Basically the Epagneul Breton IS the Brittany Spaniel or what here in the USA we call the Brittany. There have been misconceptions on both sides of the Atlantic ocean, and a general divergence of breeding goals between American & European breeders. In the USA early importers used foundation stock consisting of only Orange & Liver heritage without any Black dogs or dogs
possessing Black genes, and selectively removed the black color if it appeared. This in part came about due to the Early days in France where erroneously Black was excluded from the standard roster by the then officer in charge of the 'spaniel' clubs who was familiar with only the 'French
Spaniels' who did not have black in their heritage. But, Brittanys have ALWAYS had Black in their makeup since the very beginning evidenced in the CEB (Club Epagneul Breton -France) studbooks. Actually Orange
and Tricolor was probably introduced from English Setter dogs left behind in the
region of Bretagne in the early days of the formation of the breed, around the 1920-30's is when imports started coming into
North America and the USA.
Due to misinformation and traditions on both sides the lines have become somewhat distinct in their own right, with the USA introducing no new dogs since the 50's, and maintaining
adherence to "old erroneous standards" such that Black has not been re-introduced into USA lines. In the late 60's early 70's there was a resurgence of importing
European dogs into the USA by hunters wanting something different or feeling that importing new lines would or could better their "style
or look" of hunting dogs. With this there have been some crossing between the 'strains' but mainly those who advocate the 'European' dog as well as those who prefer the 'American' wish to keep the two
separated. Whether this is good or bad I cannot say but many adhere to these traditions.
There is a slight divergence in what the American lined dog and the French lined
dogs look like and is most clearly seen in head types and body style.
Within each there are variances and anyone looking for a particular color or
working style should be able to find it in the Brittany breed, be it American or
French lines.
European style of Field Trials are very different from American trials where dogs are most often tested
in singles and on foot with credit given to obedience and ease of handling at a restricted range more equated with actual hunting conditions, and finding exceptional style, desire, and ground speed in those dogs who keep in close contact
(not close range) with their handlers without excessive commands. Their time limits are for a 15 min. period, and if the judges want to see more, may extend that time another 15 min. or longer even. So
a really good French bred dog should exhibit exceptional ground speed in that 15
min. running time.
Dogs are not allowed to wear any collars either for identification or for
tracking purposes, this is to show that the dogs are compliant to their
handlers and not under coercion. Bells are often used as a traditional aid to
locate a dog in heavily wooded events or where there is heavy cover. American trials are more often held with handlers on horseback and dogs are credited with their ease of handling
(contact) & obedience at much greater range primarily on the premise of selecting outstanding stock that show natural tendencies to search "right places". American field trials for Brittanys are primarily off-shoots of Trials originally developed for Pointers and Setters. In fact Brittanys HAD to compete with Setters & Pointers when they first arrived in this country as this was the only kinds of trials available, and they did very well
against those dogs with their exceptional nose, it was in the 1960's that horseback trials really became popular
for the Brittany breed. U.S. trials are usually 30 min. courses with 1 hour or more for special events or championships. The methodology is
different between the two, and thus the two "strains" evolved under different
developmental ideas, and most likely these events being different is what lead
to a different selection procedure and what we now see as divergent look in the
dogs.
The USA system does not
make it mandatory for A Field Champion to meet a mandatory conformation exam,
and it also does not make it mandatory for a Show Champion to meet a minimum
working standard or test for basic pointing instinct. Under the
International FCI guidelines and as recommended by the Breed Parent Club in
France, it specifies a working requirement for the breed. This just adds
to the divergent methods in the why and how there appears to be differences
between the European verses the American type dogs.
Personally I feel the the European dog should have a chance to compete on an equal basis in the show ring even if the two strains must have different classifications, and styles of trials to do so. While every where else in the world the standard for the Brittany is governed by the CEB the parent club of the breed, and used by the FCI organization; AKC is not a member of the FCI and maintains standards authorized by Breed clubs within the USA only. While the two standards cover essentially the similar points, words and interpretations between the two can be very different depending on who is doing the reading; and, keep in mind the American standard forbids Black pigmentation
on skin or hair coat. It is obvious that the European dog and the American dog have become very
separate in goals and objectives that like the English & American Cockers have
become different breeds that maybe so have the Epagneul Breton & the American
Brittany....what do you think?
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