Brittany Spaniel: putting that nose to work with scent enrichment
Published by Planète Pets · managing editor: Clément Lacaille · how our guides are written
A Brittany Spaniel pacing circles in the living room doesn't just need to run: this breed, selected for scenting work, has a specific olfactory need that standard enrichment often overlooks. Find all our enrichment ideas in the dog toys and enrichment section.
Contents · 4 sections
What a landmark study on scent and behaviour shows
A study by Graham, Wells and Hepper, published in 2005 in Applied Animal Behaviour Science, tested the effect of different scents diffused in kennels on the behaviour of shelter dogs (see the study). The authors found that lavender and chamomile clearly reduced activity and barking, while peppermint and rosemary had the opposite effect, boosting activity. The study wasn't about the Brittany Spaniel specifically, but it confirms just how directly a dog's olfactory environment shapes its behaviour, a lever that's especially relevant for a breed this dependent on its nose.
Putting that lever to work for a strongly scent-driven breed
- Indoor tracking games, hiding treats around several rooms, tap into the same scenting circuitry as fieldwork without needing outdoor space.
- A snuffle mat turns an ordinary meal into a search session, an activity that tires a dog out mentally far more than a bowl set on the floor.
- Occasional diffusion of calming scents, lavender or chamomile in very low amounts and never applied directly, can help settle a particularly excitable dog during rest time.
Going further with the right gear
A snuffle mat remains the simplest tool to start with, paired, depending on how much the dog enjoys the game, with longer outdoor tracking exercises. Find the full breed profile on the Brittany Spaniel page and browse all our guides on the dog hub.
Frequently asked questions
Does an apartment Brittany Spaniel really need nose games?
Yes, this breed keeps a strong scenting instinct even without real fieldwork, and olfactory boredom often fuels restlessness.
Are essential oils safe for a dog?
No, many are toxic by contact or ingestion: only very diluted, occasional diffusion, never applied directly to the coat, should be considered, and only with veterinary advice.
Does a snuffle mat replace walks?
No, it complements them by providing a different kind of mental fatigue than the physical exercise this active breed still needs.
See it in the Planète Pets shop: Wobble treat-dispensing toy for dogs, adjustable opening (€21.90) · the whole shop
This guide is part of Planète Pets’s Dogs universe. Our advice is general in nature: for any health concern, your veterinarian remains the only reference.