Are Brittanys the Most Troublesome Dogs? 6 Common Complaints About Them 

Brittany spaniels are adorable medium-sized dogs that are great for active families. They get along well with other dogs and kids, especially when they get to play and run around. While they aren’t the ideal dog for every home, Brittanys make excellent and affectionate pets when given the right environment. Are Brittanys the most troublesome dogs? Let’s find out by exploring some of the common complaints associated with this unique breed.

Brittanys Need a Lot of Exercise

The number one concern that new Brittany owners have is the amount of exercise and movement this breed needs. Brittanys are hunting dogs and bred to hunt. Because of this, most Brittanys need a lot of activity to stay happy and healthy.

Brittanys are medium dogs and get up to 40 pounds when fully grown. They are typically between 17 and 20 inches tall when measured at the shoulder. Because of their size, Brittanys do well in apartments, condos, and other smaller spaces. But you may need to take extra steps to make sure they have access to places to run and play. This could be a dog park or other open space. Homes with large yards are ideal for this breed.

Chewing and Other Destructive Behaviors

If your Brittany doesn’t get the activity that they need, you’re more likely to see them communicate their unhappiness. This often happens through chewing, especially on things that they aren’t supposed to have. This is one of the reasons some people describe Brittanys’ as the most troublesome dogs. Other similar behaviors include excessive running, especially in small spaces, whining, and barking. This can happen when they don’t get enough activity or when they are left alone too much. Brittanys like attention and affection. Chewing and barking might happen if your dog experiences separation anxiety.

You can train your dog to prevent some of these behaviors. Generally, Brittanys respond better to positive, reward-based training that is gentle but firm. However, if you don’t address the reason behind the chewing or barking, there’s a good chance that the behavior will continue to some degree. They are intelligent and easy to train. But if you don’t meet their activity needs, Brittanys will continue to communicate their displeasure through whatever means they can.

Brittanys Like Long Walks

This could be a pro or a con, depending on your lifestyle. But it’s important to be ready for the time and energy commitment that Brittany spaniels require. They like to go on long walks, similar to what they might have done as active hunting dogs. Before you add a Brittany to your family, make sure that you have the time available to spend on the trails with them. If you are an avid hiker, these dogs will be able to keep up and make an excellent hiking companion.

Sheds in the Summer

Brittanys have beautiful full coats and come in a variety of colors. Orange and white is the most common but other varieties include liver (brown), white, and combinations of the three. With this beautiful fur comes quite a bit of shedding. They shed throughout the year but especially in the summer. Weekly brushing can help remove excess hair and keep their coats in great shape.

High-Maintenance Ears

It’s hard to deny how adorable Brittanys’ floppy ears are as they run around. But these floppy ears require some extra care to avoid common health problems like ear infections. Their ears can trap moisture and bacteria. The extra ear care required can be a reason people describe Brittanys’ as the most troublesome dogs. Frequent ear cleanings can help avoid some of these issues, although not all dogs like having their ears cleaned. Fortunately, Brittanys can be trained to get their ears cleaned as well as other grooming, such as clipping nails and brushing hair.

Brittanys Can Be Submissive with Other Dogs

Rather than being overly aggressive, Brittany dogs are known for being very submissive. This is especially true with other dogs. In a multi-dog household, Brittanys will generally let other dogs eat first, get the first treat, or sit in the preferred spot. This can help keep the peace. But it might require some intervention from the human family members to make sure that your Brittany gets enough to eat. It’s best to approach them with a gentle but firm approach rather than a loud, forceful voice.

Brittanys might also get nervous or timid around strangers. Socializing them early can help prevent this. But these dogs aren’t usually the life of the party. They are affectionate and loyal to their families, however.