USE: pointing dog
FCI CLASSIFICATION
Group 7: Pointing dogs
Section 1.2: Continental Pointing Dogs of the Epagneul type
With proof of work
BACKGROUND: Epagneul Breton is originally from central Brittany, however its ancestors are generally identified with the Chiens d 'Oysel already known since the Middle Ages. However, it is one of the most ancient and well-known breeds in France which has reached today's characteristics after a long selection. The first standard was established on September 3, 1907.
GENERAL APPEARANCE: small elegant and stocky dog, very vigorous, of substance without being heavy, alive, of intelligent expression, with the appearance of a small dog full of energy. IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS: length of the body equal to the height at the withers (dog inscribed in a square). Chest descended fully to the level of the elbows. Ratio length of the skull to length of the nasal bridge of 3/2, that is usually 12 cm / 8 cm.
BEHAVIOR / TEMPERAMENT: balanced, frank sweet. Ardent in the hunt, sociable with congeners. Ideal companion.
HEAD
CRANIAL REGION
Skull: rounded skull, both in front and in profile. Seen from above, the side walls are equally rounded. Cranial-facial lines parallel or slightly diverging. Width of the skull at the level of the zygomatic arches of about 11/12 centimeters.
FACIAL REGION
Truffle: as dark as possible when the subject is white and orange, white and brown, or black and white. Well opened nostrils.
Nasal bridge: straight, rather short in relation to the axes of the skull.
Lips: fine, very taut, well adherent. The upper lip slightly covers the lower one.
Jaws / Teeth: complete dentition with scissor joint.
Eyes: rather round in shape. Arranged horizontally. Color in harmony with that of the nose and the coat. Expression awake and alive.
Ears: set high, triangular in shape, slightly rounded at the ends, well endowed with wavy hair, close to the cheek. If extended forward, the cartilage should not go beyond the base of the muzzle.
NECK: medium length, very loose on the shoulders. Fine, soft and rather loose skin, but without creases.
BODY
Back line: straight and well supported.
Croup: very moderately inclined.
Back: short and straight.
Lumbar region: short, wide and solid. Average length from 8 to 10 cm
Chest: broad, ribs well sprung, well developed towards the back. It goes down to the elbow.
Abdomen and lower line: normally retracted, without excess. Belly not hollow or greyhound.
TAIL: straight or drooping. Maximum length of 10 cm. Often a little twisted and ending with a streak of hair. Some individuals are born without a tail.
PLUS
FOREQUARTERS
Plumb along the axis of the body.
Shoulder: oblique and muscular.
Arm: muscular and with strong bone development.
Elbow: close to the body, neither open nor closed.
Forearm: strong, lean although muscular, straight, vertical.
Pastern: slightly oblique.
Front feet: dry and tight. Present a certain amount of interdigital hair.
BACK LIMBS
Seen from behind, perfectly straight. In profile, the point of the buttock and that of the hock are practically on the same line.
Also: lower than the withers, slightly prominent. The tip of the hip is level with the back.
Thigh: wide and well descended.
Hock: not too angled.
Metatarsus: well upright.
Hind feet: like the previous ones.
GAIT / MOVEMENT: easy, lively, denoting a small animal full of energy. The preferred gait when hunting is the gallop. Fast, relatively short strides.
COAT
HAIR: on the body, fine without excess, rather flat or slightly wavy. Forelegs trimmed with not too thick and wavy fringes. Hindquarters well banged up to mid-thigh.
Color: white and orange, white and brown, black and white. White, orange and black; white, orange and brown or roan; one or the other of these colors.
SIZE
Height at the withers
Males: 48 to 50 cm.
Females: 47 to 49 cm
Tolerance of one centimeter more or less.