damp, humid conditions. Keep the coat dry.
• Apply paw balm if pads dry out or crack from hot pavement.
• Brush 2-3 times weekly to maintain the coat.

Fall

Fall is hunting season. Your Brittany will pick up more burrs, ticks, and debris than any other time of year.

• Check for burrs after every field trip. Pay special attention to the feathering.
• Continue tick checks. Tick season peaks in many areas.
• Keep the coat clean. Dirt and debris accelerate matting.
• Brush more frequently if outdoor time increases.
• Bathe as needed, especially after hunting in muddy or wet conditions.

Winter

Winter brings cold weather, dry air, and more time indoors. This combination affects both the coat and the skin.

• Reduce bathing frequency. Dry winter air already strips moisture from the skin.
• Consider a humidifier if your home is very dry. It helps prevent itchy, flaky skin.
• Check paws for ice balls after walks in snow.
• Wipe paws after walks to remove road salt and de-icing chemicals.
• Brush 2-3 times weekly to prevent mats from static and friction.
• Keep the coat longer in winter. It provides natural insulation.

Seasonal Bathing Adjustments

Your bathing schedule should shift with the seasons:

Year-Round Basics

Some things don't change with the seasons:

• Brush teeth 2-3 times per week
• Trim nails every 3-4 weeks
• Clean ears weekly
• Check paws after outdoor activity

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I brush my Brittany Spaniel?

Brush your Brittany two to three times per week with a slicker brush and greyhound comb. During spring and fall shedding seasons, brush daily with an undercoat rake to keep up with the coat blow.

How often should I bathe my Brittany?

Bathe every four to eight weeks, or when visibly dirty. Over-bathing strips the natural oils that protect the coat and skin, so resist the urge to bathe more often than needed. After swimming in a clean lake, a thorough rinse may be enough.

Do Brittanys need their ears cleaned?

Yes. Brittanys have floppy ears that trap moisture and debris, making them prone to infections. Clean their ears weekly with a vet-approved solution and dry them thoroughly after any swim or bath.

Can I shave my Brittany to keep them cooler?

No. Shaving a Brittany destroys the double coat's natural temperature regulation, removes sun protection, and can permanently damage the hair follicles. The coat often grows back patchy and discolored.

How often should I trim my Brittany's nails?

Trim every three to four weeks, or when you hear clicking on hard floors. Active dogs that walk on pavement may wear their nails down naturally and need less frequent trims.

How do I get mats out of my Brittany's coat?

Work mats apart with your fingers, apply a detangling spray, then brush from the edges inward. If a mat is too tight against the skin, take your dog to a professional groomer rather than risking a cut with scissors.

How often should I brush my Brittany's teeth?

Brush two to three times per week with a dog-specific toothbrush and enzymatic toothpaste. Annual professional dental cleanings are also recommended to prevent periodontal disease.