I know it can vary from dog to dog, but what is the rule of thumb temperature wise for hunting a Brittany Spaniel? I sent her to a camp for $1500 and I've only taken her out twice so I'm looking to get her out again but I live in Wisconsin and can't see it getting above freezing anytime soon. Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Brittany spaniel
- Thread starter caydenm
- Start date
Dakotazeb
Well-known member
First, the term Spaniel is no longer used. They did away with Spaniel in the Brittany's name back in the 1980's. So basically now you have the American Brittany and the French Brittany. Just a little FYI.
Now about running your Brittany in cold temps. I've had Brittanys for 20 years and live in South Dakota. Cold temps have never seemed to effect my dogs and I've hunted them in some extremely cold weather (below zero). As long as the dog is moving it will be fine. You can use a vest to help but sometimes in snow the vests will fill with snow. When I get back to the vehicle I try to remove any snowballs that have accumulated on the dog before I kennel them. I've always hunted out of a SUV so my dogs have a warm environment when kenneled. Not sure in very cold weather it would be a good idea to put any wet dog in the back of a pickup with no heat. I wouldn't worry about the temps. Chances are the dog can withstand more than you can.
Now about running your Brittany in cold temps. I've had Brittanys for 20 years and live in South Dakota. Cold temps have never seemed to effect my dogs and I've hunted them in some extremely cold weather (below zero). As long as the dog is moving it will be fine. You can use a vest to help but sometimes in snow the vests will fill with snow. When I get back to the vehicle I try to remove any snowballs that have accumulated on the dog before I kennel them. I've always hunted out of a SUV so my dogs have a warm environment when kenneled. Not sure in very cold weather it would be a good idea to put any wet dog in the back of a pickup with no heat. I wouldn't worry about the temps. Chances are the dog can withstand more than you can.
Crossing shot
New member
Do you clip the hair between the toes?
First, the term Spaniel is no longer used. They did away with Spaniel in the Brittany's name back in the 1980's. So basically now you have the American Brittany and the French Brittany. Just a little FYI.
Now about running your Brittany in cold temps. I've had Brittanys for 20 years and live in South Dakota. Cold temps have never seemed to effect my dogs and I've hunted them in some extremely cold weather (below zero). As long as the dog is moving it will be fine. You can use a vest to help but sometimes in snow the vests will fill with snow. When I get back to the vehicle I try to remove any snowballs that have accumulated on the dog before I kennel them. I've always hunted out of a SUV so my dogs have a warm environment when kenneled. Not sure in very cold weather it would be a good idea to put any wet dog in the back of a pickup with no heat. I wouldn't worry about the temps. Chances are the dog can withstand more than you can.
+1 agreed. I have duck hunted , with brits, below zero. Swimming in water , placed them in a sleeping bag, until they warmed up. they where fine.
Dakotazeb
Well-known member
This really depends on the dog. My Britts that had a little woolier coat grew more hair on their feet and necessitated trimming to prevent snowballs between the toes. My last Brittany had a short flat coat and tight feet. Snow between the toes was never an issue with no trimming.
Dakotazeb
Well-known member
They sure aren't going to take the cold like a Lab or maybe one of the wirehaired breeds. But I've seen GSP's shivering in the cold when my Britts were just fine.
Dakotazeb
Well-known member
Depends on the dog like I said before. If your dog doesn't have a problem with snow building up between it's toes then there is no need to trim.
Crossing shot
New member
Maybe. If she has problems in the field, you might trim them. I only had to do this with one britt. She is extremely hairy (3 clips a year). If you normally clip her, I would go ahead and trim them. They get snow balls between the toes. They will stop and chew them off. Disrupts hunting.