Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Overview
The Brittany Epagneul is an ancient French pointing breed that took shape in the Brittany region in the 19th century, though some believe its roots trace back even further to local hunting dogs of the 18th century. The breed developed among hunters of upland game birds who needed a compact, versatile, and obedient dog with excellent scenting ability. Local epagneuls and pointers contributed to its development, resulting in a combination of steadiness on point, lightness, and high working capacity. The first official standard was established in France in 1907, after which the breed quickly spread throughout Europe and the United States. Today, the Brittany Epagneul is considered one of the finest pointing breeds in the world.
General Appearance
The Brittany Epagneul is a compact, light, and harmoniously built medium-sized pointing dog that conveys energy, liveliness, and functionality. The format is nearly square, with height at withers close to body length. The body is strong and dry, with well-developed musculature. The head shows alertness and intelligence, ears are of medium length, and the tail is short or naturally bobbed. Movement is free, light, and wide-reaching, reflecting the breed’s working abilities. The appearance emphasizes its hunting type: the dog must be agile, enduring, and obedient. Excessive heaviness, elongation, or coarseness are considered faults.
Important Proportions
The Brittany Epagneul should be nearly square in format: height at the withers approximately equals body length, with slight elongation permitted. Chest depth is about half of the total height, providing good lung capacity. Skull and muzzle are proportionate, with a noticeable but not abrupt stop. The tail is short, either naturally or docked, and should not disrupt the silhouette. Limbs are of medium length, with correct angulation ensuring effortless movement and field performance. Excessive length or legginess disrupts breed balance. Overall harmony without coarseness or flatness is essential.
Behavior and Temperament
The Brittany Epagneul is an energetic, friendly, active, and obedient dog with a strong hunting instinct. It is highly trainable, naturally people-oriented, and works closely with its handler. The breed combines field enthusiasm with a calm, balanced demeanor at home. Social and affectionate, it is suitable for families but requires regular exercise and engagement. Aggression, nervousness, or shyness are faults. Balance, attentiveness to the handler, and a stable temperament are core qualities that make the breed a versatile pointing dog and a trustworthy companion.
Head
The head of the Brittany Epagneul is proportional and dry, with a rounded skull of medium width. The stop is noticeable but smooth. The muzzle is relatively short, straight, and wide at the end. The bridge of the nose is slightly convex, and the nose leather is large with well-developed nostrils, in harmony with coat color. The lips are thin and tight, without heavy folds. Bite is scissor, teeth strong and complete. The overall expression is lively, intelligent, and gentle, reflecting the breed’s friendly nature. Faults include coarse head, overly pronounced stop, pendulous lips, or elongated muzzle.
Foreface
The muzzle is short, broad at the base, and slightly tapers toward the nose without appearing pointed. The nasal bridge is straight or slightly convex. The nose is well-pigmented, nostrils open, leather large and ideally matching coat color. Lips are tight, the upper lip not overhanging the lower. Jaws are strong, with a scissor bite. Cheeks are dry and not prominent. The foreface should retain a soft, friendly expression and functional form. Faults include overly long muzzle, narrow lips, coarseness, depigmentation, weak jaws, or a loose mouth.
Eyes
Eyes are medium-sized, slightly oval, and set slightly obliquely, creating a lively, attentive, and gentle expression. Color ranges from dark amber to hazel, always in harmony with the coat. Too light or round eyes are undesirable. Eyelids are thin, tight, and well-pigmented. The expression should be friendly, balanced, and intelligent, reflecting the breed’s sociable nature. Disqualifying faults include protruding eyes, very small or overly slanted eyes, aggressive or fearful expression, or depigmented eyelids. Eyes are a key element in breed type, contributing greatly to its softness and intelligence.
Ears
Ears are set high and slightly back, medium length, triangular with rounded tips. They are thin, mobile, and covered with soft, wavy hair often forming feathering. At rest, the ears lie flat; when alert, they lift slightly, enhancing expression. Faults include ears that are too long, heavy, low-set, or coarse. Absence of feathering, overly dense texture, or excessive hair are also undesirable. The ears should emphasize the breed’s lively temperament and friendly character.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, dry, strong, slightly arched, and smoothly transitions into the withers. It should be long enough to allow free movement and proper head carriage, but not coarse or overly thin. Skin fits tightly without dewlap. The neck must integrate harmoniously with the body and should not appear short or heavy. A correct neck helps maintain balance in movement and supports field performance. Faults include short, thick, weak, or overly long necks, as well as loose skin or excessive dewlap.
Body
The body is compact, solid, and slightly square in shape, with a strong but dry build. The chest is deep and well-let-down; ribs are slightly arched but not barrel-shaped, allowing sufficient respiratory capacity and endurance. The back is short, strong, and straight; loin is broad and muscular. The croup is slightly sloping, never high or abruptly cut off. The topline is stable in both movement and stance. The belly is moderately tucked up. Faults include long body, soft or sagging back, narrow chest, weak musculature, or loose, unathletic build impairing working ability.
Tail
The tail of the Brittany Epagneul is traditionally short, naturally bobbed or docked, though full tails are acceptable. At rest, the tail hangs down; in movement, it may be raised but never above the backline. Naturally short tails are typically no longer than 10 cm. A full tail must harmonize with the body and should not curl over the back. Faults include high tail carriage, tail curled over the back, kinks, or disfigured tail. A correct tail completes the breed’s balance and functionality without disturbing the silhouette.
Forequarters
Forelimbs are straight, parallel, with strong but dry bones. Shoulders are long, well attached to the chest, and set at an angle allowing free movement and correct reach. Upper arms are muscular; the shoulder joint shows clear angulation. Elbows point backward, lie close to the body but not pressed in. Pasterns are elastic, slightly sloping. Feet are oval and compact, with strong pads. Faults include splayed feet, turned-out elbows, straight shoulders, weak pasterns. Forequarters must provide stability, flexibility, and working stride.
Hindquarters
Hindquarters are strong, with well-developed musculature and correct angulation for powerful drive and smooth movement. Thighs are broad and strong; stifles well angulated but not exaggerated. Hocks are low-set, and from behind, the legs are parallel. Feet are oval and compact. Faults include straight stifles, weak hindquarters, cow hocks, bow-legged stance, or narrow rear. Proper hindquarters are essential for stamina and field performance.
Gait and Movement
The gait of the Brittany Epagneul is free, light, lively, and energetic, with good reach in front and strong rear drive. Movements should be elastic and well-coordinated, without excessive effort or stiffness. The typical trot is extended and economical, reflecting the breed's working nature. The topline remains stable in both walk and trot. Faults include paddling, crabbing, short stride, limited range, high stepping, or side-winding. Correct movement is essential for a fully functional pointing dog.
Coat
The coat is of medium length, flat or slightly wavy, of fine texture, without curls or excessive softness. Feathering is present on the ears, tail, and back of the legs. The coat should not be too dense or long, as it must not hinder field work. Undercoat is moderate but protective against weather. Faults include curly coat, excessive length, lack of feathering, overly soft, sparse, or coarse coat. Proper coat texture enhances elegance and functionality while maintaining practical field performance.
Permissible Colors
The primary colors of the Brittany Epagneul include white and orange, white and black, white and liver, and tricolor. Liver roan, orange roan, and other speckled patterns are acceptable as long as the markings are harmonious, clean, and well-distributed. Spots may be large or small, and ticking is allowed. Nose leather, lips, and eyelids must be pigmented according to the coat color. Faults include solid colors, pure white, black and tan without white, or significant depigmentation. Both color and its distribution must reflect the breed’s French heritage and a bright, typical appearance.
Size
Height at withers: males 48–51 cm, females 47–50 cm. Slight deviations are acceptable if overall proportions are preserved. Weight ranges from 13 to 18 kg; the dog should remain balanced, strong, and agile, without heaviness or legginess. The Brittany Epagneul must not appear heavy or overly tall. Correct size supports maneuverability, stamina, and working functionality. Excessive size or miniature build is a fault, especially if it affects breed type, movement, or expression.
Faults
Faults include all deviations from the standard that do not require disqualification but detract from breed type: weak pigmentation, light eyes, overly long or short coat, absence of feathering, narrow chest, loose body, weak bone, undeveloped muscles, insufficient angulation, soft back, shyness, or excessive excitability. Faults should be judged according to their impact on health and functionality. Minor deviations do not exclude a dog from breeding, but significant faults that impair type and working ability are serious.
Disqualifying Faults
Disqualifying faults include aggression, extreme shyness, lack of working temperament, weak character. Total depigmentation of nose, lips, or eyelids; blue or heterochromic eyes; incorrect bite; missing canines or incisors. Disqualifying colors include solid coat, absence of white in tan markings, solid black or liver without white. Dogs with major structural defects: short legs, severe movement issues, domed skull, incorrect ear shape, ring tail, cryptorchidism, or any condition affecting health or working ability are excluded.
Important Notes
Only physically and mentally sound dogs with clear breed type are suitable for breeding. The Brittany Epagneul must maintain hunting suitability, stable temperament, and correct type; therefore, conformation and working qualities must be evaluated together. It is unacceptable to breed dogs with genetic disorders, clear fearfulness, aggression, or defects affecting health or movement. Selection must aim to preserve functionality, temperament, robust health, and historic type, not merely appearance.
Conclusion
The Brittany Epagneul is a compact, versatile French pointing dog that combines natural hunting talent, high intelligence, agility, and sociability. It is capable of working in fields, forests, and rough terrain, maintaining initiative and close contact with its handler. With proper care and training, it becomes a reliable hunting partner and pleasant family companion. The breed requires activity, interaction, and involvement in the owner’s life. Preserving its working abilities and balanced temperament is the core goal of breeding and the foundation of true breed type.
Если нужен перевод на китайский язык или версия с ограничением по символам (750–800) для каждой секции — я подготовлю!
