Brittany Spaniel

Appearance: The Smallest of the Pointing Dogs

The Epagneul Breton is known for its triangular drop ears and sturdy yet agile build, as well as its long coat, overall, its type is reminiscent of a German Setter.

Size and Coat Colours of the Epagneul Breton

Males reach a withers height of 51 cm, while females are only slightly smaller at up to 50 cm. This makes the “Breton Spaniel” the smallest of the pointing dogs, although overall they are classed as medium-sized breeds. A naturally short tail can occur, but it is not essential.

The orange and white colouring is the best known today, although the coat may also be black, brown parti-coloured or roan. White markings are usually large and clearly defined. As this four-legged friend is very popular in the USA, a separate, larger variety has since developed there. There are also further differences – for example, the coat colour “black” is not permitted under the American breed standard.

Character: Friendly and Even-Tempered

Provided it has enough activity, the Epagneul Breton is a balanced and pleasant companion who is always friendly and open within its pack and easy to handle. It forms a very close bond with its pack leader and, assuming consistent training, shows great obedience.

Is the Epagneul Breton a Family Dog?

The breed is considered intelligent and alert. Although the Epagneul Breton hunts with passion, it generally has very little innate aggression. Its gentle and playful nature makes it well suited to life as a family dog, but you should only consider this if you live in a hunting household .

Breton Spaniels enjoy learning and pick things up quickly, so training rarely presents any problems. Thanks to their close bond with their pack leader and their strong desire to please, they are keen to carry out whatever you ask of them. Any harshness is out of place. Apparent “disobedience” is usually simply down to the owner not having communicated clearly enough, leaving the eager dog unsure of what is expected.

Gundog Training and Dog School

These dogs should receive proper hunting training to channel their strong hunting instinct into controlled paths and manage it appropriately. Consistency is, as so often, the key to successful training. It is also important to remember that these dogs can only show obedience if they are exercised and stimulated in a species-appropriate way. Attending a dog training school is highly recommended.

Activity: Is the Epagneul Breton a Hunting Dog?

The Epagneul Breton feels most at home with a hunter, as this allows it to follow its passion and demonstrate its talents. This small pointing dog is a reliable retriever and also excellent on the blood trail.

While in France it is mainly used for woodcock hunting, in other countries it is generally valued as a versatile all-rounder and a welcome hunting companion. It also enjoys water work .

Other Activities for the Epagneul Breton

Outside of hunting, the Breton enjoys long walks and, with the right training, cycling tours with its owner. Thanks to its agility and pronounced “will to please”, this sporty dog can also be enthusiastic about agility training .

Nutrition: What Does the Epagneul Breton Eat?

Protein makes up the main component of a species-appropriate canine diet. Support your dog’s wellbeing and health with a protein-rich diet in which protein appears as the primary ingredient at the top of the list. This applies to both dry and wet food.

Make sure that no grain is included in the food. It makes sense to adjust meals to daily activity levels: after long outings across fields and woods, your dog should find a little extra in its bowl; on quieter days, reduce the portion size. Always allow your companion a post-meal nap.

Healthy Treats for a Slim Figure

As treats, sugar-free snacks such as dental chews or dried meat pieces are a healthy addition. However, make sure your Epagneul Breton maintains a slim figure. Special dog bones or dried cattle ears provide welcome variety and will keep your dog happily chewing for some time. Ensure your Epagneul Breton always has access to fresh drinking water .

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Grooming: Clean Coat, Healthy Ears

It is best to get your puppy used to being brushed once a day from an early age. This simple routine prevents unpleasant matting and allows you to quickly remove any bits picked up on walks, such as small twigs or leaves.

Also take a look inside the drop ears every few days, as the warm, moist environment can quickly lead to inflammation or allow parasites such as ear mites to settle. Use a special ear cleaner for dogs if needed.

Fun in the Water for the Epagneul Breton

If your Breton gets dirty and brushing alone is not enough, you can give it a quick rinse – most representatives of the breed are very fond of water. As with everything, introduce your puppy to this calmly and in small steps so that the adult dog is not startled.

Health: What Conditions Can Occur?

The breed is considered robust , and the average life expectancy of an Epagneul Breton is 12 years, although reaching an age of 14 or 15 is not uncommon. The breed shows a slight predisposition to hip dysplasia – so make sure the breeder can provide proof of appropriate joint examinations for the parent animals. A balanced diet and exercise tailored to age and fitness level can also help prevent hip dysplasia.

Some dogs also carry a genetic predisposition to skin conditions and epilepsy. As with all breeds, a responsible breeder is the most important prerequisite for buying a healthy dog, as they lay the foundations for health and character even before birth.

Regular Check-Ups at the Vet

You can also help ensure your Epagneul Breton remains active into old age with the right diet, grooming and appropriate training. Visit your trusted vet for a check-up at least once a year. They will advise you on the necessary vaccinations, worming treatments and keep an eye on your dog’s overall health.

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History: A French Dog with British Influence

As early as the Middle Ages, the ancestors of the Epagneul Breton were used in falconry. Over the centuries, and following crosses with Setters and various Spaniels, the Epagneul Breton gradually developed into its present form.

Like the other French pointing dogs, it is named after its region of origin: its roots lie in the French region of Brittany. Even in the Middle Ages, its ancestors were popular companions on hunts for the wealthy and nobility, who often had themselves portrayed with their canine companions: numerous paintings show Breton-type dogs alongside their owners striking a hunting pose.

Robustness Meets Elegance

Towards the end of the 19th century, the breed was crossed with English Setters, which British aristocrats brought with them on hunting trips to France. This new cross combined the robustness and hunting enthusiasm of the early Bretons with the elegance and outstanding pointing abilities of the Setters.

In 1907, the estate manager Arthur Enaud founded the first club for breed enthusiasts. In the same year, the first breed standard was established, although it differed in many respects from today’s version. At that time, the short tail was still a mandatory breed feature, the overall appearance was quite inconsistent, and crossbreeding to develop desired traits was permitted.

France’s Most Popular Hunting dog

Today, with several thousand registered puppies per year, the Epagneul Breton is considered the most popular hunting dog in France. In English-speaking countries, the Epagneul Breton is known as the “Brittany Spaniel” and is especially popular among many breeders in the USA.

Things to Consider: Is an Epagneul Breton Right for Me?

Are you a hunter looking for a suitable dog for hunting and everyday life including family life? Then an Epagneul Breton could be a good match! However, if you cannot work this dog in the field, you should consider a different breed. It is suitable for first-time owners, provided they are willing to seek professional guidance in hunting training.

A Home in the Countryside

In keeping with his great love of exercise, the Epagneul Breton does not belong in a city flat but rather in a house in the countryside with a fenced garden to run around in. It gets on wonderfully with children and enjoys playing with them – how about a game of football or paw-ball?

Potential prey animals, especially small pets such as rabbits , should not live in the same household. However, cats can be part of the pack if the Epagneul has been used to living with cats from an early age.

Keep an Eye on the Costs

You can also take this generally easy-going dog with you on holiday, for example if you enjoy walking holidays. Many hotels now welcome well-behaved four-legged guests. Otherwise, before your dog’s arrival, clarify who will look after it in case of illness or take care of it during your holiday.

Beforehand, get an overview of the costs you can expect, including species-appropriate food and vet visits, dog tax and dog liability insurance, as well as one-off expenses such as the purchase price from a reputable breeder, basic equipment and any travel costs.

Purchase: Where Can I Find My Epagneul Breton?

In France , you will find the widest selection of breeders, but you may also be successful in other European countries. In Germany, for example, several dozen Epagneul Bretons are born each year and registered with the umbrella organisation.

Only Buy From Reputable Breeders

Nevertheless, you may have to travel some distance to find your ideal dog. Even so, you should make sure you choose a reputable breeder: only buy this breed from someone who belongs to a recognised club and breeds with pedigree papers. Otherwise, you risk not getting a purebred Epagneul and, even worse, up with a puppy of questionable temperament and health .

Reputable breeders test the parent animals for hereditary diseases and only select dogs that are suitable for breeding in terms of temperament. They also ensure a thorough socialisation phase and all necessary vaccinations and worming treatments before the puppy leaves their home.

Only for Hunters

Therefore, steer well clear of anyone breeding these dogs out of greed or “just because”. If you would like advice, hunting dog clubs or clubs for French pointing dogs can help. Incidentally, for good reason, breeders in most countries place this breed exclusively in the hands of hunters .

If you would prefer to give an older Epagneul Breton a home, it is best to look online. There you will also find rescue organisations or breed clubs specialising in the rehoming of hunting dogs in need who can support you in your search.

A Hunting Dog from a Rescue Centre

On their websites, you will often also see other French pointing dogs that might interest you, as they share similar traits. As a rule, however, they are somewhat larger than the Epagneul Breton, unless they are crossbreeds. Speaking of which: when adopting from a rescue, be open to dogs without pedigree papers and, if you wish, let yourself be won over by their charm.

In Brief: The Most Frequently Asked Questions about the Epagneul Breton

Here you will find answers to commonly asked questions about this French pointing dog.

How Much Does an Epagneul Breton Weigh?

The weight is not specified in the breed standard. However, this breed usually weighs between 14 and 18 kg.

Does the Epagneul Breton Have an Undercoat?

The Epagneul Breton has a robust coat with a rich, oily undercoat, making it well suited to water work .

What Is the Temperament of the Epagneul Breton Like?

The Epagneul Breton has a strong urge to move and must be kept properly occupied. Only under these conditions can this agile, lively hunting dog also be kept as a family dog.

What is the Epagneul Breton Used for?

As a versatile hunting dog, the Epagneul Breton is suited to many tasks. He is primarily used for small game hunting. However, its excellent nose also qualifies it for tracking wounded game.

Conclusion: A Hardworking Little Frenchman

The Epagneul Breton is the most widely distributed pointing dog of all. For good reason: this little Frenchman has a fine nose and serves as a loyal helper to the hunter. It is easy to train and shows a calm, easy-going side at home – provided it can really let off steam while hunting. Simple daily walks are not enough to meet the needs of this eager hunting dog.

Epagneul Breton Profile

Special features:	The Epagneul Breton, also known as the Breton Spaniel, is a small pointing dog with a keen nose. He is primarily used for small game hunting.
Character:	intelligent, focused, conscientious, even-tempered
Height at withers:	Males: 47–52 cm, ideal 49–50 cm Females: 46–51 cm, ideal 48–49 cm
Weight:	not specified, usually 14–18 kg
Coat:	fine, straight or slightly wavy, in white-red, white-black, white-brown or tricolour, with patches
Coat care:	low maintenance
Exercise:	needs plenty of activity and exercise
Suitable for first-time owners:	yes (with hunting training)
Barking:	barks occasionally
Life expectancy:	12 years
Typical illnesses:	hip dysplasia, skin conditions, epilepsy
Use:	hunting and family dog
FCI group:	7. Pointing Dogs
Exercise requirements:	high
Origin:	France