With their hypoallergenic coat, fun and friendly personality, and adorable physical features, it’s not surprising that the Poodle is the most popular breed used in producing designer dogs. And one of the many breed combinations that found their way to dog owners hearts is none other than the Brittany Doodle.
Due to their allure, designer breeds crossed with a Poodle like the Brittany Poodle mix have grown in popularity over time. They are adored by the pet-loving world in part because of the distinct combination of qualities from both of their parents that emerge in the most unusual ways.
The ancestry of a mixed breed dog can disclose a lot about the dog. Although mixed breeds don't enjoy the same illustrious reputation as pure breeds, they have a special appeal that makes them excellent companions.
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Breed at a Glance:
Size: 14 to 20 inches Weight: 35 to 50 pounds Energy Level: Highly Energetic Lifespan: 12-14+ years
Generally speaking, a Brittany Poodle mix is a designer dog breed that is created by crossing a purebred Brittany Spaniel with a purebred Poodle (usually Miniature or Toy Poodle). However, to be more specific about this, a Brittany Poodle mix can also be bred by mixing a Brittany Spaniel Poodle mix with a Poodle, or a Brittany Doodle with a multigeneration Cavapoo or Cavalier Spaniel Poodle.
The greatest qualities of the Poodle and Brittany Spaniel are combined to create the Brittnepoo. They stand at a middle height for a dog and combine the kindness and affection of Brittany Spaniel with the grace and dignity of the Poodle. The Brittnepoo is a leggy pup with a lot of energy and an athletic build.
Given that both of the parent dogs were used for hunting, your Brittnepoo still has the instinct to hunt or follow a trail. So, be sure to keep him on a leash when out on walks.
Due to the energy of these dogs, they are better suited to homes with some land to explore and let off steam. Hence, apartment life is not advised for them. Nevertheless, if you can provide your dog with enough physical activities every day, then, he would still be happy.
There isn't much material available to support this lovely breed, making it difficult to pinpoint when it originally appeared. However, learning more about the history of its parent breeds might help you understand how this gorgeous dog came to be. And the fact that both of this dog's parents were raised to hunt and retrieve is one of its most amazing characteristics.
The name of Brittany Spaniel comes from the Britany region of France. Brittany Spaniels, which are French-bred, have been employed as labor dogs by lower-class families in the European nation. The earliest written description of this bird-hunting dog is from 1850 when a clergyman described how he hunted with little dogs with bobtails and rougher coats.
The Welsh Springer Spaniel and the Orange and White Setter are also both blended bloodlines in this canine breed. The American Kennel Club recognized the Brittany Spaniel as an official breed in 1934 and it was widely employed for bird hunting.
On the other hand, the Poodle originated in Germany and later became its own distinctive breed in France, where it eventually became the country's national dog. Although the exact ancestry of this parent breed cannot be determined with certainty, some sources indicate that it descended from the Barbet and Hungarian water hounds.
According to historical descriptions of the breed, the Poodle accompanied the gypsies and the latter discovered that this highly intelligent dog was excellent to be trained as a circus dog.
Eventually, the Poodle arrived in the United States, where they were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1886. The Poodle eventually rose to the top dog breed in the nation in the middle of the 1950s and remained there for the following 20 years.
The Standard, Miniature, and Toy Poodles are three distinct types of this canine breed. The Standard Poodle is frequently used by the French to hunt ducks, the Miniature Poodle to find truffles and the Toy Poodle as a friend.
The Brittany Spaniel Poodle mix is a medium-sized dog that takes a lot of the distinctive physical qualities of the Brittany Spaniel parent.
It is an elegant-looking dog with a squarish build. Its skull is rounded, the muzzle is lengthy, and it has floppy, wide-set ears that dangle down close to its head. Depending on the color of the coat, its nose, which also has large nostrils, can be tan, brown, deep pink, or even black.
Depending on their genetic composition, Brittany poodle mix pups can be any of a wide range of colors, including black, white, silver, or brown. However, the majority of them feature a two- or three-color pattern, with orange and white or silver and white being the most popular combinations.
The Brittanypoo's bite resembles the blades of scissors, and its eyes are oval and dark in hue. Its body is lean and athletic, with long, straight front legs and small, rounded feet that have well-arched toes and robust pads.
Male Brittnepoos are between 45 and 50 pounds in weight and range in height from 15 to 20 inches. Females, on the other hand, typically measure between 14 and 18 inches tall and weigh between 35 and 45 pounds.
Their Personality & Temperament
These canines are well-balanced in terms of energy and will gladly accompany you on a stroll or a game. Keep your dog on a leash when you're out for a walk because otherwise, they can follow their noses and disappear, leaving you behind.
They are intelligent dogs that pick things up fast, and they admire a strong leader. And while this mixed breed dog has a hunting instinct, it also has a sensitive side. Hence, firm yet friendly phrases work best with them. Additionally, it is preferable to train them using incentives like small treats and praise when they perform duties correctly.
Additionally, to remain happy and healthy, these dogs require regular mental stimulation and physical exercise. The Brittanydoodle is an affectionate dog that can also be independent, which creates a healthy balance. They are also well-mannered and simple to take care of. You'll smile when you see how excited they are to play a game or go on a walk because they are so full of life.
Because of the sweet and gentle influence of the Brittany Spaniel, you will find that these pups get along pretty well with most other dogs. However, once the puppy is in your home, regular socialization must still be continued as you would with any breed. Once a puppy has received its second vaccination, it can be socialized with other puppies and later with adult dogs who have previously had their immunizations.
Grooming
A Brittnepoo is an ideal pet if you don't want a lot of fur on your furniture, clothes, or bedding. Despite having thick, wavy hair, they don't typically shed a lot, a distinctive trait that they acquired from their Poodle parent.
However, this can only be achieved by giving your gorgeous canine companion regular and adequate grooming. To detangle his coat and prevent matting, use a pin brush and a slicker brush. Brittnepoos don't need routine baths, and when you do, you must use gentle dog shampoo to maintain their fur soft and glossy.
You should be aware that the Brittnepoo is a very gregarious breed that enjoys being outside. So, you should often check their fur for ticks. Additionally, due to their floppy ears, water can occasionally easily become trapped within, which can result in bacterial growth. To make sure there is no foreign matter or fungi within their ears, you should clean them frequently.
Additionally, you must maintain your Brittnepoo's nails and teeth in good condition. Get him acclimated to having his mouth examined and cleaned so he has a healthy set of teeth. To avoid having fishy breath, you might also have him chew on dental sticks. It's also wise to have his nails cut at least once every two weeks.
Common Health Issues
Brittnepoos can survive for up to 15 years with the right care and nutrition. This affectionate dog breed is typically a healthy canine companion to keep; it seldom ever gets sick or develops any serious problems. That means you don't need to stress too much about vet bills, aside from regular checks and vaccinations. However, you should be aware that taking care of this crossbreed may provide some challenges.
Hip dysplasia is one of the most prevalent serious problems in Brittany Poodle mix dogs. This is when the hip joint's ball and socket grow at opposite rates, leading to mobility problems and osteoarthritis in later life.
Mixed-breed Brittnepoos may also have serious health problems such as Hypothyroidism, which results in a shortage of hormones and thus causes thinning fur, decreased energy, and a decreased tolerance for cold. Among the typical symptoms include lethargy, weight gain, and changes in the skin. Typically, Brittnepoos will be given hormones to take if this condition happens to them.
Additionally, they are also at risk for having insulinoma, which are malignant cancer cells that develop on the pancreas and are characterized by extreme fatigue, convulsions, loss of consciousness, and other symptoms that present with low blood sugar.
These dogs may also have Cushing’s Disease, a condition that is characterized by the overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal gland. This results in increased hunger, thirst, urination, hair loss, muscular weakness, and other symptoms.
Brittnepoos are also at risk for having Leg Perthes Calves disease, a hereditary ailment that would cause them to walk on one leg because the other leg hurts.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is another serious health problem that these mixed-breed dogs encounter. This hereditary disease is more prevalent in both purebred and mixed-breed male dogs. It is brought on by the death of rod cells in the dog's retina, which can result in blindness.
It's crucial to take your Brittany poodle mix to the vet at least twice a year in order to prevent these serious problems. X-rays, imaging tests, urinalysis, and eye exams are a few of the typical procedures done to keep track of his health.
Additionally, your dog ought to have a complete blood count performed along with a comprehensive physical examination to make sure that he is in peak physical condition all the time.
The Brittnepoo comes from two highly active parent breeds, so, you can expect to have an active dog that thrives in daily physical exercise. They enjoy going for daily walks or runs and playing sports with the family. They adore engaging in activities like ball retrieval, water play, and obstacle course challenges.
The Brittnepoo is a highly intelligent dog that enjoys regular mental stimulation. They will be happy if you have a good sized fenced yard where they can run around to exhaust their pent-up energy, while also keeping an eye on you. If you don't have a fenced yard where they can play, these dogs like being walked twice or three times a day.
Additionally, they are people dogs and enjoy spending time with families. While they can live in an apartment, keeping them there successfully requires daily exercise.
Diet & Nutrition
A Brittnepoo should ideally eat three cups of dog food each day. By following this, you can spend anywhere between $1.20 to $1.40 every day, or $34 to $45 per month.
In spite of the convenience that ready-to-eat processed food provides, you may still choose to go natural by giving your dog a taste of the real thing.
For instance, the Brittany poodle mix might thrive when fed the natural food sources of its parents. Its poodle parent ate a range of fish and poultry found in their hunting territories to help them grow and attain their full potential as water-oriented hunting dogs.
Most significantly, it would be beneficial to speak with a veterinarian who can provide you with advice on the best food to feed this breed based on their age and weight.
Training
The Brittanydoodle has a sensitive aspect to its personality and a desire to please people. When training this breed, be strong but gentle in your communication. Reward success with big praise and few treats, instead of using punishments.
This highly intelligent dog breed responds favorably to verbal praise and treats for good behavior. Consistency is essential to all training, as it is with any dog, but the Brittanydoodle has unquestionably shown to be a quick and eager student!
Buyer’s Guide
What to Look For
First-generation Brittnepoos are created when a purebred Brittany crosses with an untainted Poodle. If a Brittnepoo is paired with a purebred Poodle or Brittany, it is however still regarded as a first-generation breed. When both the mother and the father are of mixed ancestry, the second generation starts. So, if you are particular about the type or generation of your pup, you should pay attention to its parents.
Also, it’s worth noting that the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), the International Designer Canine Registry, and the Designer Breed Registry have all recognized the Brittnepoo, despite the fact that its owners do not yet have a separate organization. The breed is also AKC registered.
Moreover, just like with other purebred and mixed breed dogs, choosing your pup starts with selecting the right breeder. As always, stay away from puppy mills, and if possible, it’s best if you can visit the breeders’ place to evaluate the living condition of their pups, as well as to have a first-hand experience with the puppies.
You should also ask for the health records of both the parents and the puppies, as well as their vaccinations, deworming sessions, and tick/flea treatments.
Price
As a designer breed, Bittnepoos can cost anywhere between $400 and $2500 in the USA. The pup’s gender, age, color, bloodline, champion background, size, the reputation of the breeder, and location can all affect the price.
If you want to purchase one from a breeder, be sure to pay them a visit in person so you can see how they were raised and ensure you are not purchasing them from a puppy mill. Additionally, don't forget to account for expenses like medical bills, food, vaccinations, toys, and other essential items.
Are Brittnepoos Hypoallergenic?
One of the primary aspects that can urge you to acquire a Brittnepoo is that they are close to hypoallergenic! While no dog is totally hypoallergenic, Poodle offspring typically inherit their Poodle parent's coat.
This indicates that they don't shed much, and are fantastic to own if you or members of your family have a lot of allergies. Although the texture of their coats may differ, it has been known for them to inherit the Poodle's fine curly coat or the soft, dense coat like their Brittney Spaniel parent.
Conclusion
The Brittany Poodle mix is a very sociable and trainable dog to own. It is a highly affectionate breed that is wonderful to have around children and other family members. As they are hypoallergenic and don't shed much, they are also excellent dogs to own if you suffer from many allergies.
A freelance writer and huge animal advocate, with 6 dogs and 3 cats. Graduated with a medical degree and is now spending time running a shelter and rescuing animals in need. Loves a good book, travel and spend time with family and pets.
