Breton spaniel

Breed Description

The Breton Spaniel, also known as the Brittany, is a breed of dog that originated in France and is one of the most popular hunting breeds worldwide. The history of this breed spans several centuries. The name of the breed comes from the Brittany region, where hunting has always been an important element of the culture. In the 12th century, the hunting of quails began in France, becoming one of the main pastimes of the royal court. Gradually, hunting became accessible to ordinary people, leading to the need for a versatile breed that could meet all hunters’ requirements.

Thus, the Breton Spaniel emerged-a breed that combined hunting skills, intelligence, endurance, and loyalty to its owner. They were specifically bred for bird hunting in field conditions, such as on farms and rural areas. Their keen sense of smell, quick response, and excellent skills allowed them to seek, track, and make decisions on the spot.

The Breton Spaniel impresses with its compact size and energetic character. They possess a strong, muscular body structure, with medium-length fur and expressive eyes. One of the most noticeable features of this breed is their tail, which is usually left uncropped to be more pronounced in the field.

Initially, the Breton Spaniel was widespread only in France. However, when English hunters learned of its capabilities, the breed gained respect and popularity beyond France. Their unique hunting skills were highly valued, and their ability to work with various game made them ideal hunting partners. Today, these dogs are widely recognized as versatile hunting dogs and excellent companions in Europe and North America.

The Breton Spaniel is a very elegant hunting dog of small to medium size. It is derived from an ancient line of hunting dogs. Its form and function were developed in Brittany not as a pointing dog. The foundation includes ancient water dogs, French spaniels (known as “épagneuls”), and other hunting dogs with a deeply rooted tradition in France. This dog is likely one of the oldest representatives of the pointer type known as “spaniel.” Today, this wonderfully little-known dog is considered the most common pointer breed in France and is also very popular in the USA, especially for falconry. The first breed standard was drafted in Nantes in 1907 and approved on June 7, 1908. It was the first standard for the “Clubs of Spaniels of Brittany with Natural Short Tails,” as it was referred to at that time.

In 1954, the breed was officially recognized by the International Canine Federation. In Germany, it is overseen by the Brittany Pointer Club in VDH. This interesting and special dog is quite rare in our regions but has found friends. Annually, under the aegis of VDH, 20 to 60 Brittany Spaniel puppies are registered. It could definitely become more popular.The Breton Spaniel is the smallest breed among all pointers. It has unique beauty, sociability, and high work capacity, and although it is not well-known here, it enjoys immense popularity in France and the USA.A Brittany Spaniel owner should be prepared for an active lifestyle, as these dogs require sufficient physical and mental stimulation. They are easily trainable, and their loyalty and amiability make them ideal family pets.In conclusion, the Breton Spaniel is a breed with hunting roots and remarkable skills. They remain one of the most popular hunting breeds in many countries and are excellent companions for active owners. If you are looking for a way to diversify your life with active pursuits and exciting adventures, the Breton Spaniel may be the perfect choice for you.The price for a puppy ranges

Appearance

The Epagneul Breton or Breton Pointer is the smallest of all pointer breeds. It is also a versatile hunting dog. The Epagneul Breton somewhat resembles a spaniel, setter, and pointer all at once. This is no coincidence when looking at the ancient history of its breed (below). The Epagneul Breton is one of the continental pointers with a short tail or no tail at all. It has a harmonious build. Its skeleton is strong but not rough. Overall, the Epagneul Breton is compact, stocky, and strong, without heaviness and quite elegant. Its facial expression is lively and alert. It typifies a small, square dog full of energy. The short tail is particularly noticeable. Its eyes should appear bright, gentle, and candid. The official standard describes the characteristics of its coat as follows:

On the body, the hair should be fine, not silky, solid-colored or slightly wavy. It should never be curly. The head is short, and the front limbs are well proportioned. The back sides of the limbs are richly feathered, with the fringe getting shorter towards the front and rear joints of the paws and even extending further down.

Permitted coat colors include white and orange, white and black, and white and brown. Tricolor is allowed, but solid-colored coats are not.

The Breton stands between 48 to 50 centimeters at the withers.

The Epagneul Breton has a longer lifespan and can live up to 12-15 years.

Отличительные черты

Голова

The head of the Breton Spaniel is small and sturdy. Its shape is slightly square, with pronounced cheekbones and a wide forehead. The skull has defined and even lines, and the muzzle is of medium length, slightly narrowing towards the nose.

Морда

The muzzle is straight, strong, and quite wide at the base. They have strong and noticeable jaws, with powerful teeth that enable them to tackle game while hunting.

Уши

Breton spaniels have medium-sized ears that are straight and set high. Their drooping tips add a special charm to the dog's appearance. Ears are an active and expressive element of the breed.

Глаза

The eyes of Breton spaniels are large and round, with a bright expression and lively gaze. They can be brown or hazel, although some individuals of the breed may have blue eyes. The eyes of Breton spaniels possess exceptional clarity and shine, reflecting the breed's boldness and sincerity.

Зубы

The teeth and jaws of Breton Spaniels are strong and sturdy. The dogs have a complete set of teeth, including strong and sharp canines that are used for holding and processing game during hunting. The jaws are tightly closed, allowing the dog to perform its tasks efficiently in the field.

Корпус

The body of this breed is compact, with a moderately deep chest and well-defined ribs. They have a straight and strong back, and the spine and lower back are well developed. The withers are distinctly pronounced, giving the dogs confidence in their movement and stance.

Конечности

The legs are straight and muscular. They have strong bones and compact paws, allowing them to move with comfort and agility. The paws end in sturdy, round pads with thick and durable cushions.

Хвост

The tail is of medium length, set low and docked by a third. The tail is a particularly elegant and distinctive feature of the breed, making it easy to identify Bretons among other breeds.

Шерсть

The coat is short, dense, and smooth, with a thick undercoat. It perfectly protects the dog from various weather conditions and provides high efficiency for hunting in different climate zones. There are different variations of the coat; some dogs have wavy fur.

Окрас

The color of the Breton Spaniel can vary, from pure white with spots to tricolor, including combinations of white, chestnut, and red. The dogs' coat color perfectly complements their style and appearance, making them unique and attractive.

Character

The Г‰pagneul Breton is a hunting dog, more specifically, a versatile pointing breed. In the field, he is a diligent worker with an excellent sense of smell, typically holding high when searching. He enjoys retrieving. The standard describes his hunting passion as follows:

With a balanced character and sociable behavior, he adapts well to any living conditions. His facial expression is attentive and alert. As a multi-purpose pointing dog, he can be used for any game and in any terrain. He has been a passionate hunter since youth, and he is easy to train. His sense of smell is exceptional. While hunting in the field, the Г‰pagneul Breton works diligently, actively, and independently over a large area, full of endurance in tracking and very reliable in returning game.

The Breton has a calm, very balanced temperament, not prone to nervousness. Yet, he remains cheerful and even playful. He enjoys demonstrating his exuberant temperament and carefree charm. At the same time, he is extremely human-oriented. He is a good companion for children, which makes him exceptionally appealing. This breed is recommended as an excellent companion and family dog; yes, even for newcomers looking for a loyal partner. He requires good training, regular exercise, and outdoor activities to ensure a solid foundation. He also needs typical hunting exercises for his breed or, alternatively, participation in various dog sports.

Care and Maintenance

The care and maintenance of the Brittany Spaniel require specific knowledge and effort to ensure a healthy and happy life. Below, we outline the main aspects of caring for and maintaining this breed.

Active Lifestyle: The Brittany Spaniel is a very energetic and active breed that requires plenty of physical activity. They have hunting instincts, so it’s essential to let them run, play, and train outdoors. Regular walks and exercise will help them maintain good physical fitness and mental health.

Training and Socialization: The Brittany Spaniel is an intelligent breed that is easy to train. They were bred for fieldwork and hunting, which gives them excellent skills and capabilities. Regular training and socializing from a young age will help develop their potential, improve obedience commands, and ensure harmonious coexistence.

Grooming: The coat of the Brittany Spaniel is short and smooth, making it easy to care for. Regular brushing will help remove dead hair and keep it in good condition. They shed seasonally, so during this time, it’s necessary to increase the frequency of brushing and monitor the coat’s condition. Regular baths with special dog shampoos will also help maintain cleanliness and coat health.

Ear and Dental Care: The Brittany Spaniel’s ears require regular hygiene. Weekly checks for dirt or infections, along with cleaning them with a special solution or cotton swabs, will help prevent potential problems. Dental care is also very important. Regular tooth brushing will help prevent plaque buildup and other dental issues.

Proper nutrition is a crucial part of caring for the Brittany Spaniel. This breed needs a balanced and high-quality diet that meets all their nutritional needs and provides the necessary energy. Brittany Spaniels can have different health issues, making the choice of the right food that takes into account their specifics and needs a key factor.Regular veterinary visits are also an essential part of caring for the Brittany Spaniel. This helps monitor their health and detect any issues or diseases in a timely manner. Working breeds, including the Brittany Spaniel, have specific health conditions. Therefore, regular visits to the vet for preventive care and treatment are necessary.In summary, the Brittany Spaniel is an active breed that requires proper care. They are great for hunting and make excellent companions if given enough attention and care. It’s important to meet the specific needs of this breed so they can enjoy a healthy and happy life.

Training and Education

The Brittany Spaniel is quite undemanding when it comes to its needs. Ideally, it should live in a country house with a garden. This well-mannered hunting spaniel will be an attentive companion on walks and outdoor adventures. You must always be aware of its hunting instincts and clearly understand your dog’s body language and mindset. This way, you can call it back in a timely manner, and ideally, allow it to roam off-leash. The Brittany Spaniel enjoys going outdoors in any weather. Its intelligence, obedience, agility, and endurance make it an excellent partner in dog sports. The Brittany is completely hassle-free in everyday life and can easily accompany you anywhere. It is a friendly and eager-to-learn partner, making it easy for people to train and work with it. It desires and needs such leadership. It has its own will. To achieve this, rules should be established and adhered to-even by its two-legged friends. The main and ultimate goal of training is consistency, based on a close emotional bond of trust. You shouldn’t seek to break its stubbornness but rather respect it and enjoy the process calmly. Thus, training it can be very successful and
The Brittany is a purebred hunting dog. It should be trained in the necessary hunting skills. If you do not intend to keep it for hunting, it needs engaging tasks in dog sports such as walking, tracking, or rescue work to allow it to live a life suitable for its breed. If successful, nothing will hinder a close friendship between the dog and its owner.

How to Choose a Puppy

Choosing a Brittany Spaniel puppy is an important step that requires careful consideration and knowledge about the breed. Before thinking about purchasing a Brittany Spaniel, you should thoroughly answer the question of whether you can and want to meet the care requirements for this hunting dog throughout its character and lifespan, which can be 10 years or more. In any case, it is advisable to consult with the Brittany Spaniel Club. This should be your first point of contact unless it’s the original French breed club.

Here are some key points to consider when selecting a Brittany Spaniel puppy.

Research the breeder’s reputation: It is crucial to find a reliable and responsible breeder specializing in Brittany Spaniels. Conduct research to learn about the breeder’s reputation, experience, living conditions for the dogs, and previous litters. A competent breeder will provide the puppy with optimal conditions for birth and upbringing and will offer support and assistance to the owners throughout the dog’s life.

Inspect and assess the surroundings: Visit the kennel or the breeder’s home where the puppies are raised. Check the conditions they are kept in-they should be clean, without unpleasant odors, and the puppies should have enough space for play and activity. It is important that the puppy’s parents are on-site and are healthy and friendly.

Observe the behavior of the puppies: Pay attention to the puppies’ behavior-they should be cheerful, active, and curious. Brittany Spaniel puppies should be well-socialized and open to interacting with people. Avoid puppies that appear fearful or overly aggressive.

Evaluate the puppy’s appearance: Appearance is also an important factor when choosing a puppy. Note how they move, their build, and the shape of their heads. They should have good anatomical proportions, a straight back, as well as the correct shape and positioning of ears and tails. Carefully examine the puppy’s coat and color-they should be healthy and meet breed standards.Discuss health and genetics: It is very important to discuss the health of the puppy’s parents with the breeder and any possible hereditary issues associated with the breed. Request all available medical documents confirming that the parents have been tested for genetic diseases. A competent breeder will be prepared to provide this information.Remember that choosing a puppy is a serious matter, and it is crucial to select one that is right for you and your family. Spend time with the puppies, ask the breeder questions, and trust your intuition. The puppy should evoke positive feelings in you and meet your expectations for the breed. At Zooinika, they offer puppies with documentation and health guarantees.

Health and Diseases

The Breton Spaniel, bred by the Breton Hunting Dog Club, usually has exceptionally good health. The requirement for a short tail encourages docking, which is justifiably banned in our country and provides no health benefits for the dogs.

Breton Spaniels are generally healthy and resilient to diseases. However, like other breeds, they have specific health characteristics that need to be considered. It is important to be attentive to their health and to have regular veterinary check-ups for the timely detection and prevention of potential issues.

A common problem in Breton Spaniels is eye diseases. They are susceptible to various eye infections, conjunctivitis, keratitis, and other ocular conditions. Therefore, it is essential to regularly check their eyes and consult a veterinarian immediately if any symptoms appear.

Breton Spaniels may also be predisposed to hip dysplasia. This hereditary condition can cause pain, weakness, and limited mobility in the dog. Pre-screening and selecting healthy parents can help reduce the risk of this issue.

Another problem faced by Breton Spaniels is autoimmune diseases. They may be prone to atopic dermatitis, allergies, and other immune reactions. If such issues are suspected, it is important to consult a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

Like many medium-sized breeds, Breton Spaniels are at risk of bloat (gastric torsion). Bloat is a critical condition requiring immediate professional intervention. Dividing meals into smaller portions and limiting physical activity after eating can help reduce the risk of this problem.As with any breed, regular veterinary visits, vaccinations, parasite prevention, and deworming are essential parts of caring for a Breton Spaniel. Proper hygiene, including dental, ear, and eye care, also plays a vital role in maintaining the dog’s overall health.Additionally, it is important to monitor the dog’s weight and provide proper nutrition to prevent issues with obesity or the pancreas.Overall, the Breton Spaniel breed is known for its health and resilience, but it is essential not to neglect regular care, veterinary visits, and proper nutrition, which are crucial for maintaining their well-being. Owners of these dogs need to be watchful for any changes and seek help when needed to ensure their pets lead long and happy lives.