Did you know that Poodles are the most popular dogs used for crossbreeding? When mixed with Brittany dogs, the Brittany Poodle Mix is an intelligent breed that comes with high energy. These Poodle crossbreeds are becoming more and more popular thanks to their charm and loving nature. They’re also praised for the unique combination of traits that they inherit from their parents, which manifest in the best way.
In this comprehensive guide, we answer all your questions about the Brittany Spaniel Poodle Mix.
Poodle Brittany Spaniel Mix Highlights
While mixed-breed dogs won’t have the same reputation that purebred dogs have, hybrid dogs still have a certain appeal about them that makes them such wonderful family members. Designer Poodle mixes such as the Poodle Brittany mix have gained interest and popularity over the past few years due to their friendly and outgoing personality. However, before we take a deep dive into this breed, here are some well-known facts about these smart dogs.
- Elegant and Classy: These dogs are friendly and loving and will make great pets for people who want a dog with a sweet personality. Poodle Brittany Spaniel mixes tend to be energetic, intelligent, and eager to learn.
- Athletic and Compact: Because of their parents, these dogs tend to be full of energy and will have a medium-built body that’s both graceful and strong.
- High Energy: Much like all Brittany mixes, this dog requires regular daily exercise along with mental stimulation to keep it healthy and happy. They love to go out for walks, play outside, and participate in dog sports.
- Hunting Background: This Poodle mix comes from a hunting background and will carry the instincts to hunt from its parents. They will chase small animals at any time so it’s important to give them leash training to keep them from running at the sight of movement.
What is the Brittany Spaniel Poodle Mix?
The Brittany Spaniel Poodle Mix, also known as Brittnepoo is a breed that puts all the best traits of the Poodle and the Brittany Spaniel. This union results in medium-sized dogs that have the great pride and elegance of a Poodle and the friendliness and gentleness of a Brittany Spaniel. Because both parent breeds have a hunting background, they have the desire to work and play all day.
However, this doesn’t mean that you need to be a hunter to own one — just ensure that you can give them enough exercise to keep them from getting bored.
Brittany Spaniel Poodle Mix History
Unfortunately, there are no records of how these great dogs came to be. We can, however, look into the background of the parent dogs to get an insight into these intelligent dogs. First off, both the Poodle and Brittany Spaniel are known as retrieval and hunting dogs. While this might seem like a bad match if you’re looking to get a house pet, Brittnepoos are actually friendly pups that are eager to please their humans.
Brittany Spaniel
The beautiful French Brittany Spaniel was used as a working dog for lower-class families throughout France. First described as a bird dog in 1850 by a clergyman who hunted with these bobtailed little dogs, noting that they had a rough coat. It wasn’t until 1934 that it would become a recognized breed with the American Kennel Club, 3 years after arriving in the United States.
Poodle
The Poodle is a working dog that serves as a water retriever — while its exact origins aren’t known, there are records showing that it may have descended from the Barbet and Hungarian water hound. Based on historical accounts, Poodles were known to travel with gypsies — this circus dog eventually reached the U.S., and in 1886, they were officially recognized by the AKC. By the time the 1950s came, Poodles were the most popular breed in the country and held on to this position for over two decades.
Brittany Spaniel Poodle Mix Appearance
These crossbreeds will showcase the best attributes of the larger standard Poodle and the Brittany breed which results in a furry and charming dog. Affectionately called a “Brittnepoo”, these medium dogs exude class and gentleness everywhere they go. Physically, it takes on a lot of the Brittany spaniel’s characteristics, featuring a round head, long muzzle, and wide-set ears.
Its size as well as wavy and dense fur were also inherited from their French parents while their coat colors can range from a variety of black, brown, tan, and deep pink hues. Most of these hybrids will have long legs with a bit of feathering just like their Brittany spaniel parent. They also come with small round feet and arched toes protected by thick padding.
The Brittnepoo also has oval eyes with a dark color that can vary from black to brown, while its naturally short tail will often sit higher up from the bottom. For some dogs, their dewclaws can be removed — the male Brittnepoo will stand between 15 to 20 inches tall and weigh around 45 to 50 pounds. On the other hand, a female Brittnepoo will be lighter and smaller, standing at 14 to 18 inches tall and weighing 35 to 45 pounds.
Brittany Spaniel Poodle Mix Temperament
Thanks to their Poodle parent, Brittnepoos possess a sociable nature and are known for being friendly and gentle. On the Brittany’s side, these dogs inherit an upbeat, fun-loving, and bright personality; when combined with the Poodle’s characteristics, these hybrid dogs become eager to please their owners. Even so, you’ll need to remember that both dogs have a natural hunting instinct that’s deeply engraved in their DNA and you may find them running off to follow a trail.
Because of this, leash training is essential for Poodle and Brittany puppies as well as their offspring to stop them from running away. Another thing to keep in mind is that they can be sensitive dogs that will respond well to kind but firm words. It’s a good idea to give treats and rewards combined with compliments whenever they accomplish a task well.
Giving your pooch plenty of exercise is also essential to help avoid pent-up energy otherwise your Brittnepoo may end up hyperactive and unstable. This is the reason why dog behaviorists don’t recommend this kind of mixed breed dogs living in smaller homes. While the Brittnepoo is generally a friendly dog, it will still need proper guidance and should also be monitored around smaller animals.
Brittany Spaniel Poodle Mix Training and Exercise
These active dogs will need to walk a minimum of 10 miles every week and should be given vigorous physical exercise for an hour each day to keep them fit and healthy. Fortunately, you won’t need to worry about having a difficult time training your Poodle x Brittany puppy since they are known to be friendly and obedient. You may also take them on an obstacle course to help burn their abundant energy, or you can simply take them to the nearest dog park to play.
When it comes to Poodles, these purebred dogs are highly intelligent and gentle and are arguably the smartest dog breed. Their overall docile nature helped them secure the spot as the most popular breed of dog in the United States. While the Standard Poodle is more reserved compared to the Toy Poodle and Miniature Poodle, they’re still highly active dogs and will love doing tasks that keep them occupied.
However, the Brittany spaniel can be just as energetic and is also a very intelligent dog — they possess a learning pace that surpasses many other canines known today. As such, they are often referred to as the fastest learning breed and can be trained as early as 8 weeks old. When both parents provide these traits to their offspring, Brittnepoos will have plenty to offer dog owners looking for designer breeds that will excel in physical activities such as walking, running, and fetching.
When it comes to training your dog, you’ll need to invest time in sharpening their social skills which can be done by introducing them to other pets and children at a young age. Because they have a high prey drive, early socialization will help them understand the proper way to treat friends and other animals. Providing them with positive reinforcement will help you establish yourself as a strong leader.
Brittany Spaniel Poodle Mix Nutrition
Generally, your Brittnepoo will need to eat around 3 cups of high-quality dog food every day. Depending on the type of food, this should cost around $1.20 and $1.40 daily or around $34 to $45 monthly. While it might be convenient to just buy processed and ready-to-eat food for your dog, it will actually do more harm than good because of all the preservatives and fillers they contain.
It’s always best to give your pup natural foods that contain the necessary vitamins and minerals dogs need to stay healthy. For instance, American Brittany spaniel puppies will get more nutrients out of their mom’s breast milk due to its natural content. The same can be said for natural dogs — the more natural their food source is, the more they’ll be able to absorb the proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats that their body needs.
However, there are food items that you must never give to your Brittnepoo, no matter how much they might want it, which include the following.
- Alcohol: Apart from being bad for people, alcohol is also bad for dogs and consumption may lead to breathing problems or even a coma.
- Animal Bones: While many people use them as a treat for their dogs, bones shouldn’t be consumed due to splinters that may damage their teeth and digestive system.
- Animal Fat: Eating too many fatty foods may result in obesity and could lead to pancreatitis.
- Avocado: Avocados carry a chemical called Persin. This may be safe for humans to eat but it’s highly toxic to dogs.
- Caffeine and Chocolate: Coffee, chocolate, and other items with caffeine contain a chemical called methylxanthines which can cause dogs to experience dehydration, tremors, seizures, and heart palpitations. It could also lead to the unexpected death of a dog.
- Condiments: Some condiments like garlic, onions, and chives can deliver red blood cell damage in dogs, especially if ingested in large quantities.
- Fruits: Plums, persimmons, peaches, cherries, and apples have seeds that contain cyanide, a deadly chemical that is harmful to both dogs and humans. Grapes and raisins can also be harmful to dogs and they may even die from eating too much.
- Milk: Apart from their own mother’s milk, dogs shouldn’t consume any kind of milk that has been processed or is meant for human consumption. Dogs can’t digest these and may end up with diarrhea when consumed.
- Raw Dough: While dogs can eat bread when it has been baked, giving them uncooked dough with yeast could damage their digestive tract.
- Sweeteners: Even sweet foods such as baked treats, candy, and gum can contain the chemical xylitol which can increase the circulation of insulin throughout the body. This could lead to liver failure following lethargy, vomiting, and loss of mobility.
- Tomatoes: This may cause tremors and heart arrhythmias in dogs.
Brittany Spaniel Poodle Mix Health
When given proper care and sustenance, a Brittnepoo can have a life expectancy of up to 15 years. However, you need to remember that dogs may still face certain health issues and this crossbreed is no exception. Much like with all dogs, the Brittnepoo is prone to hip dysplasia, a condition characterized by joint difficulties.
These mixed-breed dogs may also encounter other health concerns such as hypothyroidism that causes a decrease in hormone production. When left untreated, it could lead to reduced activity, low tolerance to cold, and thinning fur. Brittnepoos may also get insulinoma, cancer cells that may grow around the pancreas and are characterized by seizures, weakness, collapse, and other symptoms related to low levels of glucose.
While not specific to Brittnepoos, another health problem to look out for in crossbreeds is progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Known as a genetic disorder, this is more commonly found in male dogs of both pure and mixed breeds. It is categorized by the sudden death of rods inside a dog’s retina and can cause blindness.
To avoid these health conditions, be sure to bring your Brittnepoo to the vet at least twice a year for assessment. Among the most common tests that vets will conduct to monitor your dog’s health include imagery tests, eye tests, x-rays, and urinalysis. Your pup may also undergo a general physical examination, including full blood work to ensure that your Brittnepoo is in top shape.
Brittany Spaniel Poodle Mix Grooming
If you’re looking for dogs with a low-shedding coat that won’t shed fur all over your clothing, furniture, and bedding, then the Brittnepoo is a great choice for you! Even with such wavy and thick hair, they don’t have loose hair that will cover your home and are considered to be hypoallergenic dogs. However, you will still need to maintain their gorgeous locks through proper grooming and weekly brushing.
Ensure that you use a pin brush along with a slicker brush to untangle knots and prevent matting. Fortunately, your dog won’t need regular bathing, but be sure to use dog shampoo for sensitive skin to keep its fur shiny and smooth. If your dog gets Poodle-like fur, you’ll also need to trim it regularly to keep it neat — by doing this, you can keep your couch clean and free from fur.
In terms of nail care, be sure to give your dog a trim at least once every two weeks. When it comes to dental care, your dog will benefit from daily mouth cleaning and examination while chewing on dental sticks will help it maintain a fresher breath. Finally, be sure to check its ears for seeds or ticks that may have tucked themselves away — clean them out using gentle ear solutions.
Brittany Spaniel Poodle Mix Puppies
Dog owners looking to breed their female Brittnepoo might be wondering how many puppies they’ll receive in a litter. The answer to this question is a bit complex — how many puppies your dog can produce will depend on a number of factors. Even if you want your dog to have a large litter, chances are that it will only be able to give birth to a few puppies because of its body size.
Medium-sized dogs such as this crossbreed will only be able to carry between 4 to 8 puppies at a time. Another thing to consider when you want to estimate how many puppies could be born into your dog’s litter is the age of the mother. In general, dogs aged 7 years and below will have a smaller litter size compared to older dogs — similarly, first-time mothers will also produce fewer pups.
Other things to consider that could influence the size of their litter include the following.
- The age of your male dog or stud (their sperm count will decrease as they get older)
- The health of both parents — they should be kept healthy throughout the breeding process; the female should be slim to encourage a larger brood.
- The diet of your female dog: A dam should be given high-quality food during the year of breeding to help improve its fertility and encourage more puppies. Consider combining dog food with cottage cheese and meat, a combination that has yielded results in studies conducted by experts.
- The date of breeding: There is a higher chance of getting a bigger litter when the female dog breeds within 48 hours of its ovulation. This process can be effective for both artificial insemination and natural breeding.
Pet parents looking to breed their Brittnepoo should do their research on the subject and note all the factors listed here. By doing thorough research, you should be able to help your dog conceive and ensure a bigger litter. Moreover, keeping your pup well-fed, healthy, and nourished could be the best way to get the most out of your dog’s pregnancy.
Brittany Spaniel Poodle Mix Price
Puppies will have different prices throughout the country depending on several factors. However, the biggest aspect that most people will consider is the breed — generally, purebred dogs will come with a higher price tag compared to mixed breeds because they conform to a specific breed standard. Even so, there are a few mixed breeds that can sell for a bigger price tag compared to their purebred parents.
When it comes to the Brittnepoo, this designer dog breed will typically be sold at a starting price of $400 but will depend on other aspects, including the following:
- Generation of the breed
- Gender
- Color
- Age
- If they are pedigree dogs
- Champion background
- Bloodline
- And more
Breeding an untainted Poodle with a purebred Brittany spaniel will result in a first-generation Brittnepoo. However, a dog can still be considered a first-generation breed if the Brittnepoo is matched with a purebred Brittany spaniel or Poodle. The second generation will begin when both the mother and father are crossbreeds.
However, before you decide to buy one of these dogs for yourself, be sure to look for a reputable breeder with years of experience to ensure that you’ll get a healthy dog free from genetic diseases.
Conclusion
Brittany Spaniel Poodle mixes are lower-shedding dogs ideal for dog owners with an active lifestyle that will give them plenty of attention to prevent separation anxiety. Because they are such smart dogs, training them shouldn’t be a problem but if you are having a hard time, working with a dog trainer can be a good choice, especially for first-time dog owners. Overall, these dogs are friendly and charming — giving them early socialization is a great way to add them to loving homes.
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