Do Brittanies bark a lot?
Brittanies bark at a moderate level — they'll alert you to strangers and unusual sounds, but aren't a nuisance breed. Manageable with consistent training and ensuring their needs are met.
A compact, energetic French gundog often mistaken for a Spaniel. Driven, biddable, and tirelessly enthusiastic.
How much do Brittanies bark?
Brittanies bark at a moderate level — not a silent breed, but not a nuisance either. They tend to be alert barkers: they'll tell you when someone's at the door, when there's movement outside, or when something unusual catches their attention. Then they typically settle.
The main risk of increased barking is separation anxiety. Brittanies that are left alone for long periods or haven't been properly habituated to alone time can become vocal. This is a training and management issue, not a fixed breed characteristic.
With consistent training, adequate exercise, and proper alone-time habituation, most Brittanies are perfectly manageable from a noise perspective — including in flats and terraced houses.
Under-exercised high-energy dogs often redirect that unspent energy into vocalisation. An exercised dog of this type is a significantly quieter dog.
What triggers Brittanies to bark?
- Strangers approaching the home. The most common trigger; alert barking is normal
- Unusual sounds or movement. Short alert barks, generally stops when the trigger passes
- Being left alone. Can increase barking if separation anxiety is present; needs proper habituation
- Excitement — some Brittanies become vocal at high-energy moments (walks, playtime)
Do Brittanies suit flat living?
The bigger considerations for flat living are:
- Exercise — Brittanies need 90+ minutes of exercise daily. Without a garden, this means committed daily walks regardless of weather.
- Alone time. Any dog in a flat needs proper habituation to being alone. Barking while you're out affects neighbours even with a quiet breed.
How to manage barking in Brittanies
Managing barking in Brittanies comes down to two areas: training a reliable quiet command, and addressing the root causes.
- Teach "quiet" as a positive command. When the dog is barking, calmly say "quiet," then wait for a brief pause and immediately reward it. Build the duration of silence before rewarding. Don't shout, which the dog often interprets as you barking along with them.
- Address separation anxiety early — habituate your Brittany to being alone from puppyhood. Short absences, gradually extended. A dog that's comfortable being alone doesn't bark when you leave.
- Ensure adequate exercise. A tired dog is a quieter dog. Insufficient physical and mental exercise directly increases problem barking.
Full Brittany profile — temperament, shedding, training and costs.
Read the complete Brittany breed guide →