Epagneul Breton
Temperament:
If his enormous urge to move, his joy of running and his hunting instinct are taken into account, you will have a very loving dog at your side. You will make your companion happiest when he is allowed to roam through forests, meadows and large fields with his master.
Characteristics
The Epagneul Breton is the smallest so-called pointing dog recognized by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale). He has a maximum height of 52 cm and weighs about 13 - 15 kg when fully grown. So the Breton is very compact and strong. However, he radiates a certain elegance. Through his lively and bright expression, he appears full of energy.
Originally, the Epagneul Breton has the color white/chestnut brown. Today the dog breed exists in the colors white/orange, white/black, tricolor white/black/orange, tricolor white/chestnut/orange and white/chestnut.
The little bundle of energy needs by his gentle nature of course a lot of love and affection. In dealing with other animals and people he is uncomplicated and very compatible, this also applies to children.
However, due to his lively nature, a close encounter with small children can cause excitement. Therefore, you should always be by his side in such situations.
You can keep your Epagneul well indoors as long as he has enough freedom of movement. He also needs regular mental activity, as he is an intelligent working dog. As with other dog breeds, you should not leave him alone for more than 4 hours at a time.
Nevertheless, the Epagneul Breton is not a beginner's dog. Because his hunting instinct can only be controlled with consistent training. But if you take a lot of time for your darling, you will become an unbeatable team.
Bretonen are sometimes also used as avalanche search dogs, disaster dogs, drug search dogs or similar. One can describe the dog almost as a perfectionist, because he always tries to give his best.
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
When it comes to nutrition, the Epagneul Breton, like other dog breeds, does not have high demands. The important thing is that your pet's meal contains many important nutrients and that he likes his food. It is not important to feed a lot of meat with this dog. It is even better if the meal consists mostly of vegetables.
If you take him hunting or he generally has a lot of exercise, the bowl should of course always be well filled. Meat should still not be completely omitted. If it is sometimes more leisurely, it is advantageous to adjust the portion size here too, so that the Breton does not lose his slim line. A digestive nap is always good for your four-legged friend after the meal.
Of course, you can give your companion treats as a reward - preferably sugar-free. Make sure that he sneezes them in moderation. You should also be sparing with leftovers or treats at the table. With dental care snacks or dog bones, he has something to chew on for a long time.
It is important that your dog always has a bowl with drinking water available. That is, even on a long trip you should take water and preferably a small bowl or dish for him.
Epagneul Breton care
Grooming your little friend is relatively easy. Nevertheless, you should not neglect the care. After long walks in the forest or in the tall grass, you should comb the fur in any case.
If small twigs or thorns get caught, it can be uncomfortable for your loved one and cost you a lot of work until tangles are combed out again. Daily combing is beneficial and makes the hair even more beautiful, but it is not mandatory.
If it should become really dirty, it is also no problem to put your four-legged friend under the shower. Epagneul Bretons like water very much. For this purpose, it is best to use a dog shampoo without perfume or fragrances.
However, the dog bath should really only be scheduled when your dog is really dirty, as we don't want to stress the skin and coat too much. In addition, regular cleaning of the ears is important. Here, too, the care and control especially after extensive walks.
While grooming your dog, you can also check him for parasites like ticks.
Suitable accessories
As already mentioned, the Epagneul Breton is a real bundle of energy. So he needs a lot of activity. Whether you're out for a walk or at home, you can use any dog toy to please your companion.
He is a real pro at tracking. For example, you can train his sense of smell by hiding a small bag of treats and letting him search for them. Of course, you can do this outside and in the apartment.
Otherwise you can throw balls, sticks and other toys and let him bring them to you. The more exercise he has, the better. Basically, you can use any toy that is provided by a pet supply store or pet supply websites.
Since this breed are considered small all-rounders, they are also well suited for various dog sports. These include, for example, obedience or agility.
In these dog sports you master a parkour with your companion and give him precise instructions when he has to do what. Of course, this requires a lot of time, patience and training. But the Breton has definitely enough endurance for such a sport.
Origin & History
The Epagneul Breton originates from a western region in France, the heart of Brittany. The then so-called chicken dog used to serve as a helper in the hunting of birds.
The first records date back to 200 AD. In a book with the title "Kynogetika" is already reported about hunting with the "bird dog" as a companion. You can even find the small red and white dog on paintings and embroideries from the Middle Ages.
Many dogs were given to a kennel at that time. There it probably came to a mating between an English Setter bitch and an Epagneul Breton male.
An estate manager was so enthusiastic about this litter that he decided to continue breeding them. He even appointed one bitch as a foundation bitch and took her to a dog show in Paris, where everyone also showed enthusiasm for the breed. In 1907, the "Club L'Epagneul Breton à queue courte naturelle" was founded by the same estate manager.
France, the country of origin of the Epagneul Breton also created its own breed standard for him in 1907.
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