-
Activity Level:
high
-
Shedding Level:
low
-
Grooming Level:
low
-
Trainability:
high
-
Good for Novice Owners:
moderate
-
Adaptability:
moderate
-
Kid/Pet Friendly:
often
-
Prey Drive:
high
-
Watchdog:
aware
- Average Size: Medium
- Average Lifespan: 12-14 years
Brittany Spaniel Mix Dog Breed Information
Overview
Temperament
Adaptability
Health
Owner Experience
Grooming
Activity Level
Size
Life Span
The Brittany Spaniel Mix is a cross between a Brittany Spaniel and another dog breed. Because a mixed-breed dog can inherit any combination of traits from their parent breeds, it’s important to ask the breeder about the other parent breed in the cross.
Should a Brittany Spaniel Mix take after their Brittany Spaniel parent, they will be a medium-sized dog with a lot of energy and a sweet disposition. They tend to make fantastic family pets.
Brittany Spaniels tend to have a sweet, gentle nature and are loyal dogs that are devoted to their families. They tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They have a high prey drive, so they tend to be okay with other pets they have been raised with. But, you will need to spend some extra time socializing them towards other smaller pets.
If the other parent breed is similar, then you can expect a similar temperament in a Brittany Spaniel Mix. The other parent breed will likely still introduce some new potential traits into the mix, so you do want to ask the breeder about them.
You can also meet the mother dog in-person to see what sort of manners and behavior she is modeling for her puppies. Once you get a puppy home, it’s up to you to continue to train and socialize a puppy to ensure they grow up into a well-mannered, well-balanced dog.
A Brittany Spaniel tends to be a moderately adaptable dog breed. Although they can adapt to apartments if enough time is dedicated to exercise and mental stimulation, they tend to be better suited to homes with yards where they can run.
They do well in most climates, but may need some winter dog products to keep warm when the temperature drops. Because they are devoted to their families, they also do not like to be left alone for long periods of time.
If the other parent breed is also a moderately adaptable dog breed, you should be able to expect something similar in a Brittany Spaniel Mix. Still, it’s important to ask the breeder about the other parent breed so you are aware of any potential traits or quirks that may affect adaptability.
Are mixed-breed dogs healthier than purebred dogs? They can be sometimes. However, it is not a guarantee. Because a mixed-breed can inherit any combination of the health conditions common to their parents, they could inherit none. They could also inherit those common to one of the parents, both of the parents, or some combination from both parents.
From the Brittany Spaniel side, health conditions to be aware of in a Brittany Spaniel Mix include canine discoid lupus erythematosus, epilepsy, and hip dysplasia. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing issues on to puppies, so you want to ask about the genetic health and history of both of the parent breeds.
Brittany Spaniels tend to be a good fit for owners of all experience levels. They are highly intelligent dogs that are eager to please. As long as training is consistent and positive, they tend to respond well and pick up on things quickly.
The other parent breed could make a Brittany Spaniel Mix more difficult to train, so you want to ask the breeder about them to make sure you prepared for a potential range of trainability. Puppy training classes can be a good idea even if you don’t need them as they strengthen the bond you have with your puppy and also offer socialization opportunities.
A Brittany Spaniel Mix can inherit a coat that is similar to one of their parents or one that is truly a mix of both. Should they inherit the Brittany Spaniel coat, it will shed moderately year-round and a little heavier during seasonal changes. Brushing a few times a week and bathing as needed is usually enough to keep a Brittany coat looking great.
In addition to coat care, you will also need to care for your Brittany Spaniel Mix’s ears, nails, and teeth. Weekly ear checks and carefully cleaning your dog’s ears as needed can help prevent ear infections. This is particularly important for floppy ears, which are more likely to trap dirt, moisture, etc. and are more prone to ear infections.
Nails that grow too long can become painful, get caught on things, and inhibit movement. So, it’s important to keep your dog’s nails trimmed. Depending on how quickly their nails grow, you may need to cut your dog’s nails monthly, twice a month, or more.
Dental care for dogs is also essential. Many owners overlook it, which is why gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day in addition to regular cleanings is ideal for preventing painful dental diseases later in life.
Brittany Spaniels are a high-energy dog breed. They require at least an hour of vigorous exercise a day in addition to daily walks. The other parent breed may affect the activity level in a Brittany Spaniel Mix. But, even if the other parent breed is a low-energy dog breed, you will still need to be prepared for the possibility of a high-energy dog.
A fully-grown Brittany Spaniel is usually around 18-20 inches tall and weighs 30-40 pounds. The other parent breed can affect this, so you do want to ask the breeder about them.
Also, pay attention to which breed is the mother as this can have a huge effect on the size of a Brittany Spaniel Mix. Although it’s not a guarantee, you can also meet the mother dog in-person to see what size to expect in a fully-grown Brittany Spaniel Mix.
A Brittany Spaniel generally lives 12-14 years. The other parent breed could affect this slightly, but you should be able to expect a similar life span in a Brittany Spaniel Mix.