Whether you already own a Brittany or are thinking of getting one, here is everything you need to know about how much shedding to expect from this breed.
How Much Do Brittanys Shed?
Brittanys are a single coated breed, this means that they don’t shed a whole lot compared to some double coated dog breeds. They shed evenly throughout the seasons.Their shedding can be kept to a minimum by brushing them 2-3 times weekly and giving them a bath regularly.
Do Brittanys Shed A Lot?
If you took all the dog breeds in the world, and lined them up from most to least based on the amount that they shed, Brittanys would most likely fall somewhere in the middle.
They are not a breed that are known to shed a lot as a general rule. There can of course be exceptions to this rule though for several reasons, like a medical condition.
How Much Shedding Is Normal (Vs Excessive) For A Brittany?
Usually, a Brittany would shed quite a bit less than your average Labrador or Husky, if you find them shedding more than those heavier shedding breeds, it would probably be unusual.
You can see how much they are shedding by paying close attention when brushing or bathing them. Or you can tell by how much hair they are leaving around the house.
Do Brittany Puppies Shed?
Brittany puppies will start shedding at around 6-8 months old. This happens because that is when they transition from their fine puppy coat to their thicker adult coat.
Around this time you should brush them daily or really as often as you can, so you don’t end up swimming in a sea of dog hair.
Shedding In American Vs. French Brittany Spaniel
Shedding is virtually the same between the two, as they are quite similar all around. They are so similar that they are often lumped into the same breed of just “Brittany”.
So shedding wise they can be treated largely the same. The only real difference is that American Brittany’s are slightly bigger than French Brittany’s.
Do Brittanys Shed More Than Other Breeds?
No, as a matter of fact, they shed remarkably less than some of their more furry counterparts due to their lack of undercoat.
This makes them a great choice as to which dog to get if you would like to have a little more of a low maintenance grooming schedule.
Do Brittanys Mixed Breeds Shed?
This is a difficult question to answer as there are so many different breeds that you can mix with Brittanys.
I think the best thing you can do in this situation to predict the incoming shed-pocalypse, is to see how much the breed they’re mixed with sheds and middle-out the two.
For example, if you have a Labany (Brittany x Labrador Retriever mix) you can expect a little more shedding than with just your average Brittany.
If you were to have a Brittany mixed with an Irish water spaniel though, (a breed that sheds very little) you could probably expect even less shedding than is usual for a Brittany.
What Months Do Dogs Shed The Most?
Usually, you can expect to see the most shedding during Spring and Autumn.
However, this is not the case with Brittanys. They only have a single coat (so there is no pesky undercoat to shed off.) This means they shed the same amount all year round.
Why Do They Shed?
Dogs shed to get rid of old, damaged, or unwanted hair.
The reason some dogs shed so much in Spring and Autumn is because they are either shedding their off winter coat or preparing to grow in their new winter coat.
They do this so that they can regulate their body’s temperature as the seasons change and the weather becomes hotter or colder as the case may be.
Excessive Shedding? Due To Food?
An excessive amount of shedding can absolutely be a result of poor nutrition in dogs.
It could also be a result of a sensitivity your dog has to an ingredient in their food. Make sure you are giving high-quality food and consult a vet if the excessive shedding persists.
It is also important that the food you feed your dog is mostly animal products and not full of filler grains as they will not help your dogs coat.
Does Anxiety Cause Shedding In Dogs?
Yes it does. When your dog is feeling particularly stressed or anxious, they release epinephrine (otherwise known as adrenaline) which makes them shed some fur.
Shedding an unusual amount can actually be a way to spot if your dog is having a lot of anxiety. It’s important to pay attention to these kinds of physical cues with your pets.
Why Is My Dog Shedding All Of A Sudden? / What Can Cause A Sudden Onset Of Shedding In Dogs?
There are actually a number of medical conditions that can cause this. Of course, if you feel like your dog may be suffering from any medical conditions, bring them to a vet immediately.
Here is a list of some medical conditions that can cause dogs to shed excessively, so you know what to watch out for.
- Sunburn
- Immune disease
- Infections
- Parasites
- Allergies
I Need Help!, Why Does My Brittany Shed So Much? (Is This A Medical Issue? (Visit Vet+Cost))
If your Brittany is shedding a lot, then that is not usually common for the breed. You should absolutely get a vet to have a look at your dog as soon as you can.
General check-ups will cost around $45-$55 depending on where you live and which vet you go to.
It can be a medical issue if your dog is shedding more than normal, but there can also be other causes, make sure to keep an open mind when looking for why your dog is shedding.
How To Decrease / Stop Shedding?
Unfortunately, there is no way to stop shedding in dogs, (unless they never had any hair to begin with) this is how they keep their coats healthy and regulate their body temperature.
However, if you would like to decrease the amount of dog hair that piles up in your home, try to brush your dog as often as once a day and give them regular baths.
3 Top Tips And A Great Trick To Reduce Shedding Indoors
- Keep a regular brushing and bathing schedule.
- Invest in a vacuum that is good with pet hair.
- Brush your dog outside so you won’t have to clean up afterwards.
If your dog doesn’t like being brushed, try using a rubber brushing glove, this makes it so it is just like they are being petted, so they may have an easier time with it.
Quick And Easy (Cheap) Solutions {Medication, Grooming Tips, Products}
Any medication you give your dog, for shedding or otherwise should always be prescribed or recommended by your vet.
But as far as products go, just make sure you get a brush and shampoo suitable for your dog’s coat that will be gentle.
Bristle brushes are your best bet, as they work on dogs with really any fur type for dogs, but if your dog does get matted a lot maybe a slicker brush would be the best choice for you.
What Can I Give My Dog For Excessive Shedding?
The most important thing when it comes to dealing with excessive shedding is to make sure your dog is getting all the proper nutrients and keeping them well-groomed.
If that doesn’t help it may be that stress is the reason your dog is shedding so much, try to eliminate anything that could be causing your pet anxiety.
You should see your vet if shedding persists after trying these options.
What Dog Food Helps With Shedding?
It’s not necessarily the brand of dog food that is important, it’s what’s in it. You need to make sure the food is made with high-quality animal products and no cheap fillers.
Here is a list of some popular high-quality dog foods that may help your dog with any shedding problems.
- Instinct Original Grain-Free Dry Food
- Canidae Grain-Free Pure Dry Dog Food
- Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food
- Wellness Core Grain-Free Kibble
- American Journey Grain Free Dog Food
- Orijen Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
What Home Remedy Can I Give My Dog For Shedding?
There are a lot of things that people say will somehow magically stop your dogs from shedding. Unfortunately for dog owners all over the world, this is not realistic.
No matter what breed you have, unless they are completely a hairless breed, all dogs will shed hair to some degree.
The only thing I can recommend as a “remedy” sounds completely cliche but I promise is 100% true. That is to make sure your dog is always well hydrated.
This will keep the coat and skin healthy and keep your dog’s hair shedding at a natural pace, not an overly excessive one.
How Much Effort And Cost For Cleaning Carpets=(wool/Nylon/ polyester/olefin) /Beds/upholstery [Is It Worth It?]
If you wanted to clean your carpet yourself it would be incredibly expensive to buy the equipment necessary to do it. Not to mention a whole lot of work to actually clean it.
I think that this is a job best left to the professionals. It can cost between $121 – $234 to get your carpet professionally cleaned depending on the size and material of the carpet.
It could also cost a little bit more or less depending on where you live and how far away the cleaning company is from you.
How To Clean Up (Quick, Cheap & Effective* Long Lasting tips & tricks)
We all know that keeping your house squeaky clean with our furry little friends running around is next to impossible, but there are a few things you can do that help.
Here are a few tips and tricks to help keep your house clean of pet hair.
- Use lint rollers, dryer sheets or tape to pick up stray dog hairs that are stuck to furniture or anywhere else.
- Use a squeegee (like you would use on your windows) To get pet hair out of your carpet.
- Use furniture covers to keep pet hair off the furniture, or alternatively you could even use blankets.
- You can slightly dampen and then sweep your carpet before you vacuum them, this will help draw out the pet hair as It is very difficult to get all the hair out otherwise.
Another bonus tip is to make sure you brush and deshed your dog frequently, so you have less hair to clean up afterwards.
Are Brittany Spaniels Bad For Allergies? [Can I Get A Dog If I’m Allergic?]
Unfortunately, there isn’t really such a thing as an allergy-friendly dog or really any other animal.
There are dogs that cause fewer problems than others but if you are allergic it would be best to stay away completely rather than risk complications with your health.
Brittany’s are a moderately shedding breed. So while they would still cause allergic people problems, it wouldn’t be as bad as, say a husky for example.
Can Dogs Make Eczema Worse?
Yes. A dog’s dander, saliva or even urine can cause flare-ups for people with Eczema, asthma, allergies or other illnesses.
This doesn’t just count for dogs though, the same rule applies for virtually any pet.
Advice On Grooming A Heavy Shedder [for owners who are sensitive to dander]
I think the only reasonable advice I can give you in regards to grooming when you have any pet-related allergies is to take them to a professional groomer as often as necessary.
This will decrease the amount of any allergens you would come into contact with while grooming as well as keeping those allergens outside of your home as much as possible.
If this isn’t an option for you, try grooming them outside while wearing clothes that cover your whole body, some gloves and a mask. (thankfully we all have masks now anyways)
Consider These Carefully Before Buying/Adopting A Brittany Puppy [So That You Will Not Regret Later!]
Brittany’s are fantastic dogs, this is absolutely a fact. However, every single sentient being on this planet has their upsides and downsides. Having faults is an inevitable fact of life.
Here are some Pros and Cons of owning a Brittany.
Pros:
- They have an extremely good temperament as they are incredibly friendly.
- They are very eager to please and intelligent, making them great at following commands, learning new tricks and even helping you in your day-to-day life.
- They love the outdoors and need lots of exercise, so they are perfect if you live a very active lifestyle that you would like to have a buddy to accompany you on.
- They are a medium-sized breed of dog with a very pretty and soft coat (this makes them great for cuddles).
- They don’t shed a whole lot which saves time and money potentially on grooming.
- Their sweet temperament makes them the perfect dog for a family with kids or any family member that may be afraid of dogs.
Cons:
- They are very active dogs and will turn to nasty habits (like destructive chewing or barking) if not given enough exercise or if they are left alone too often.
- They are very social, which is a good trait to have but it means that they can suffer from intense separation anxiety when away from their owners and other people.
- They have a tendency to pee a little when they are excited or nervous. (This is known as excitable or submissive urination)
- They will persistently whine when nervous or feeling alone which can be very tedious and hard to train out of them.
Are Brittany Dogs Hypoallergenic?
No. In reality, no dogs are actually hypoallergenic, even if they were completely devoid of any fur.
The thing about pets that people have allergies to is that they actually aren’t usually allergic to the animal’s fur, It’s their saliva, dander and urine that they are allergic to.
Dog Shedding Issues With Rental agreement/ Leasehold Contract Restrictions for Condos/ airBNB / Hotel/
As long as you clean up after yourself and wherever you are renting is pet friendly, there should be no issues with your dog shedding or being groomed in your rental home.
Please make sure you read your agreement thoroughly before you bring your pet into a rental home though, to avoid any fees or being asked to leave.
So, A Conclusion On The Reality Of Brittany’s Shedding
Brittany’s are wonderful pets who only shed moderately. The cleanliness of your home can be easily managed with a proper grooming regimen and some easy tricks we have outlined.
References
https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/excessive-shedding-dogs#1
https://www.everydayhealth.com/eczema/reducing-allergens.aspx