The French Brittany

The French Brittany, known in its homeland as the Epagneul Breton, is one of the world's most versatile and beloved pointing breeds. At Big Sky Bretons, we raise these exceptional dogs where they thrive in the same rugged terrain and wide-open spaces they were bred to hunt.

WHAT IS A FRENCH BRITTANY?

The French Brittany is a compact, athletic pointing dog that originated in the Brittany region of northwestern France. Developed over centuries as an all-around hunting companion, this breed excels at finding, pointing, and retrieving upland game birds.

Despite their 'spaniel' heritage, French Brittanys work like pointers in the field. They're the smallest of the pointing breeds, typically standing 17-20 inches at the shoulder and weighing 20-35 pounds, but don't let their size fool you. These dogs pack tremendous drive, endurance, and natural hunting instinct into a compact, easy-to-manage package.

Size & Build

17-20 inches tall, 20-35 lbs. Compact, square build with a well-developed chest. The smallest pointing breed, but packed with drive and endurance.

Temperament

Calm, affectionate, and eager to please. Gentle with children, sociable with other pets. High energy in the field, but settles nicely at home with adequate exercise.

HISTORY AND ORIGINS

The Epagneul Breton's history traces back to the Middle Ages, making it one of the oldest hunting breeds still in existence. The breed developed in Brittany, France, where local spaniels were crossed with British setters and pointers brought over by English sportsmen in the 19th century.

This blending of bloodlines created something special: a small, versatile dog with exceptional hunting instincts perfectly suited for the varied terrain of the French countryside, from open fields to dense woodlands.

The breed was officially recognized by the French Kennel Club in 1907. Today, the Epagneul Breton remains the most popular hunting dog in France and has earned devoted followings across Europe and North America.

FRENCH BRITTANY VS. AMERICAN BRITTANY

Many people ask: "What's the difference between a French Brittany and an American Brittany?" While both share common ancestry, the United Kennel Club officially recognized them as separate breeds in 2002.

Size and Build French Brittanys are more compact at 17-20 inches tall and 20-35 pounds, with a square, "cobby" build and well-developed chest. American Brittanys are larger at 30-40 pounds with a longer, leggier, more setter-like build.

Hunting Style French Brittanys hunt close to the gun, typically ranging 40-100 yards. They check in often and are thorough and methodical, making them ideal for foot hunters and dense cover. American Brittanys range wider and cover more ground quickly, better suited for open terrain and field trial competition.

Color Differences French Brittanys carry a black gene that American Brittanys do not. French Brittanys can be orange/white, liver/white, black/white, or tricolor. American Brittanys come only in orange/white and liver/white. The American Kennel Club disqualifies black coloring.

HUNTING ABILITIES

The Epagneul Breton is a truly versatile gun dog. Here's what makes them exceptional hunters:

Natural Pointing Instinct French Brittanys are born with strong pointing instincts. Many pups will point birds naturally at just a few months old with no formal training. This natural ability, combined with their trainability, means they can be hunting productively at a young age.

Close-Working Style Unlike wider-ranging breeds, French Brittanys hunt with you, not for you. They quarter the cover systematically, staying in gun range and making frequent eye contact with their handler. This teamwork-oriented style is especially valuable when hunting dense cover where a big-running dog would miss birds.

Versatility on All Game French Brittanys work effectively on all types of upland birds: pheasant, quail (including Bobwhite, California, and Gambel's), grouse (Ruffed, Sharptail, and Sage), Hungarian partridge, chukar, and woodcock. They're also capable retrievers on both land and water, making them true all-around gun dogs.

Endurance and Drive Despite their smaller size, French Brittanys hunt with drive and enthusiasm all day long. Their compact build and efficient movement mean they can cover ground without tiring, and their enthusiasm for hunting never seems to fade.

IS A FRENCH BRITTANY RIGHT FOR YOU?

French Brittanys make wonderful companions for the right owners.

Consider this breed if you: Hunt upland birds and want a close-working, versatile pointing dog. Have an active lifestyle and can provide daily exercise. Want a family-friendly dog that's good with children and other pets. Prefer a smaller, more manageable dog that's still a serious hunter. Value a sensitive, trainable temperament over an independent one. Have space for a dog to run.

A French Brittany may not be the best fit if you: Want a dog content with minimal exercise. Prefer a hands-off, independent dog. Are looking for a guard dog (they're too friendly!). Want a wide-ranging field trial competitor.

Care & Health

Exercise Needs Plan for at least one to two hours of active exercise daily. This can include hunting, training sessions, hiking, swimming, or vigorous play. French Brittanys that get adequate exercise are calm and content at home.

Grooming French Brittanys have a medium-length coat that's relatively easy to maintain. Weekly brushing keeps their coat healthy and minimizes shedding. Check ears regularly, especially after hunting, and keep feathering trimmed as needed.

Health and Lifespan French Brittanys are generally healthy dogs with a lifespan of 12-15 years. Responsible breeders test for hip dysplasia (OFA or PennHIP certification), eye conditions (annual CERF exams), and thyroid function. At Big Sky Bretons, all our breeding dogs undergo comprehensive health testing before being bred.

WHY CHOOSE BIG SKY BRETONS?

Located in Montana's stunning landscape, Big Sky Bretons raises French Brittanys that excel in the field and thrive as family companions. Our dogs are:

Health tested (OFA hips, eyes, and more). Proven on wild birds. Raised in our home with early socialization. From quality French bloodlines including Ten Bar Ranch, du Bois Courcol, and Plum Creek.

We're committed to preserving the Epagneul Breton's heritage as a close-working, versatile hunting dog with the gentle temperament that makes them outstanding family members.

Ready to learn more? Contact us to discuss upcoming litters or schedule a visit to meet our dogs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • The UKC recognized them as separate breeds in 2002. French Brittanys are more compact (17-20 inches, 20-35 lbs), hunt closer to the gun (40-100 yards), and can be black and white or tricolor. American Brittanys are larger, range wider, and only come in orange/white or liver/white.

  • Yes. French Brittanys are calm, affectionate, and gentle with children. They're sociable with other pets and adapt well to family life. Despite high energy in the field, they settle nicely at home when given adequate exercise.

  • Plan for 1-2 hours of active exercise daily. This can include hunting, training, hiking, swimming, or vigorous play. Well-exercised French Brittanys are calm and content at home.

  • Yes. They're highly intelligent and eager to please, making them one of the easiest pointing breeds to train. They're sensitive dogs that respond best to positive, consistent training.

  • French Brittanys are versatile on all upland birds: pheasant, quail, grouse, Hungarian partridge, chukar, and woodcock. They're also capable water retrievers, making them true all-around gun dogs.

  • French Brittanys typically live 12-15 years. They're generally healthy dogs when bred responsibly with proper health testing.

  • Yes. Unlike American Brittanys, French Brittanys carry a black gene. They can be orange/white, liver/white, black/white, or tricolor.