Epagneul Breton Breed description: Character & Co

What is the origin of the Epagneul Breton?

The Breton Spaniel or Epagneul Breton comes from France, specifically from Brittany. Its history begins as early as the Middle Ages, where its ancestors were repeatedly depicted in paintings or tapestries. It is most likely a small, compact hunting dog called a "bird dog". It bore a strong resemblance to today's Breton and was very popular with the nobility and wealthy burghers as a hunting companion. In the early twentieth century, various Spaniel species were crossed with English Setters. The puppies from these first breeding attempts formed the foundation of the new dog breed. In its country of origin, France, the first standard for the Epagneul Breton breed was established in 1907.

What are the breed characteristics of the Breton Spaniel?

The Breton Spaniel is a dog breed recognized by the FCI. Assigned to group 7, it belongs to the pointing dogs, specifically to the continental pointing dogs with working test (section 1.2, standard no. 95). The Epagneul Breton is the smallest pointing dog in existence. As a passionate hunting dog, it has a pronounced urge to move and needs plenty of exercise every day. Overall, he is harmoniously built with a strong skeleton. The Breton Spaniel is stocky, compact and strong, yet without heaviness and very elegant in movement. The high set tail is carried short, some animals are born without a tail at all (anuria). The medium sized dog feels most comfortable when he is trained for hunting and can use his fine nose purposefully. It is also often called Brittany in English.