"Sophie" and "Cody"

Epagneul Bretons came to America in the 1930s and quickly gained a following with hunters. Over time, the American Brittany evolved into a larger, longer-necked dog with a different hunting style from his French forebears. In 2002, the UKC agreed to split the breed into two: the Brittany and the Epagneul Breton. The AKC continues to register both breeds as "Brittanys".

The smallest of the pointing breeds, the Breton is a compact, squarely built, muscular dog standing no more than 20 1/2 inches tall at the shoulder. He has a fine, straight coat which may have a very slight wave. There are two varieties of coat color: orange and white, and all other colors which include liver and white, black and white, white and orange, or black, white, and orange. The Breton may be born without a tail or his tail is docked to no longer than 4 inches. 

Known in France as "le fougueux" or "high-spirited ones", the Epagneul Breton displays an zest for life matched only by the energy with which he lives it. A vigorous hunter, the Breton has the stamina to work in the field all day over any terrain in any weather. He is known for his keen sense of smell, steady pointing, and unmatched love of the hunt. In spite of all that energy, the Breton has a calm and steady temperament that enables him to slip easily into the role of reliable companion when in the home. As you might expect of a dog bred to continually check back with his hunter while in the field, the Breton is a sociable, affectionate, loyal dog who thrives when included as part of the family unit. The Breton is a loving animal who gets along well with children and other household pets.

His intelligent nature and willingness to please personality make him easy to train. Heavy-handed training methods are not appropriate for this breed and may, in fact, retard the training process. As with all breeds training and socialization should begin early. The energetic Breton should have a good exercise period every day and makes an ideal companion for the hunter. A home with a fenced yard is best.