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The Epagneul Breton is a European breed of dog that there has been a bit of controversy surrounding. The controversy is not regarding their temperaments or their exact standards, but rather around what exactly they are and what they are not. The Epagneul Breton may have started in Europe, but today it is a very popular dog in North America, with only one slight difference, that being coloration. In Europe, the dogs were bred using stock that were tri-color: orange, white, and black. There is, of course, also a difference in the name that is being used.

The North American dog is what is referred to as the Brittany Spaniel, or just the Brittany. When the breed began in North America, the dogs were only bred using the orange and white stock. Dogs that had the black coloring were excluded from breeding entirely until eventually, the black was fully removed from the bloodlines. Thus was born the Brittany breed. As you can see, they are essentially the same breed, only with one being allowed to include the black, whereas the other is limited to only the orange and white. Bi-color or tri-color is all that the controversy has come down to.

The Epagneul Breton was originally bred in the province of Brittany, in France, for use as a gun dog. This breed is eligible for registry with the FCI in the "pointing dogs and setters" category. While this may hold little importance to the hunter or average family, registry is important for the breeder or those who are interested in competing with the dogs. It will give the dog far greater value in these instances.

The Epagneul Breton is the smallest of all of the spaniel type of dogs, stocky in build but still with a delicate appearance. The body is well-muscled and proportionate. The ears are relatively long and held in the downward flop position. The eyes are somewhat oval and oblique with an alert and intelligent, but sensitive, expression. The nose is wide and dark and the muzzle is slightly long. The tail is either extremely short or non-existent. According to breed standards, the dog should be between 18.5 and 20.5 inches tall, when measured to the withers, with males being somewhat larger than females.

The fur of the dog is medium length and very fine, but it is not silky. The colors, of course, are either orange, black, and white, or just orange and white. The fur can lie flat on the skin or have a slight wave to it. There is a significant amount of feathering, adding to their regal beauty. They are average shedders and their grooming is fairly easy, only needing a thorough brushing once per week or so to ensure that there is no matting, nothing stuck in the fur, and to remove loose hairs.

The temperament of the Epagneul Breton is well-suited for being either a hunting partner or for life as a family pet. They are very intelligent, energetic, and inquisitive which means that they should have plenty of mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom. If they are not kept busy enough, they will be prone to obsessive barking or destructiveness. They are very loyal to their family, and do well with children typically. The breed is very social and will want to spend alot of time with you and the rest of his or her "family".

Training should be consistent, with the human establishing his or her position as "pack leader" from the start. If you are firm, stable, and calm, the dog will respond well to training and learn quickly, since the breed is very intelligent. This is really a wonderful all around dog, whether its purpose is to work or to become a family member. The happy and sweet temperament will endear them quickly to you and you will have a friendship that will last a lifetime.

Learn more about this author, Victoria Tiegert.
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