Today's Epagneul Breton

A slogan coined in France by the late former President of the Club Epagneul Breton, Gaston Pouchain stated that the Epagneul Breton provides " un maximum of qualities pour un volume minimum"-- which translated into English means that the Epagneul Breton provides a "maximum of qualities in a minimum of volume." Another popular breed slogan provides that the Epagneul Breton is " the smallest, but the best, of the pointing breeds"! Many persons find the Epagneul Breton's varied coloration unique and their overall appearance pleasing to the eye. The dogs are medium sized with a coat of white and orange, white and black, white and liver, or tricolor combinations in liver or black, mixed with the traditional white and orange. Pigmentation in the nose, feet, lips and eyelids of the Epagneul Breton is typically quite dark, approaching black; although some representatives possess a liver or orange pigmentation in the nose which is consistent with their coloration in the coat. Epagneul Bretons are sometimes born tailless, but usually have a short docked tail.

Epagneul Bretons are sound, dynamic, athletic and efficient gun dogs for the foot hunter. Because of their intelligence, compact size and friendly, affectionate nature, the Epagneul Breton makes an outstanding companion for the family. The classic Breton is cobby in appearance, exhibiting a classic and unique Breton expression when the ears are raised. In the field, the Epagneul Breton moves with a distinct "rolling" gait which is easy, enduring, yet powerful - and which gives the appearance of rolling effortlessly as the dog gallops across the terrain, with head and nose held high, in search of upland game. The breed is characteristically intensely birdy, quite passionate in search of game and very stylish on point. The high head carriage, instinctive quartering in ground coverage and ease of movement makes the classic Epagneul Breton beautiful to watch perform in the field. Bretons are versatile dogs and make fine retrievers; often honoring a brace mate's point of upland game with little or no formal training. Compared to other breeds of pointing dogs, the Epagneul Breton matures early for field work and is usually easy to train, if given proper socialization and exposure to upland game.

For more on the Epagneul Breton, please go to: www.frenchbrittany.org

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*Credits

* Credits-The above condensed history was developed and written by the author for use by FBGDA as educational material. The historical information about the breed's origins in France was taken in part from the research, writings and lectures of historians of the Epagneul Breton breed. Specific credit and appreciation for the historical information is expressed to a number of Frenchmen who have tirelessly worked for betterment of the Epagneul Breton breed. They are Jacques-Francois Bordet, Henri Xavier Guelou, Christian Gunther, Leon Le Louet, Jean Louvet, Pierre Willems and the late Gaston Pouchain whose contributions in the form of earlier writings made providing the historical information possible. The author also gratefully acknowledges R.L. Dalrymple, current FBGDA President, who reviewed the manuscript and offered many helpful suggestions.