Breton epagnol: breed description and cultivation

The breed breed Breton epanyol is also called breton epanyol. Dog breeders owe it to French breeders. In Europe, and especially in France, it is incredibly common. Largely since 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, is disposed to people and perfectly understands. All this makes the Breton a very popular dog.

The Breton epagnol was first obtained in the 18th century; the spaniel and setter were used for breeding. The French Pointing Dog was named Breton, by analogy with the region where this species was first recorded. The spectacular dog quickly got on the canvases of artists and tapestries popular at that time. As for documentary fixation, this event dates back to the middle of the 18th century; then hunting with small dogs with an elongated type of coat 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 of banning hunting in the homeland. Among them were pointers, setters, spaniels, which randomly crossed with Breton. These metamorphoses have led to a significant improvement in the quality of the breed. Her distinction was an upscale flair and excellent search speed. The popularity of the breed began to grow.

In the 20th century, the Breton population was in a deplorable state, fortunately, French dog enthusiasts were able to save and restore it.In the period from 1904 to 1908 the following events occurred: the first performance 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 breed is most popular in the homeland, where it occupies one of the leading positions in the number of individuals.

The standard and characteristics of this breed are quite clearly defined. Breton is recognized as the smallest representative of cops with long hair. Refers to a group of hounds, a section of continental gundogs. Description of the dog:

• short-tailed or tailless;
• stocky and proportionately folded, the body is wide, the skeleton is harmoniously developed, massiveness is absent;
• the head is wide, the muzzle is slightly elongated;
• eye color is allowed only brown in a dark or light version;
• nose lobe corner, in tone with the suit of the dog;
• ears are long;
• the tail is thickened, located along the back line, stopping up to 10-centimeter length;
• the coat lies tightly on the skin, thick, not too long, silky to the touch, slightly curly, there are hairs in the back;
• the color according to the standard can combine red shades, chestnut, black with snow-white, there are also three-color representatives;
• the maximum height of the dog is 51 cm;
• body weight ranges from 10 to 15 kg.

The dog is harmonious, looks energetic and hot, slightly resembles a setter. The main use of the breed is hunting for game, the dog runs galloping, and can run quite large distances tirelessly. The best features of the breed are recognized:

• excellent hunting abilities, excitement;
• perfectly developed instincts;
• high intelligence;
• adapt well to different climatic conditions: heat, rain, cold;
• they are easy to export, it’s an innate instinct;
• Despite the hunting purpose, they are often used as a guard;
• a great companion for a person, gets along well with people.

The open character of the Breton epagnol, its sociability, love of communication, loyalty and incredible hard work won the hearts of so many dog ​​breeders. These dogs love an active lifestyle, energetic, therefore, they may be bored in retreat, with a lack of mobility. The dog needs a frequent change of experience. Affectionate, calm, but strict owners who will consistently seek to raise a dog, without aggression and irritation, are suitable for them. With all obedience, Breton needs a steady hand.

The dog will surely repay a hundredfold for the invested upbringing and the time spent, the dogs themselves are very responsive to the affection, balanced, friendly, very tender. They like to play, think well, are hardworking and obedient. The change of conditions is perceived very easily, they do not belong to idlers, they bark only about the case.

Rough education can make a dog a hunted, shy creature, a dog of this breed is extremely touchy. Moreover, when raising a dog, rudeness is not required, because Epanjol loves classes, training very much, remembers the teams very well.

The main talent of Breton is hunting and sports, the pestle is so eager to earn encouragement from the owner that it always shows itself only from the best side. Vigilant and calm, epanyol at home is peaceful, human-oriented. The dog is very optimistic, cheerful, energetic, good-natured. The main thing is to be able to keep its activity in your hands and allow it to waste all excess energy.

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

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

The small size and unpretentiousness in leaving, a simplicity in the maintenance, do them very universal, but at the same time it is very difficult for animals in an apartment and in a city line. The dog needs loads, long walks, free running, which can only provide out-of-town life. Just walking with them is not enough, as if the activity of the dog is not satisfied, it will begin to get bored, seek entertainment, spoil things, problems of a behavioral nature will arise. Unrealized dogs become nervous, anxious, timid, the quality of the breed is deteriorating.

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

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

• Grooming. Shedding breton is not too active, so grooming is not a very complicated procedure, however, you need to comb the dog regularly. If this is not done, the wool will become tangled and rolled up with tangles. Trimming is only necessary before exhibition forums.
• Bathing. Here, the opinions of experts differ, some believe that you need to wash the dog weekly, others that enough monthly water procedures. So focus on the dog’s need for cleaning, love of 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 tract with a moistened tissue, a cotton pad. If dirt gets into your eyes, you need to use a special liquid against irritation.
• Mouth care. Includes toothbrushing, special pastes and brushes, purchase of 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 should consult a veterinarian for advice.
• Claw cutting. It is carried out as necessary, since the active dog in the natural environment grinds its claws itself. If this does not happen, you need to cut the claws with claws, file them.

Nursing activities also include the organization of the right diet. It is he who contributes to the adequate development of the dog, its good health. Breton nutrition should consist of premium quality feed; it is strictly forbidden to feed the dog from your table.Experts recommend feeding the dogs finished foods, as home cooking is not able to provide the dog with the necessary amount of nutrients and trace elements. Self-preparation can lead to health problems, an imbalance of important substances for life.

BDry ready-made feed mixtures are best suited for retons, while natural products are completely excluded from the diet. Among the exceptions are fresh fruits and vegetables for the season. It is very important to provide your pet with fresh water in the public domain around the clock. Despite the opinion of individual dog breeders about the benefits of bones, most experts categorically forbid including them in the diet. Not only tubular, but also ordinary bones lead to intestinal blockages, can injure it, damage the teeth, leading to grinding.

The breed, despite the activity, can gain excess weight, as it is able to overeat. That is why it is so important to properly organize nutrition, to exclude foods from the diet, the benefits of which are doubtful.

Owners of Breton dogs unanimously note the breed's excellent ability to train. With a properly built upbringing scheme, an affectionate attitude towards the dog with moderate perseverance and severity, they give amazing results. The dog becomes a real friend, a wonderful partner of a person, his family, if the person’s lifestyle is quite active, and he is not lazy to arrange a dog exercise in parks and forests.

Teaching a dog teams is quite simple, if you show consistency and zeal. Training starts at the age of 7 months, although the most basic skills must be instilled from the age of two months, after weaning from the female mother. After 8 months, you can begin to learn how to work with game, Breton puppies are very early to work, there are representatives who are even able to learn hunting skills before reaching the age of six months. Game management should include the following abilities:

• immobility during bird tracking, stance and soaring;
• cross-type search, that is, movement at a very fast pace, then right or left at a distance of 80 m;
• learning the right reaction to shots;
• game team;
• the ability to find prey on the water, dogs of this breed love water, are not afraid of it, swim perfectly.

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

In terms of health, Breton has 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 complete care procedures on time and 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 that the French Spaniel is prone to:

• lupus (systemic red);
• infectious diseases of the ears;
• epilepsy;
• dysplasia of the joints of the elbows and pelvis.

About the features of the breed, see the following video.