Breton Epagnol: breed description and cultivation

Pointing breed Breton Epagnol is also called Epanyol Breton. Dog breeders owe her breeding to French breeders. In Europe, and especially in France, it is incredibly common. Largely because its size is the smallest among the cops. Moreover, all the best qualities of the standard are in it. In addition, the dog is very peaceful, disposed to people and thinks well. All this makes the Breton a very popular dog.

The Breton Epagnole was first obtained in the 18th century, and a spaniel and a setter were used for breeding. The French Pointing Dog was named Breton by analogy with the area where this species was first recorded. The spectacular dog quickly got on the canvases of artists and tapestries that were popular at that time. As for documentary fixation, this event dates back to the middle of the 18th century, when hunting with dogs of a small size, with an elongated type of wool, was described. At the same time, the incredible obedience of such dogs was noted.

The 19th century was marked by the massive importation of English hunting dog breeds during the period when hunting at home was prohibited. Among them were pointers, setters, spaniels, which randomly interbred with Bretons. These metamorphoses led to a significant improvement in the quality of the breed. Her distinctiveness was her high-class flair and excellent search speed. The popularity of the breed began to grow.

In the 20th century, the Breton population was in a depressing state, fortunately, French enthusiasts-dog breeders were able to preserve and restore it.In the period from 1904 to 1908, the following events took place: the first presentation at the exhibition forum, the organization of the club and the adoption of the standard. Currently, dogs are bred not only in Europe, but also on the American continent, but the most popular breed at home, where it occupies one of the leading positions in terms of the number of individuals.

The standard and characteristics of this breed are quite clearly marked. Breton is recognized as the smallest representative of long-haired cops. It belongs to the group of hounds, section of continental cops. Description of the dog:

• short-tailed or tailless;
• stocky and proportionally built, the body is wide, the skeleton is harmoniously developed, there is no massiveness;
• the head is wide, the muzzle is slightly elongated;
• eye color is allowed only brown in a dark or light version;
• lobe of the nose with a corner, in the tone of the suit of the dog;
• the ears are too long;
• the tail is thickened, located along the line of the back, docking up to 10 cm in length;
• the wool lies tightly on the skin, of a thick type, not too long, silky to the touch, curls a little, there are feathers at the back;
• the color according to the standard can combine red shades, chestnut, black with snow-white, there are also tricolor representatives;
• the maximum height of the dog is 51 cm;
• body weight ranges from 10 to 15 kg.

The dog is slender, looks energetic and lean, slightly resembles a setter. The main use of the breed is hunting for game, the dog runs at a gallop, and can run quite long distances without getting tired. The best features of the breed are recognized:

• excellent hunting skills, passion;
• perfectly developed instincts;
• high intelligence;
• adapt well to different climatic conditions: heat, rain, cold;
• it is easy for them to retrieve, it is an innate instinct;
• despite their hunting purpose, they are often used as guards;
• an excellent companion for a person, gets along well with people.

The open character of the Breton Epagnol, his sociability, love of communication, loyalty and incredible hard work won the hearts of many dog ​​breeders. These dogs love an active lifestyle, are energetic, therefore they can get bored in seclusion, with a lack of mobility. The dog needs frequent change of impressions. They are approached by affectionate, calm, but strict owners who will consistently strive to educate the dog, without aggression and irritation. For all his obedience, a Breton needs a steady hand.

The dog will certainly repay a hundredfold for the investment and time spent, the dogs themselves are very responsive to affection, balanced, friendly, very gentle. They love to play, are good at thinking, hardworking and obedient. A change in conditions is perceived very easily, they do not belong to idle talk, they bark only on business.

Rough upbringing can make a hunted, fearful creature out of a dog, a dog of this breed is extremely touchy. Moreover, when raising a dog, rudeness is not required, because the epagnol is very fond of classes, training, and perfectly remembers commands.

The main talent of the Breton is hunting and sports, the pestle is so eager to deserve encouragement from the owner that it always shows itself only from the best side. Alert and calm, epagnol at home is notable for its peacefulness, human-oriented. The dog is very optimistic, cheerful, energetic, good-natured. The main thing is to be able to keep his activity in his hands and allow him to waste all the extra energy.

Bretons are loyal to their masters, but they do not show aggression towards strangers either, they are quite friendly. As a guard, this is a controversial breed, not all representatives can be used for these purposes, special training is needed here from the first days of appearance in the house. If the dog is socialized according to breed qualities, it will get along great with guests in your house, play with children.

Such dogs are considered one of the best companions due to their calmness and kindness, they do not like loneliness, so you should not leave them for a long time. Experts recommend Breton as the first dog, as they are obedient and well trained, as well as for those who plan to participate in competitions and exhibitions.

Their small size and unpretentious care, ease of maintenance, make them very versatile, but at the same time it is very difficult for animals in an apartment and in urban areas. The dog needs exertion, long walks, free running, which can only be provided by country life. Just walking with them is not enough, as if the activity of the dog is not satisfied, he will start to get bored, look for entertainment, spoil things, behavioral problems will arise. Unrealized dogs become nervous, anxious, timid, the quality of the breed deteriorates.

With other dogs, the Breton gets along well, despite the fact that they work alone, they are not conflicting in the pack. They are not dominant by nature, jealousy is alien to them. Therefore, among the Bretons, there are almost no bullies, aggressors, they are quite soft.

The rules of caring for the Breton Epanyol provide the pet with a beautiful appearance, excellent health, good mood and development. Experts recommend including the following measures in the list of mandatory care procedures.

• Grooming. Bretons shed not too actively, so grooming the coat is not too difficult a procedure, however, you need to comb the dog regularly. If this is not done, the coat will become tangled and mats. Trimming is only required before exhibition forums.
• Bathing. Here the opinions of experts differ, some believe that you need to wash the dog weekly, others that monthly water procedures are enough. So focus on the dog's need for cleaning, love for water, season, mood. The main thing is to use special cleaning and grooming products for dogs.
• Eye care. It is necessary to carry out daily, as well as wiping the lacrimal path with a damp cloth, cotton pad. If dirt gets into your eyes, use a special anti-irritant liquid.
• Care of the mouth... Includes cleaning teeth, special pastes and brushes, purchasing toys against tartar, edible bones for cleaning the oral cavity.
• Ear care. It is necessary to carry out a daily examination, as dogs are prone to diseases of the auricles. For any alarming symptoms, you need to consult a veterinarian for advice.
• Clipping the claws. It is carried out as necessary, since an active dog in its natural environment grinds off its claws itself. If this does not happen, you need to trim the claws with claws, file them.

Care measures also include the organization of the correct diet. It is he who contributes to the adequate development of the dog, its good health. Breton nutrition should consist of premium quality food, feeding the dog from your table is strictly prohibited.Experts recommend feeding dogs ready-made food, as home cooking is not able to provide the dog with the necessary amount of nutrients and trace elements. Self-cooking can lead to health problems, an imbalance of substances important for life.

BDry ready-made feed mixtures are best suited for retons, and natural products are completely removed from the diet. Exceptions include seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables. It is very important to provide your pet with fresh water freely available around the clock. Despite the opinion of individual dog breeders about the benefits of bones, most experts categorically prohibit including them in the diet. Not only tubular, but also ordinary bones lead to intestinal blockages, can injure it, harm the teeth, leading to their grinding.

The breed, despite its activity, can gain excess weight, as it is capable of overeating. That's why it is so important to properly organize food, to exclude from the diet foods, the benefits of which are in doubt.

Breton dog owners unanimously note the breed's excellent training ability. With a properly structured upbringing scheme, an affectionate attitude towards the dog with moderate persistence and severity, they give amazing results. The dog becomes a real friend, an excellent companion of a person, his family, if the person's lifestyle is quite active, and he is not lazy to exercise the dog in parks and forests.

Teaching a dog to commands is quite easy if you show consistency and diligence. Training begins at the age of 7 months, although the most basic skills must be instilled from two months of age, after weaning from the mother. After 8 months, you can start teaching how to work with game, Breton puppies are very early ready for work, there are representatives who are able to learn hunting skills even before reaching six months of age. Game handling should include the following abilities:

• immobility during bird tracking, stance and flooding;
• search in a cross-type way, that is, moving at a very fast pace, now to the right, then to the left at a distance of 80 m;
• learning the correct reaction to shots;
• command to bring game;
• the ability to find prey on the water, dogs of this breed love water, are not afraid of it, they swim well.

Bretons are very gentle, understanding dogs, all training should be organized in a respectful, calm manner. In no case should the dog be beaten and shouted at him, such techniques will only spoil the whole training process. In addition to training, Breton needs education, socialization. In this case, the dog will behave very adequately, get along well with children and other pets.

In terms of health, the Bretons have few questions, since the breed is distinguished by good immunity, endurance, and a strong strong body. In order for the shape and health of the dog to be impeccable, you need to make grooming procedures on time, organize a balanced diet. It is very important to vaccinate on time, to carry out preventive measures of an antiparasitic nature, both external and internal. The most common health problems a French spaniel is prone to include:

• lupus (systemic erythematosus);
• ear infections;
• epilepsy;
• dysplasia of the joints of the elbows and pelvis.

For the characteristics of the breed, see the following video.