Fuzz breed Breton epanol also called epanyol Breton. Her breeding dog breeders are obliged to the French breeders. In Europe, and especially in France, it is incredibly common. In many ways, since its size is the smallest among the cops. In this case, all the best qualities of the standard in it. In addition, the dog is very peaceful, is located to people and understands perfectly. All this makes the Breton a very popular dog.
Appearance history
Breton epanyol was first obtained in the XVIII century, for the breeding was used spaniel and setter. The French dog was named Breton, by analogy with the region where this species was first recorded. Spectacular dog quickly got on the canvases of artists and tapestries that were popular at that time. As for the documentary fixation, this event dates back to the mid-18th century, when hunting with small dogs with long hair was described. This marked the incredible obedience of such dogs.
The XIX century was marked by the massive importation of English breeds of hunting dogs for the period of the prohibition of hunting in their homeland. Among them were pointers, setters, spaniels, who chaotically interbred with bretons. These metamorphoses have led to a significant improvement in the quality of the breed. Its distinction was high-class flair and excellent search speed. The breed's popularity began to grow.
In the XX century, the Breton population was in a deplorable state, fortunately, French enthusiasts, dog breeders were able to save and restore it. The following events occurred between 1904 and 1908: the first presentation at the exhibition forum, the organization of the club and the adoption of the standard. Currently, dogs are bred not only in Europe, but also in the Americas, but the breed is most popular in the homeland, where it occupies one of the leading positions in the number of individuals.
Experts believe that this is the most famous variety of French dogs in the world, they are shot in famous movies and TV shows. In 2010, dog handlers founded the breeding book of bretons in Russia.
Breed features
The standard and characteristics of this breed are quite clearly marked. Breton is recognized as the smallest member of the cops with long hair. It belongs to the group of hounds, sections of the continental. Dog description:
- short-tailed or tailless;
- stocky and proportionally folded, the body is wide, the skeleton is harmoniously developed, there is no massiveness;
- head has a wide type, muzzle slightly elongated;
- eye color is allowed only brown in a dark or light version;
- nasal angle of the nose, in the tone of the color of the dog;
- ears are long;
- tail thickened, located along the line of the back, arresting up to 10 cm in length;
- the coat is lying tightly on the skin, of a thick type, not too long, silky to the touch, slightly curled, there are tows behind;
- the color according to the standard can combine ginger shades, chestnut, black with snow white, there are also tricolor representatives;
- maximum dog height - 51 cm;
- body weight ranges from 10 to 15 kg.
The dog is distinguished by its slenderness, looks energetic and fried, slightly resembles a setter. The main use of the breed is hunting for game, the dog runs at a gallop, and can run quite a long distance without getting tired. The best features of the breed are:
- excellent hunting abilities, excitement;
- perfectly developed instincts;
- high intelligence;
- adapt well to different climatic conditions: heat, rain, cold;
- aportirovka comes to them easily, it is an innate instinct;
- despite the hunting destination they are often used as a guard;
- A great companion for a person who gets along well with people.
Puppies can start work very early, some representatives - from 4 months. They live to 14 years
Character and behavior
The open character of the Breton epanol, its sociability, love of communication, loyalty and incredible hard work won the hearts of so many dog breeders. These dogs love an active lifestyle, energetic, therefore they may be bored in retreat, with a lack of mobility. A dog needs frequent change of impressions. They are affectionate, calm, but strict owners who will consistently seek the education of the dog, without aggression and irritation. For all obedience, Breton needs a firm hand.
The dog will surely repay a hundredfold for the enclosed upbringing and time spent, the dogs themselves are very responsive to affection, balanced, friendly, very gentle. They love to play, they are well thought out, hardworking and obedient. The change of conditions is perceived very easily, they do not belong to the empty spaces, they bark only on business.
Rough upbringing is able to make a hunted, fearful creature out of a dog, the dog of this breed is extremely touchy. Moreover, coarseness is not required when raising a dog, because the epanol is very fond of exercises, training, remembers the commands very well.
Dogs are incredibly smart, they can make decisions themselves, their thinking abilities are great. Representatives of this breed always occupy high places at competitions and exhibitions, as they are able to perfectly show themselves.
The main talent of Breton is hunting and sport, the pestle is so eager to deserve encouragement from the owner, that he always reveals himself only from the best side. Vigilant and calm, the epanol at home is different by peacefulness, human-oriented. The dog is very optimistic, cheerful, energetic, good-natured. The main thing is to be able to hold in his hands his activity and allow to waste all the excess energy.
Bretons are devoted to their owners, but they also do not show aggression to strangers, they are quite friendly. As a security guard, this is a controversial breed, not all representatives can be used for these purposes, special training is needed here from the first days of appearance in the house. If the dog is socialized according to the breed's qualities, it will be great to get along with guests in your home, play with the children.
Such dogs are considered one of the best companions because of calmness and kindness, they do not like loneliness, therefore they should not be left for a long time. Experts recommend Breton as the first dog, as they are obedient and well trained, as well as those who plan to participate in competitions and exhibitions.
In principle, dogs are suitable for any family, with the condition that it will be provided with a large physical load, the activity of Breton is very high.
The small size and unpretentiousness in the care, the simplicity in the content, make them very versatile, but at the same time it is very difficult for animals in the apartment and in the city. The dog needs loads, long walks, and running in freedom, which can only be ensured by out-of-town life. Just walking with them is not enough, since if the activity of the dog is not satisfied, it will start to get bored, look for entertainment, spoil things, there will be behavioral problems. Unrealized dogs become nervous, anxious, timid, the quality of the breed deteriorates.
Breton gets along well with other dogs, despite the fact that they work alone, in a pack they are not conflicted. They are not dominant by nature, jealousy is alien to them. Therefore, among the Bretons there are almost no teasers, aggressors, they are rather soft.
A huge plus breed of the highest intelligence, the dog is in the top of the most intelligent breeds, able to solve complex problems, perfectly understands the person.
Maintenance and care
The rules of care for the Breton epanyol provide the pet with a beautiful appearance, excellent health, good mood and development. Experts recommend including the following measures in the list of mandatory care procedures.
- Grooming Bretons are not too active, so grooming is not too complicated, however, you need to regularly brush your dog. If this is not done, the wool will be tangled and rolled with mats. Trimming is needed only before the exhibition forums.
- Bathing. Here, the opinions of experts diverge, some believe that you need to wash the dog weekly, others that monthly water procedures are sufficient. So be guided by the dog's need for cleaning, love for water, time of year, mood. The main thing is to use special cleaning and grooming products for dogs.
- Eye care. It is necessary to carry out daily, as well as wiping the tear path with a moistened cloth, cotton pad. If dirt gets into your eyes, you should use a special anti-irritation fluid.
- Mouth care. Includes cleaning teeth, specialty and brushes, the purchase of toys against tartar, edible bones for cleaning the oral cavity.
- Ears care. It is necessary to carry out a daily inspection, as dogs are prone to diseases of the auricles. For any alarming symptoms, you should consult a veterinarian for advice.
- Claw clipping. It is carried out as necessary, since the active dog in the natural environment grinds off the claws itself. If this does not happen, you need to cut the claws with claws, file them.
Feeding
Nursing activities also include organizing the right diet. It is he who contributes to the adequate development of the dog, its good health. Breton feeding should consist of premium quality food, feeding the dog from your table is strictly prohibited. Experts recommend feeding dogs with ready-made food, as home cooking is not capable of providing the dog with the necessary amount of nutrients and trace elements. Self-preparation can lead to impairment of health, an imbalance of substances important for life.
Bdry ready-made feed mixtures are best suited to retones, and natural products are completely removed from the diet. Exceptions include fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables. It is very important to provide your pet with fresh water around the clock. Despite the opinion of individual dog breeders about the benefits of bones, most experts categorically prohibit their inclusion in the diet. Not only tubular, but also ordinary bones lead to intestinal blockages, can injure it, harm the teeth, leading to their grinding.
Breed, despite the activity, may gain excess weight, as it can overeat. That is why It is so important to properly organize food, to exclude from the diet products, the use of which is in doubt.
It is necessary to provide Breton twice daily meals with protein-containing feeds, portions of the recommended amount of feed should be unequal, for puppies it is especially important to get protein in the feed.
Upbringing and training
The owners of Breton dogs unanimously note the excellent ability of the breed to train. With a properly structured pattern of upbringing, affectionate attitude towards the dog with moderate perseverance and austerity give amazing results. A dog becomes a true friend, an excellent partner to a person, his family, if a person’s lifestyle is quite active, and he is not lazy to arrange an exercise for a dog in parks and forests.
If you live in a city apartment, it is worth walking the dog twice a day for about an hour, and you need exercise, sports, free walking without a leash.It is obligatory to export to the nature at least once a week, where the dog is given the opportunity to run in plenty, play enough in the field, forest, grove.
Teaching a dog to teams is quite simple, if you show consistency and diligence. Training begins at the age of 7 months, although the most basic skills need to be vaccinated already from two months of age, after weaning from the female mother. After 8 months, you can start teaching how to work with game, Breton puppies are ready to work very early, there are representatives who, even before reaching the age of six months, can learn hunting skills. Working with game must include the following abilities:
- immobility during bird tracking, stanchions and bumps;
- search by way of cross-type, that is, movement at a very fast pace, then right, then left at a distance of 80 m;
- learning the right reaction to shots;
- team for bringing game;
- the ability to find prey on water, dogs of this breed love water, they are not afraid of it, they swim very well.
Bretons are very soft, understanding dogs; all trainings should be organized in a respectful, calm manner. In no case can a dog be beaten and shout at him; such methods will only spoil the whole process of training. In addition to training, Breton needs education, socialization. In this case, the dog will behave very adequately, get along well with children and other pets.
Health
In terms of health, the Bretons have few questions, since the breed is distinguished by good immunity, endurance, and a strong strong body. In order for the shape and health of the dog to be impeccable, it is necessary to perform care procedures in time, to organize a balanced diet. It is very important to vaccinate in time, to carry out preventive anti-parasitic measures, both external and internal. The most common health problems to which the French Spaniel is predisposed:
- lupus (systemic red);
- infectious diseases of the ears;
- epilepsy;
- dysplasia of the joints of the elbows and pelvis.
Regular monitoring by a veterinarian, seeking help at the first sign of any health problems will save your pet from serious consequences. In no case do not self-medicate, as neglected diseases are more difficult to treat.
About the features of the breed, see the following video.