The Breton Epagnole, or Breton Spaniel, as well as the Breton Epagnole, as they are also called, is an ancient breed of pointing dog that appeared in the 18th century in western France in the province of Brittany. This breed was considered a universal hunting pointer and was used primarily for hunting game. The Breton's ancestors were used only for hunting birds and were called "bird dogs." Subsequently, blood was added to the “bird dogs” and, after which, the Breton Hispaniole was able to more actively pick up the scent and acquired its stunning hunting style. By the beginning of the 20th century, the breed was on the verge of extinction, but experts managed to restore it, although slightly updating the appearance of modern Breton. The breed was officially registered in 1908.
Appearance
The Breton Epagnole is a strongly built, medium-sized dog with a stocky, but not massive, square body. The head of the Breton Spaniard is wide, with a smooth transition from the forehead to the elongated muzzle. The high-set ears are rounded at the tips and covered with slightly wavy hair. Light Brown eyes harmonize with the color of the dog. The Breton's neck is of medium length, his stomach is drawn, his back is strong, his hips are wide and powerful. The limbs are slender, long and muscular. The Breton Spaniard has a long stride - when he walks hind legs They take out the prints of the front paws. The tail can be straight and hanging, its length usually does not exceed 10 cm. The coat should not form curls and have a slightly wavy appearance. The color can be red, liver in combination with white and tri-color (white, red, black).
Character
The Breton Epagnole is a true hunting dog with high intelligence and excellent working qualities. He has great instincts, makes an amazing stance, and can work in all weather conditions and on any terrain. Epagnol Breton is obedient and has a stable, balanced character. This breed is considered suitable not only for hunters, but also for families with children. An affectionate and responsible Breton will become a real nanny for them, and will never show aggression. The Breton Spaniel is friendly towards other pets, and if he grew up with them, he will not consider your cat or parrot as game. At home, the Breton will not bother you with loud barking; he perfectly follows commands and is easy to train. To prevent an adult dog from becoming gloomy or shy, you need to accustom the puppy to communicate with people and other dogs with early age. The Breton Epagnole has a stubborn disposition, but at the same time it is easy to control and can adapt to any environment.
The Breton Epagnole is a very energetic and active dog that needs a lot of physical activity, so it is most likely not suitable for a quiet and measured life in a city apartment. In cramped conditions, the dog will begin to get bored, whine and behave in an inappropriate manner. It would be ideal to keep such a dog outside the city, where it can splash out its energy and satisfy its hunting instincts. Once a week you need to brush your Breton with a stiff brush to keep his coat in excellent condition. Bath the dog as it gets dirty. If your pet is used for hunting, after each outing it is necessary to inspect the dog’s fur and paws, since in addition to burrs, ticks may be found on it. The Breton Epagnole is very sensitive to rough handling, even your scream can offend him, try to take into account the peculiarity of his character and explain everything in words.
Health
Like many representatives of hunting breeds, the British Spaniard cannot complain of poor health - he is considered a strong dog. Some representatives of the breed may suffer from hemophilia. This hereditary disease, in which blood clotting decreases, and even minor injury, can lead to serious hemorrhages. To prevent this disease, breeders usually do not allow closely related relationships and cull sick animals. Of the other diseases that can occur in the Breton Epagnole, dysplasia is most often observed. hip joint and hypothyroidism of the thyroid gland.
Video of the Breton Epagnole breed
The Breton Epagnole has not only an intricate name for the breed, but also an amazing appearance, which makes the dog popular in a variety of regions. In essence, this is a pointing hunting breed, which is often compared to pointers and setters.
An intelligent and obedient dog is devoted to its owner with all its soul, fulfills all his commands with pleasure and is always ready to develop. This is why the Breton Epagnole is an excellent choice as a companion pet or just a family friend.
Origin
For the first time, ancestors began to be bred in the agricultural area of the Brittany region, which is located in France. The breed is quite ancient, it has gone through years of transformation and selection, so little information exists about its formation. It is a reliably known fact that representatives come from the provinces of France, starting from 1900. Over the course of one century, the friendly and flexible dog has gained popularity throughout the country.
The first literary source dates back to 1850. A local priest in his treatises described a dog with a short tail, which is ideal for hunting in the north of the country. By 1900, the dog had become recognizable and began to participate in exhibitions taking place in Paris.
A detailed description of the breed (as the first standard) was made by a cavalry veterinarian in 1906. He introduced the world to a spaniel-type dog with a short tail (or all without it) and double colors (red and white, black and white, white and brown). These shades are still selected from modern Breton epagnoles.
In 1907, a male of the breed named Boy became the first representative officially registered by the canine community. In the same year, a breed standard was presented and approved, in which it was given the intricate name “Breton dog with a short tail.”
Description of the breed
The active Epaniol is classified as a Spaniel, despite the fact that there are significant differences in the appearance and character of these dogs.
Epagnol Breton has an average height - the height in the stake of males is up to 50 cm with a weight of 15 to 20 kg. Since this is a hunting breed, it must be lean and strong, always at its peak. physical fitness. That is why the animal’s body is muscular and powerful, but in no case thick or large-boned. It is believed that the Spaniel Spaniel has the most proportional dimensions (the height at the withers is approximately equal to the length).
The animal is known to everyone for its shortened tail (no more than 10 cm). Sometimes puppies are born without it at all, which cannot be considered a defect. Most people have their tail docked during puppyhood.
The dog's head is proportional to the size of the body, the shape is typical for hunting breeds. The muzzle is slightly elongated, but of medium length. Small and intelligent eyes are deep-set, and heavy eyebrows frame them on top. The eyes should be dark, but an amber tint is also accepted as standard. Unlike other breeds, the Epagnole's nose can be dark (black, brown) or pink, depending on the coat color.
The animal's snakes reach a medium length, but are shorter than those of the spaniel.
The torso is covered with long, wavy (not curly) hair without fringes, which also distinguishes the Breton Epagnole from its relatives. The length of the coat protects the dog from moving in bushy areas with thickets. Despite the density and thickness of the coat, the dog does not have an undercoat, so it can freeze at low temperatures. On the paws and ears the hair is slightly longer, but also without fringes.
Among the colors, the most common is white with a combination of other colors (red, chestnut, black, etc.).
Character and temperament
For many decades, breeders have been monitoring the working qualities of the Epagnole, raising it to be a gun hunting dog. Despite this, the breed is distinguished by its good nature, playfulness and endless devotion. Animals successfully transform into “cushion” pets as soon as they return after an exciting hunt. They quickly become attached to the owner and household members, are good-natured towards guests and other pets, and love small children.
It is necessary to understand that the Breton epañol is completely unsuitable as a guard or service dog, since he will happily “sell himself” for a piece of sausage or biscuit. Proper socialization allows a puppy to become an excellent “nanny” for a baby, a big brother for other pets, a friend and companion for an elderly person. The Epagnole "wins" even in comparison with famous companion dogs such as the Labrador or the American Cocker.
An obedient dog is highly trainable and enjoys learning new things, making its owner happy. The breed is ideal for both breed shows and active events such as obedience or agility.
Despite being active and inquisitive, the dog is very dependent on its owner and cannot stand being alone for long. Starting up little puppy, it is imperative to take a vacation to help the baby settle in and socialize, and gain the protection and love of family members.
Breton Spaniards are capable of working well on their own, but will happily pair up with another dog or even a pack. You can keep an animal in an enclosure with other breeds, since it has an unknown dominance, a sense of superiority, a desire to recapture territory, etc.
It is also important to remember that Epagnoles are considered one of the most highly trainable dogs. They have a high level of intelligence, so the breed was classified as one of the 20 smartest dogs. She easily completes assigned tasks, learns basic commands with lightning speed and is suitable for owners who do not have enough experience in training.
The animal loves outdoor games, active pastime, hunting, fishing and tourism, so keeping them in a small apartment is not very suitable for them. A muscular physique requires regular high loads, so you need to walk with the animal for hours several times a day. Normally, the Breton loves to hunt for many hours without a break at any time of day or weather conditions. If the animal does not waste its natural energy reserves, then changes in behavior and dominance occur. The dog may become timid, nervous, apathetic or angry, bark for no reason, rush around the apartment, damage shoes or repairs.
Breton epañol does not require special care, and is not picky about the choice of location, diet, or hygiene procedures.
- Wool cover. It is necessary to bathe the animal once a week with special shampoos and conditioners for wool. Do not forget to comb the coat thoroughly after washing to ensure natural shedding.
- Ears. They are a dog’s vulnerable spot due to their hanging shape and length. Often moisture gets into them, fungi or infection develop, and mites can get in. Inspect ears must be cleaned daily with a sponge and antiseptic.
- Teeth. In order to prevent the formation of soft plaque and rough tartar, brush your pet's teeth using special soft brushes and paste. Also stock up on special dental bones for cleaning enamel. Schedule your pet for an ultrasound every six months. hygienic cleaning teeth.
- Claws. The Breton Spaniel spends a lot of time in nature, actively runs and digs in the dirt, so its claws grind down on their own. However, we must not forget about the claws on the dewclaws, which should be removed with a file.
- Feeding. It is best to switch your dog to professional food for active dogs, since it contains all the minerals and vitamins necessary for the animal. Periodically give the animal large beef bones (be careful not to bite them, but only chew them), as well as cartilage.
Breton epañol – ideal breed for a large and active family that loves picnics, hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities. A caring and loyal dog will become an excellent friend for every household and pet.
Video: Breton Breton Epagnole dog breed
The country of origin of the species cannot be determined for certain, but the French consider it their national breed. Breton dogs They are called epagnoles and spaniels. There is a version suggesting their relationship with Spanish bird dogs. The word "epagnol" comes from Old French and means - to lie down. Previously, birds were hunted not with weapons, but with nets. To ensure that only the prey fell into the trap, the dogs, upon discovering the game, stopped and then lay down. Many cynologists, based on the name “spaniel”, which means “Spanish” in French, claim that its homeland is Spain.
First written references records of these dogs date back to 1850. It was at this time, in London, that the book “Memoirs of Hunting in Britain” was published. It was written by a priest, Rev. Father Davis, who preached in these places and was a passionate lover of hunting. The canines he described were very reminiscent of modern epagnoles. Their special working qualities were also noted. Old-style British spaniels that came to England mixed there with local pointers, mainly pointers. According to dog handlers, this benefited them, having adopted from them an excellent sense of smell, stance and wide search. Later, they returned to France in approximately the same form as now. IN late XIX centuries were recognized as a separate breed.
"Bretons" were first demonstrated as separate species in 1896. A little later, in 1901, a society of lovers of these dogs was created. It was also involved in developing the criteria for the standard. There was a lot of controversy about this. The first color standard meant “natural”, but nothing was explained in detail about it. The length of the tail also caused heated debate. Dogs were born with short tails and thought for a very long time whether to dock them or not. Subsequently, they decided not to interfere with the creation of nature, and over time, dogs with longer tails degenerated.
In 1930, animals were first brought to the United States, and a big “boom” immediately began. Demand went beyond all reasonable limits. In the post-war period, the breed declined in Brittany. Many individuals died as a result of disease, hunger, and fighting. After 1945, epagnoles brought from America revived the breed again. It has five varieties. Three of which differ from each other only in coat color, and the other two in size and a number of other characteristics.
Hunters of the Brittany Peninsula, with its famous Picasso Pass, at one time used this breed to catch burrowing game, and not as a pointing dog. At the beginning of the 20th century, experts noticed the great usefulness and mobility of the rack, which distinguished english dogs, brought to France. From this point on, work began to improve the working qualities of the spaniel by crossing it with the setter and pointer.
Thanks to selective selection, the once ordinary spaniel has been transformed over several decades into what is today considered the pearl of French cynology. For a long time now, the “Breton” has been imported into almost all countries of the world and has been able to earn the trust of hunters who have adapted to other breeds. For him it turned out to be not so difficult. People were skeptical at first, but later came to the same conclusion that this dog is not afraid of thorny thickets, thick reeds and water. She is able to overcome any obstacle, and has the passion of a true trapper.
Umberto Maragnoni, one of the most famous breeders of this breed, said: “It is a great joy for me to see that today this dog has proven itself in the field of competitions.” In competitions, they achieved a place of honor among pointers, both in quality and in the number of victories, thereby becoming one of the breeds in greatest demand. The activities of the Cavalier Maragnoni left a big mark on the history of the breed, thanks to careful selection work over the course of fifty years. His kennel “Kopizara” produced many breed champions.
To this day, Breton epagnoles are very popular. In their homeland, according to an unofficial version, there are approximately one hundred thousand of them. Of this number, there are more than five thousand registered purebreds. They are bred not only as assistants at hunting events, but also as family companions. Despite the fact that there are not many of them in Russia, they have already won the hearts of many urban hunters.
External standard and description of the Breton Epagnole breed
Breton Epagnole has a strong constitution. The height at the withers is 45–47 cm for females and 46–51 cm for males.
- Head rounded in shape with a protruding muzzle and lips. The breed's characteristic feature is a head shaped like a worn-out shoe.
- Muzzle- expressive and funny, not too long. Shorter than the skull, in a ratio of 2:3. The nasal trunk is straight or slightly curved. The nose is open and slightly angular. Its color is darker than the dog's coat.
- Eyes lively and expressive. Dark amber colors. In harmony with the color of the coat.
- Ears located high, slightly rounded. Almost without fringe, although covered with wavy hair.
- Neck the “Breton” has medium length, without a dewlap.
- Frame- short, square format. Never has a concave shape. The chest is deep with wide, rounded ribs. The croup is slightly sloping.
- Tail. They can be born without a tail, but those born with a longer tail have it docked. It can be maximum 10 cm in length.
- Forelegs with dry muscles, powerful bones, but the hind legs have wide, muscular, very rich thighs, abundantly covered with fringe.
- Paws. The toes are pressed tightly together and have almost no fur.
- Coat on the body it is thin, but not too thin.
- Color- white-orange, white-chestnut, white-black, tri-color black or savras.
The character of the Breton epagnol
A little treasure of the canine kind. These animals are literally programmed, will obey you. They have a kind, affectionate disposition. Always ready to receive affection from their owner. Epagnoles are adored by all family members. Always strive to take care of children.
The animals are very welcoming, which distinguishes them from other pointing dogs, which behave more independently and are quite correct in relation to others. But anyone can pet the “Bretons.” They also live happily in an apartment, which means they are wonderful indoor pets.
Breton Spaniards are expansive and love to play with children. They are smart, always active and tireless. They can be transported anywhere without any special means. Always obedient. With very stable nervous organization. They never bite. Great dogs, deserving of an owner who would be able to appreciate their excellent qualities.
Health of the Breton Epagnole
Breton Spaniards are a fairly healthy breed. On average they live up to 12 years. To keep your dog in impeccable shape, you need to feed it well. Therefore, first of all, carefully consider your diet. It is through food that the animal receives the substances its body needs. To achieve optimal results, your pet must receive the required amount of protein, fat, carbohydrates and mineral salts. Balanced diet is a necessary prerequisite for the harmonious development of the body, preparing the dog for active, adult life, increasing resistance to infections and diseases.
But no one can completely replace veterinarian, so you should take your pet for checkups regularly.
- Wool. Does not require much effort at home. You need to bathe them once a week using special shampoos and rinse aids.
- Ears. They need to be given Special attention. Since they are long, this means they are prone to infections. Therefore, you need to clean and check your ears regularly. This is not difficult to do: the ear is filled with the product, a small massage is done, and excess dirt is wiped off.
- Eyes. If the eyes of the epañol are dirty, they need to be wiped towards the inner corner. This can be done with a cotton pad and a soothing liquid.
- Teeth. To avoid dental problems, brush your teeth regularly. All the necessary pastes and brushes can be bought at pet stores. Provide your favorite Breton with edible bones for brushing their teeth. You can buy him preventative toys made from special materials.
- Claws. Hunting dogs are active, run around a lot, and their nails wear down. Otherwise, they need to be cut or filed with a file. The claws on the animal's dewclaws must be removed systematically.
- Feeding. Food homemade often leads to imbalance, and takes a lot of time to prepare. IN Lately, there is widespread ready-made feed suitable for immediate use. The most serious companies, after long and scrupulous research, have learned to produce food designed for the specific physiological conditions of the animal. For example: height or physical activity. When choosing concentrates, you should be extremely careful, preferring products from companies that conduct special studies on the selection of their composition. There is a misconception that it is simply vital for a hunting dog to chew bones. In fact, it is very dangerous! The animal's intestines become clogged, and the bird's bones have sharp edges at the break and can damage it. And the teeth of your Breton epagnol will wear down faster. You can only give your pet cartilage, but never bones!
- Walks. Every day, the Bretons need at least an hour of training. They will be grateful to you if you provide them with the opportunity to run around in an open space.
Training of the Breton Spaniel
Breton Spaniards love to please their owners, so they are easy to train. Puppies are weaned from the bitch at the age of two months and their training begins. At this stage there is no talk about training, since it begins at 7-8 months. Until this age, puppies remember best. They are taught everything related to behavior in the house: cleanliness, initial commands (“sit”, “lie down”, “toe”, etc.).
At 8 months they begin training. The dog is trained to game, that is, it cannot be touched when it takes off. While standing over the game, the dog should not move. Next they teach how to find a trace cross method- 80 meters left and right at a fast pace. At the same stage of training, the dog is taught to shoot. She must wait for the owner's command to bring the wounded animal. They also organize training on the water - they “lead” the dogs to ducks. The pet is taught that he must give up the duck, the owner moves away, and only after that he can shake himself off.
Pointing dogs search for game in the forest, swamp, and field. In open areas, the dog's search can cover up to 150 meters in each direction - "shuttle". The animal moves at a full gallop. In bushes, forests and thickets, it is necessary to reduce it. There, the direction of the air jets is changeable and the dog works in “figure eights” with circular walks.
When the epañol finds game, it takes a “stand” and does not move until the owner approaches it. Then it slowly moves towards the game, which is called “pulling”. Next, the dog makes a sharp jerk - “eyeliner”. The bird takes off and the hunter shoots. At the moment of the shot the animal must lie down.
They have won more dual meets than all other breeds. That is, they can be used not only in natural conditions, but they also perform in the ring.
Despite the fact that they can work at a great distance from the hunter, they never let him out of their field of vision. This makes training dogs very easy. They carry out any order. A person only needs to point in the direction, and the dog will tirelessly “iron” the field in search of prey. Neither prickly grass, nor other smells, are able to distract him from his favorite activity. To say that the sense of smell of these dogs is wonderful is to say nothing. In France they say about a person with excellent intuition that he has a nose like an epagnole.
They can, as hunters say, “pick up the scent” from a great distance. In open areas, they can smell a flock of birds at a distance of almost 70 meters. They have a very sensitive nose, which turns them into real hunting machines. It's big, wide and open. Allows you to breathe deeply and smell more. Bretons have a sense of smell 25 times stronger than that of humans.
Nuances when buying a Breton puppy
A Breton breeder must be a convinced fan of the breed. Carry out a careful selection of producers, often importing them from their countries of origin, in order to constantly renew the blood. Personally test them in working exams and in show rings. He must study with great attention the character, type, advantages and disadvantages of the applicants.
A lot of patience is required from the dog owner. Individuals for mating are selected in such a way that the puppies produced from them are distinguished by the maximum balance between natural qualities, typicality of the breed and harmony of forms. This work allows you to combine in offspring best qualities their parents and ancestors.
Improving the breed requires large expenses, which are unlikely to pay off due to the small number of puppies obtained. Therefore, amateur breeding can be called the pinnacle of dog breeding nobility. Dog breeding is an art, not a craft. Therefore, if you decide to get this particular breed, you better turn to professional breeders.
Very often, when choosing a puppy, the question arises: “Which gender should I prefer?” As for bitches, they are more affectionate, affectionate and mature earlier. However, during estrus, which happens twice a year and lasts twenty days, they are unsuitable for hunting. The male dog has greater endurance and can work all year round, however, he is more irritable and less obedient.
If you are not a hunter and want to have this dog for home adoration, then it needs to be provided with active physical exercise. When you can't create the necessary conditions To fully maintain a “Breton,” then get a dog that is more suitable for you.
The breed is quite popular, but still the best breeding individuals are located abroad. In average pricing, a Breton Epognole puppy will cost from $100 to $1000. Puppies with some deviations from external criteria will be cheaper.
More details about Breton epagnol You will learn from this video:
In the article I will tell the history of the origin of the Breton Epagnole, list the established standards of the breed, and consider the rules for care and maintenance.
Description of the dog breed
There is no reliable information about the existence of the breed, but most cynologists adhere to the version of crossing imported from England with French pointing dogs (setters, pointers).
The name of the breed consists of the name of the animal’s supposed homeland (the French Breton Peninsula) and the Old French word “epagnole” (“to lie”). The command was actively used when hunting with a net, allowing the dog not to give himself away to the game and not to fall into a trap on his own.
The breed was classified as a separate species at the end of the 19th century, and in the 30s of the 20th century, some representatives set foot on the lands of America. Second World War practically destroyed the Bretons, but the lucky ones from the States, who returned to their homeland after the end of hostilities, saved the species from extinction.
The painstaking work of breeders helped improve qualities and skills hunting dog. In 1907, a native of the Breton kennel club participated in the first exhibition. According to established standards, epañol has:
- hanging ears with wavy hair and rounded tips;
- a rounded head and a muzzle of medium length;
- straight or slightly curved nose with a color corresponding to the color of the coat;
- deep-set eyes of a dark amber color;
- short, square body with a deep chest, slightly sloping croup and wide ribs;
- wide hind limbs covered with abundant fringe, muscular thighs and tightly pressed toes, practically hairless;
- a short tail (not >10cm) or no tail at all (if the tail is excessively long, it must be docked).
Sexual dimorphism in Bretons is not pronounced.
Average height and weight range from 47-51 cm and 14-18 kg, regardless of gender.
The coat has a medium length, straight or wavy structure and high density. The dog has no undercoat. The hair on the belly and fingers is short and thin, while on the ears and paws it is long and thick. Acceptable colors are:
- white mixed with chestnut, red or black;
- Savrasy;
- tricolor.
The average life expectancy is 12 years, but proper care and in the absence of diseases, a pet can live up to 15 years.
The most popular color is white with a hint of chestnut Caring for an epagnol is based on its external features. For the health of your four-legged friend it is important:
- Monitor the condition of your ears. Due to the structure of the ear cavity, a lot of dirt and moisture accumulates, attracting pathogens. Suitable for cleaning dirt special remedy, purchased at a veterinary pharmacy.
- Brush the coat every week and bathe as needed. The absence of undercoat prevents excessive hair loss, so maintenance is kept to a minimum.
- Support physical activity. Bretons are real hunters who need active games and a burst of energy. When living in an apartment, they need long walks and exercise (at least 1 hour a day).
- Don't forget to clean your eyes and teeth. Absence breed diseases allows you to reduce care, but it cannot be eliminated. Try to wipe your eyes as they become dirty, moving towards the inner corners. For healthy teeth, purchase chew toys and special toothpastes designed for dogs.
- Help deal with overgrown claws. As a rule, the claws of epagnoles grind off on their own. Filing is only necessary if there is insufficient activity.
- Follow the feeding schedule. For puppies under 6 months of age, 3 meals a day are recommended. After this age, up to 2 years (end of growth), doses are reduced to 2 times, and after 2 years - to 1 time. Among premium and super-premium industrial feeds, you can find a separate line designed specifically for Bretons. The balanced composition allows you to provide your pet with everything necessary. Don't let your pet eat bones. They clog the intestines, and the sharp edges injure internal organs.
You should feed your pet after finishing your own meal. This cunning demonstrates to the animal the leadership qualities of the owner, who is the head of his pack.
Animal character
TO characteristic features Breton epagnoles include:
- Attachment. Pets are good-natured towards every family member and get very bored when separated. Don't leave Breton alone. If you are on a business trip or vacation, try to take your pet with you.
- Good-natured disposition. The dogs get along well with small children and are loyal to strangers. The animal is not suitable as a watchman, as it is happy to expose its tummy to the first person it meets for scratching.
- Obedience. Epagnoles are calm, so they do not cause problems when moving around. public transport or when meeting other dogs.
- Lack of dominant qualities. Pets love company, so they get along well with other pets.
During a hunt, Bretons are able to pursue a target for up to 10 hours without rest. Their passion does not depend on weather conditions, so in urban areas they can easily tire their owner with hyperactivity.
Training
The first “basics”, which allow you to teach the dog the basics of behavior, are given as early as 2 months of age. A smart puppy quickly remembers basic commands, and after 7 months it is successfully trained as a future hunter.
Even a beginner can cope with training a Breton.
The animal obediently obeys all commands, hoping to receive the praise of its beloved owner. The nature of training should be gentle, physical punishment is not acceptable.
A pet allowed to hunt can:
- follow the trail;
- take a wait-and-see attitude when spotting game;
- wait in a lying position when firing;
- bring the shot target.
If hunting is carried out on water, then the wet animal shakes itself off only after handing over the game to the owner, doing this from a distance.
Health of the Breton Epagnole
Like most other dogs, Epagnoles are susceptible to hip dysplasia. Preventive examinations a veterinarian will help diagnose the disease early stage without allowing it to progress.
How much does a puppy cost?
The cost of a puppy depends on its class and varies from 7 to 60 thousand rubles.
When purchasing a pet for your soul, pay attention to representatives of the pet class. For beginners who do not want to participate in exhibitions and frequent hunting, female representatives, who are famous for their softer disposition, are suitable.
The period of heat makes the dog unsuitable for hunting.
It is better to purchase show-class puppies in France. At home, there are more requirements for breeding, so the risk of running into deception tends to zero.
Breeding Features
When breeding Epagnoles, it is important to periodically mix in French blood, which is why breeders have to import studs.
To match the exterior, it is important to understand the inheritance features of a short tail:
- 2 short-tailed dogs suggests the maximum number of short-tailed puppies;
- mating 2 long-tailed dogs cannot produce short-tailed puppies;
- a litter of short-tailed and long-tailed dogs will have 2 variations of tails in variable proportions.
In conclusion, I note that with proper care and sufficient attention, the Breton epagnole will fit into any family, and will serve as an excellent companion for an avid hunter.
Despite all the advantages of the breed, the dog is not suitable for people who often travel on business and stay at work for a long time. In this case, the pet will not receive the attention it deserves, and long separations will lead to destructive behavior.
Epagnol Breton at Dogcity classes
Standard° N° 95 / 05. 05. 2003 /
Group 7: Pointers, 1.2 section: Continental Pointers, Epagnol type
With working test.
ORIGIN: Country of origin - France, province of Breton. Currently ranked first among French sporting breeds. Probably one of the oldest breeds of Epagnoles, improved in the early 20th century by various outcrosses and selection.
The draft standard for the breed was drawn up in Nantes, in 1907, and was adopted on June 7, 1908 at the first General Assembly held in the city of Loudéac (then department of Côté du Nord, now called Côté d'Armor). This was the first standard of the Club Breton Natural Short-tailed Epagnoles.
GENERAL APPEARANCE: The smallest pointing dog. Epagnole Breton refers to Braccoïde - short tailed or tailless. The build is harmonious, the constitution is solid, but not ponderous. Overall slim and lean, without unnecessary bulk, but at the same time looks quite elegant. The dog is energetic, has a clear look, makes an impression smart dog. Distinctive features breed is its short stature with energy, which during development retained the desired short-legged model, which was recorded by dog breeders.
IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS: The skull is longer than the muzzle in a ratio of 3:2. The head is proportional to the body. The depth of the chest from withers to sternum is slightly less than half the height of the dog. The dog is square - the length of the body (from the corner of the shoulder to the ischium) is equal to the height at the withers.
BEHAVIOR / CHARACTER: The dog adapts to any environment, is friendly, with an intelligent and attentive expression, a balanced character. A universal dog, suitable for any hunt on any terrain, with a pronounced hunting habit. It is worth noting search hunting qualities, running, flair, orientation on the ground, speed of reaction and duration of the stance on game, as well as rapid recovery of strength and the ability to learn.
HEAD: The head is prominent, dry.
SKULL: Slightly rounded when viewed from the front or side. When viewed from above, the longitudinal areas are slightly convex. The top lines of the head and muzzle are parallel. The width of the skull when measured between the zygomatic arches is less than its length. The brow ridges are not pronounced, but form a slightly rounded outline. The anterior beard and arrow-shaped comb are poorly defined. Moderate transition from forehead to muzzle.
FACIAL AREA:
Nose: Large, with very wide, moist and wide-open nostrils. The color is harmoniously combined with the coloring - the same can be said about the border of the pupils and eye sockets.
Muzzle: Straight, with almost parallel lateral surfaces.
Lips: Well defined, not too large, relatively thin and tightly compressed. Underlip in some places it is covered by the top, the outline upper lip gradually bends towards the junction of both lips, and this junction is not too noticeable and is tightly covered. In general, no discoloration is observed.
Jaws/Teeth: Full set of dental formula. Scissor bite
Cheeks: Not heavy, the skin fits tightly.
Eyes: Slightly slanted. The expression is intelligent, soft and frank. Slightly oval, not sunken, with clear, clearly colored and tightly fitting eyelids. Iris colors harmonize with coat color, mostly dark. The expression of the eyes combined with the protruding base of the ears creates a truly “Breton expression”.
Ears: Set high triangular shape, relatively large and quite short (if pulled forward, the tips of the ears will be further than the body). Partially covered with wavy hair, especially on the top. The remaining parts are covered with short hair. Always active when the dog is alert or on the move.
NECK: Of medium length and well-muscled, has the shape of a slightly concave, but in no case convex, truncated cone. Smoothly blends into the shoulders. There is no dewlap.
Back: Straight, short and strong, well defined
Withers: Sufficiently long, not very prominent, not loaded.
Loin: Short, wide and muscular.
Croup: Straight, short and strong, blending smoothly into the tail.
Hips: Short, wide and muscular.
Chest: Descends to level ulna, wide. The ribs are clearly defined, but do not protrude. The sternum is wide and rises slightly towards the rear. The outermost ribs are long and curved.
Belly: Slightly tucked
Sides: Slightly raised and short
TAIL: Set high, extended horizontally (or slightly drooped) when moving, wagging frequently when the dog is alert or at work. The Breton Epagnole can be born without a tail or with a very short tail. When docking the tail, the ideal length is 3 to 6 cm, docked tail should not be longer than 10 cm.
FOREQUARTERS: Limbs well balanced. The joints are flexible and strong.
Shoulder blade: Movable, long (30% of the height at the withers), close to the body with well-developed muscles. Its inclination is between 55 and 60° to the horizon. The distance between the shoulder blades is 5 cm (2").
Shoulder: Dense, powerful and very muscular. It is slightly longer than the shoulder blade. humeroscapular joint 115 and 120 °.
Forearm: Muscular and dry. Slightly longer than shoulder. Vertically placed
Elbow: Close to the body.
Wrist: Flexible, slightly inclined (between 15 and 20° from vertical).
Feet: Round, tightly knit.
HINDQUARTERS: Seen from behind, well balanced and parallel.
Thigh: Strong with prominent, prominent muscles. It should be inclined between 70 and 75° to the horizontal.
Lower leg: Slightly longer than the thigh with lean, defined muscles. Wide at the top, gradually decreasing towards the junction with the tarsus.
The angle between the thigh and lower leg is close to 130°.
Tarsus: Dry, with visible tendons.
Metatarsus: Seen from the side, almost vertical.
Feet: See forelimbs. The peculiarity is that the rear ones are slightly larger than the front ones.
GAIT / MOVEMENT: Runs differently, with a light but powerful gait, evenly and briskly. The feet move straight, the body does not twitch or bend too much, and the top line remains parallel to the ground. In the field, he most often runs at a light gallop, the stride is fast and of medium length, the hind legs move slightly back (a selected light gallop).
SKIN: Thin, close-fitting and well pigmented.
HAIR: The coat is fine, but not silky. Close to the body or slightly wavy. Never frizz. Short on the head and front of the limbs. The back of the limbs is covered with thicker hair with abundant fluff, and along the length of the limbs their height decreases to the wrist ( wrist joint) or tarsus (patellar tendon), and sometimes the hair goes down below.
COLOR: White and orange, white and black, white and dark chestnut, with more or less pronounced scattered white spots. Piebald or shagreen, sometimes with teak splashes on the top and sides of the muzzle or limbs. Similarly, in the case of a tri-color coat, there are tan spots (shading from orange to dark) on the top and sides of the muzzle, above the eyes, on the limbs, on the chest and under the base of the tail. For any color, narrow tan marks are desirable. Spontaneous coloring is not allowed.
Height at withers:
Minimum 48 cm (18.9 inches) with a deviation of no more than 1 cm (0.4 inches).
Maximum 51 cm (20.1 inches) with a deviation of no more than 1 cm (0.4 inches).
Minimum 47 cm (18.5 inch) with a deviation of no more than 1 cm (0.4 inch).
Maximum 50 cm (20.1 inches) with a deviation of no more than 1 cm (0.4 inches).
Ideal height
Males: 49 to 50 cm (19.3 inches to 19.7 inches).
Females: 48 to 49 cm (18.9 inches to 19.3 inches).
DEFECTS: Any deviation from the above specifications should be considered a defect and the degree of seriousness with which such defect should be treated is directly proportional to its significance.
Personality: Shy, shifty eyes.
Head posture: With a slight tilt.
Nose: Very faint color, inner surface nostrils are not colored.
Teeth: Pincer bite, teeth not aligned.
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