What are the most popular dog breeds in Brittany? The Breton Epagnole is an elegant, handsome breed and an outstanding hunter. What are the good qualities?

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 contour. 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, his stride is fast and of medium length, hind legs move back a little (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. Likewise, in the case of the tri-color, there are tan spots (shading from orange to dark) on the top and sides of the muzzle, above the eyes, on the legs, 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.

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 Epagnole has a long stride - when he walks, his hind legs reach the tracks of his 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

Breton epagnole is real 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.

Breton epañol is a very energetic and active dog who needs a lot of physical activity, so a quiet and measured life in a city apartment is most likely not suitable for her. 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 epagnol or Épagneul breton (French: Épagneul breton, English: Brittany) is a gundog. The breed got its name from the region where it comes from.

In many countries, these dogs are known as the Breton spaniel, but they hunt in a manner more typical of setters or pointers. The reason for its great popularity among hunters is that it is a very intelligent breed, calm and obedient.

Abstracts

  • This is a very, very energetic dog. She needs at least an hour of intense exercise a day, without which she can become destructive.
  • In addition to the body, you also need to exercise the mind, since the Bretons are very smart. Ideal for training and sports.
  • These dogs try to please their owner and there is no need to treat them roughly.
  • They love people and do not like to remain for a long time without communication with their owner. If you are away from home for a long time, then get her a companion.
  • They are friendly and love children.
  • Do you want to buy a Breton Epagnole? A puppy will cost from 35,000 rubles, but these dogs are quite rare in Russia and cannot be found everywhere.

History of the breed

Breton epañol originated in one of the remote, agricultural regions of France and there is no reliable information about its origin. All that is known for sure is that the breed appeared in the French province of Brittany around 1900 and over a hundred years became one of the most popular dogs in France.

First written mention about the breed is found in 1850. Priest Davis described a short-tailed hunting dog that was used for hunting in northern France.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the Breton Epagnole was already quite famous in its homeland and even participated in a dog show held in Paris in 1900.

Another description of the breed was made by M. Le Comte Le Conteulx de Canteleu, who compiled a list of French breeds, among which was the Epagnole Breton. It was he who first mentioned the breed under this name.

First detailed description first created by cavalry major and veterinarian P. Grand-Chavin in 1906. He described small spaniels, with short tails or even tailless, extremely common in Brittany. He also mentioned colors: white and red, white and black, or white and chestnut.

These are exactly the same colors that are found in the breed today. In 1907, a male Breton Epagnole named Boy became the first dog officially registered with the canine organization.

In the same year, the first breed standard was drawn up. These dogs were originally called Epagneul Breton Queue Courte Naturelle, which translates to " Breton dog with a short tail."

Description

Although the Breton Epagnole is a spaniel, it is definitely not like these fine dogs. Spaniel traits are present in it, but they are less pronounced than in other breeds in this group.

This is a medium-sized dog, males reach from 49 to 50 cm at the withers and weigh 14–20 kg. This is first and foremost a hunting dog and should look the part.

The Epagnole is muscular and very strongly built, but should not appear thick or stocky. Of all spaniels, he is the most square, being approximately equal in height to length.

British Spaniels are known for their short tails, and some are born without a tail. Docking is also acceptable, but it is extremely rare for them to have a tail longer than 10 cm.

The head is typical of a hunting dog, proportional to the body, but not very large. The muzzle is of medium length, the eyes are set deep and protected by heavy eyebrows.

Dark colored eyes are preferred, but dark shades of amber are also acceptable. The color of the nose corresponds to the color and can be dark pink, brown, or black.

The ears are of medium length, but quite short for a spaniel. Their coat is slightly longer, but without feathering, like other spaniels.

The coat is long enough to protect the dog when moving in the bush, but should not hide the body. It is of medium length, shorter than other spaniels, straight or wavy, but not curly. Despite the fact that the coat is very dense, the Breton Epagnole does not have an undercoat.

On the paws and ears the hair is longer, but does not form fringes. Almost every major canine organization has its own requirements for color. The most famous colors are white and red, white and black, or white and chestnut.

Character

Breeders carefully monitor the working qualities of these dogs and their character is typical of a gun dog. But they are also distinguished by their good nature. Most become nice family dogs after returning from hunting. They are attached to their owner and friendly to strangers.

These qualities make the breed completely unsuitable for guard work; they will happily welcome a stranger into the house. With proper socialization, Bretons get along great with children and are often the best of friends.

Even compared to such good-natured dogs as or, they win and are one of the best companions among hunting dogs.

This is an obedient dog, it is easy to train and if you are about to get your first hunting dog or want to take part in obedience competitions, then this is an excellent candidate. However, you cannot leave her alone for a long time, as they suffer from loneliness.

Although these dogs usually work alone, they are capable of working in a pack and prefer the company of other dogs. The Bretons are unfamiliar with dominance, territoriality, and jealousy.

Very rare dogs bully others, they get along calmly with them. Surprisingly, for a hunting dog, it has a high level of friendliness with other animals. The cops must find the bird and bring it to the owner after the hunt, but not attack. As a result, most Bretons are very gentle with other animals.

This is one of the most trainable dogs and it performs well in training. Her IQ level is very high and she is not out of the top 20 the smartest dogs. She easily performs tasks that baffle other dogs. If you lack experience in training, then this is one of the best dogs.

Breton epagnoles would suit almost any family if they did not need high level activity. For their size, they are extremely ill-suited to apartment life and even the immediate suburbs. They need a load and a high load. Only some herding dogs and terriers can compete with them in this.

A simple, albeit long, walk is not enough for them. Breton is able to hunt for 9-10 hours without a break, regardless of the weather. An hour of running or other activity per day is required, at a minimum. At the same time, they practically do not get tired and are able to drive the owner to death.

It is extremely important to meet her exercise requirements, since all behavior problems stem from unspent energy. The dog may become destructive, nervous, and timid.

Care

Breton does not require special care, just regular brushing. Dogs have no undercoat, so washing and grooming are minimal.

For show class dogs it is needed a little more, but for working dogs it is minimal. It is necessary to keep your ears clean, as their structure promotes the accumulation of dirt.

Health

Healthy, hardy, unpretentious breed. The average life expectancy is 12 years and 6 months, some live 14-15 years. The most common disease is hip dysplasia. According to a study by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), about 14.9% of dogs are affected.

What modern hunter does not dream not just of a good pointer or gun mate, but also of a good companion who will calmly spend most time in a city apartment, content with walks in the park, but at the same time he will not lose his natural talents - there is one, this is - Breton epagnol.

Features of the history of the breed and the character of the Epagnole

On photo epagnol look like large spaniel, whose ears have not grown, however, this has nothing to do with spaniels. First mentions of Epagnole dogs date back to the beginning of the 15th century, we are talking about “everyday” chronicles, that is, a listing of everything necessary for organizing a large royal hunt in the territory of the modern French province of Brittany.

Also, these beautiful gunshots are immortalized on a huge number medieval tapestries dedicated to hunting scenes, the most famous of works of art, depicting French epagnoles, perhaps, are not tapestries from the Middle Ages, but paintings from the 17th century, belonging to the brushes of Dutch painters.

Then, in the 17th century, namely in 1896, Breton Epagnole breed was officially presented to the British Canine Society by one of the French aristocrats, and, of course, then received its first documentary description.

The club of this hunting breed, engaged in its breeding and improvement, began operating in 1907, in its official homeland, in Brittany, and still exists, uniting lovers and admirers hunting with Breton epagnoles from all over the world, including the USA and Australia.

However, this charming creature may well not hunt, but be a simple pet and best friend for children, thanks to its character. Dogs are very kind, patient, curious and friendly. This dog can spend hours watching your little one build towers out of blocks or put together a puzzle.

Breeders have also repeatedly noticed the resourcefulness of Hispaniola dogs, as if they understand what exactly the child or the owner is looking for, and bring this item or indicate its location with a jerky bark - be it gloves, a purse or a toy.

The characteristics of the breed include the absence of smell and love for hygiene procedures, both conducted by the owners and independently.

Description of the Epagnole breed

Epagnole Breton- small, one of the smallest among other representatives of the cops. These are stocky, solid in appearance, but at the same time they give the impression of some grace.

These gundogs grow up to 49 cm for females and from 50 to 60 cm for males, of course, we are talking about height at the withers.

Average weight – from 13.5 to 18.5 kg.

  • Head

Regular shape, slightly rounded, with smooth transitions. The eyes are large, almond-shaped, rounded, the ears are triangular, in constant movement, the nose is fleshy, not necessarily, it often matches the color.

The body is very proportional, the neck is developed, muscular, and the chest is wide. The abdomen is tucked in, but not sunken.

  • Tail

As for the tail, contrary to many misconceptions, it is not docked. Dogs are born with a very short tail, and sometimes without one at all. World standards allow the length of this organ to be up to 10 cm; at exhibitions, the ideal length is considered to be from 3 to 6 cm.

  • Limbs

Strong, without curvature, thighs are noticeably wider than the shins, which, in turn, are longer than the thighs.

  • Wool

The pile is slightly wavy and thin, with pronounced fringes. Color – white, with spots various colors. As for the shortcomings or defects of the breed, they will be disqualified at any exhibition if there are:

  • defects in behavior and demonstration of inconsistency of character is aggression. Cowardice, lack of curiosity;
  • violation of proportionality and difference from size requirements, including weight;
  • sharp transitions in the lines of the head;
  • white spots around the eyes - this is considered a sign of degeneration;
  • bite defects.

However, if Epagnole Breton grown for hunting, these requirements fade into the background in comparison with the working qualities of his parents, and according to his heredity in this aspect.

Care and maintenance of epagnol

Not enough buy epagnol, still needs to be grown. In addition, you should clearly understand why this puppy is being acquired, what it should grow up to be - a companion, family dog, a star of the show rings or a hunter. This is what will determine from which breeders you should take a puppy into your home.

Regardless of your goals, raising a fur baby requires patience, care, free time, kindness and firmness, but not cruelty. If a person is busy all day long, but he needs a dog once a season to go hunting with comrades or for company for evening walks - Epagnole puppies There is no need to purchase, you should pay attention to adults who, for one reason or another, are given away or sold.

As for keeping the animal and caring for it, this dog does not require much. The main points in the content, in addition to feeding, of course, are:

  • regular brushing;
  • a long evening walk with the opportunity to run without a leash;
  • games with ;
  • regular preventive examinations at the veterinarian.

It is worth understanding that epañol- attentive and quite active, of course, this animal will happily watch a movie with its owner, lounging next to him on the sofa, but before that you will have to walk with him for a couple of hours, and perhaps go for a run or ride a bike.

As a city dweller, this will be an ideal friend for those who go jogging and generally try to play sports outdoors. fresh air.

Price and reviews about epagnol

The cost will directly depend on where they are purchased Breton epagnole puppies. Of course, if a dog is purchased second-hand and without the appropriate documentation, this is one price, but if you go to France to buy puppies and sign up for their purchase directly at the Breton Society of Lovers of this breed, the cost will be completely different.

The easiest and most reliable option for residents to acquire a purebred purebred friend is to contact the Russian National Breed Club, located in Moscow (the legal and actual address, that is, the office, they themselves, of course, do not live there).

As for the reviews about the breed, of course, from the owners they are extremely positive. And it cannot be otherwise, because, especially, this is part of the family, and not a household appliance or a set of cosmetic products to evaluate it and write reviews.

A separate line is the opinion of hunters who keep several dogs and evaluate exclusively the working qualities of the breed. And in this case, according to numerous reviews on specialized sites and forums dedicated to hunting, there are a lot of benefits, they learn quickly and work great.

Also, according to reviews, epañols prefer duck hunting, most likely this is due to their love of water and water procedures. However, dogs also enjoy hunting partridges and black grouse.

Buy dogs Epagnole Breton from good producers, without going outside it is quite possible for 26,500-38,000 rubles, the offspring of “show stars” are more expensive, but excellent hunters are cheaper, quite paradoxically, but a fact.

The group of hunting dog breeds is quite extensive. Many of its representatives are well known to Russian animal lovers. Epagnole Breton is still not widespread in our country. This dog is famous for its excellent hunting qualities, high intelligence, sociability and obedience.

These are universal pointing gun dogs that can adapt maximally not only to the owner, but also to different conditions accommodation. Dog experts believe that the name of the breed comes from the word espagnol. At the same time, there is a version that Breton epagnoles were named after the style of their work s "espaignir (stretch out, lie down).

History of the breed

Animals very similar in appearance to modern epanols appeared in the 15th century in France. Since the 17th century, images of such dogs began to often appear on tapestries and paintings by famous masters, for example, on the canvases of the Dutchman Jan Steen.

Until 1850, these dogs were not called Epagnole Breton. Reverend Father Davis, describing hunting with dogs that looked like pointers, noted that they had more long wool and a short tail. These dogs did an excellent stance, quickly brought prey and were surprisingly obedient.

For the first time, the Breton epagnole was officially presented at an exhibition in 1896. The first representative of the breed to appear before general public, became a wonderful dog named Pincon Royal. Its owner was the Viscount of Brittany de Comboug. The breed club began its work in 1907 in Brittany. In September of the same year, the first breed standard was presented. Today these are the most popular hunting dogs (photos of them are published in cynological publications) in the USA and Europe.

Breed characteristics

These cute animals are the smallest among the French Longhaired Pointers. The Epagnole Breton is described as a stocky, strong and at the same time very graceful dog. Height at the withers is from 50 cm (males) to 49 cm (females). Weight, respectively, 14-18 kg.

Head

The dog's head has the correct shape, the skull is slightly rounded in front and on the sides. The transition from forehead to muzzle is quite smooth. The muzzle is straight. The nose is harmonious in color with the color of the animal, wide. The eyes are large, round and slightly elongated, very expressive. The color is usually consistent with the coat, but dark is preferred, although other colors are not considered a fault. The ears are triangular in shape, mobile, set high, of medium length. They are partially covered with soft wavy hair.

Torso

The neck is muscular and of medium length. The withers are not prominent and mobile. Wide rib cage descends to the top of the elbow. The stomach is tucked. The tail is set high. Epagnole Bretons are born without a tail or with a very short tail. The standard prescribes its length to be no more than 10 cm; 3-6 cm is considered ideal.

Limbs

The hind and forelimbs are vertical, with strong and flexible joints. The thighs are muscular and wide. The lower leg is noticeably longer than the thigh.

Coat

Bretons have a slightly wavy, fine coat. The color allowed is white with spots of chestnut, black or red. Sometimes there are specks on the lips, limbs, and muzzle. Almost all colors have a light narrow stripe on the head.

Vices

All deviations from the given requirements are shortcomings (defects). Their severity is assessed in proportion to the severity of the deviations, as well as their impact on the welfare and health of the animal. The following are considered disqualifying defects:

  • character defect (the dog is aggressive towards other animals and humans, biting);
  • cowardice;
  • dimensions different from the standard limits;
  • converging lines of the muzzle and skull;
  • excessive variegation;
  • white spots on the ears or around the eyes. light, multi-colored eyes;
  • strabismus;
  • ectropy and entropy;
  • undershot or overshot;
  • depigmentation on the eyelids or nose.

Health

Breton epagnoles are prone to the following diseases:

  1. (CHD) - hip dysplasia;
  2. elbow dysplasia;
  3. lupus erythematosus (chronic);
  4. epilepsy;
  5. ear infections.

Character

The Breton Epagnole is a balanced, intelligent and very kind dog. She loves to please her owner. Her character is reflected in her intelligent and friendly gaze. Hunting dogs, photos of which can be seen in magazines for animal lovers, are generally very smart, but Bretons, according to their owners, just don’t know how to talk.

This insightful dog always very skillfully uses the slightest weaknesses of the owner, surprising him with his resourcefulness. Epagnol does not show aggression towards strangers. He is friendly and enjoys playing with children, especially if the dog has grown up with them since childhood.

An abundance of energy, a passion for hunting, vitality and sociability - this is the Breton epañol. These are very sociable creatures that can make friends with both dogs and cats. This dog can become not only an excellent hunter's assistant, but also a sensitive companion and pet. The dog has absolutely no dog smell. Even after returning from the swamps (having cleaned the fur on his own), he can spend the night with you in a tent, and you will not feel any smell.

Probably, someone will consider the portrait of the Breton epañol described by us too idyllic. But it should be borne in mind that this dog is endowed with a rather strong character; at some point the dog may become stubborn.

Upbringing

From a very early age, Breton Epagnole puppies must understand who is the leader for him, whose word is law. The child must know what can be done and what cannot be done under any circumstances. will require patience and perseverance from the owner. Without offending the animal, without being rude, but firmly and decisively, all attempts at disobedience that may appear in adolescence should be suppressed.

Today, about twenty dogs of this breed are officially registered in Russia. All adults work great, the owners are delighted with their four-legged helpers.

Usage

As we have already said, the Breton Epagnole is an attentive and intelligent dog. She has an excellent sense of smell and is excellent at fetching game (including from cold water), makes a long stance. The way it works in the field is reminiscent of a setter (at dusk, not knowing that it is an epañole, you will probably say that it is a setter, but without a tail).

However, there are also differences: epañol actively manifests itself in any area. The Breton is an excellent climber, so this dog is irreplaceable in mountainous areas. When the hunt takes place in tall grass, during the search process the epañol resembles a tireless hare - as it runs, it constantly jumps up, and therefore the hunter never loses sight of it.

The dog also does not get lost in dense undergrowth. A bell is hung around her neck. As soon as it calms down, the dog is in a standing position. From 4-5 months, puppies show a passion for hunting and demonstrate excellent working qualities. Dogs are highly trainable. The animal needs a lot physical activity to always be in shape, so it is advisable to use it as a hunting dog. Today it is the most popular hunting dog in the world.

The Breton needs to be bathed and brushed regularly. If the dog is used as a hunting dog, it is necessary to expel worms twice as often as companion dogs (every six weeks).

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