Origins of the Brittany Breed

The Brittany, also known as L’Épagneul Breton, is the only gundog breed indigenous to France. The term “Épagneul” refers to dogs that point or set their game, while “Breton” signifies the breed’s origins in the Brittany region of France.

The breed’s development can be traced back to the village of Callac, where a statue of the renowned French Cob horse, Laous, stands—a figure reputed to have inspired the Brittany’s form.

During the 19th century, English landowners frequently travelled to France for partridge and snipe shooting, bringing along their elite gundogs, predominantly English and Gordon Setters, as well as Pointers. These dogs were often left with French landowners between hunting seasons, leading to intentional crossbreeding with the spirited local spaniels of the region. By 1900, the resulting dogs exhibited consistent traits, marking the establishment of the Brittany breed.

Early Bretons

Renowned for its exceptional scenting ability, the Brittany is an outstanding hunter, capable of covering ground swiftly and demonstrating spectacular pointing behavior. It is a highly versatile gundog. Contrary to some beliefs, the Welsh Springer Spaniel is not related to the Brittany, as their foundational lineage differs significantly. Due to the varied colors present in Setters and Pointers, Brittanys also appear in a range of colorations. Additionally, the breed is known for its natural bobtail; many Brittanys are born tailless or with a short tail.

The first recorded recognition of the Brittany occurred in 1896 at the Paris Exhibition, where a specimen won a prize. The first French champion, a liver-and-white dog named Max de Callac, was exhibited in 1904 by Monsieur Patin. The breed gained formal recognition in 1907 with the establishment of its first breed club in France. A breed standard was drafted in Nantes and officially adopted on June 7, 1908, by the ‘Naturally Short-Tailed Brittany Spaniel Club,’ now known as the ‘Club de L’Épagneul Breton – France.’

Although historically referred to as the “Brittany Spaniel,” most countries have since removed the “Spaniel” designation, recognizing that the breed is a pointing dog rather than a flushing spaniel. The Brittany boasts more dual champions than any other breed worldwide, a testament to its exceptional versatility and capability.