Brittany Split

[Alfred Houde]

In the May issue of Versatile Hunting Dog, NAVHDA announced the recognition of the Epagneul Breton (Brittany Spaniel) as a separate breed from the American Brittany.

I have mixed feelings about this and was curious as to what other Brittany owners here think?

My personal feeling was that the article was rather biased towards the EB, and carried some falsehoods. I think a Brittany is a Brittany. My eight-month old pup is registered as I guess an American Brittany, but I can trace her pedigree all the way back to French imports. I get that some crossed them out to produce larger dogs to compete in trials, but the French also crossed-out to other black dogs to salvage the Brittany there after WWII.

Are they just a different strain, or really separate, distinct breeds? You could make the same argument about the various strains of English Setter, but they are all still English Setters, no?

Money, egos, and show breeders have ruined many good gun dog breeds.

[Dean Romig]

I agree with you Alfred but there is a formula used to determine a taxonomic distinction.





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[Angel Cruz Ortiz]

The AKA removed the Spaniel part because the Brittany was more than just a spaniel. My boy Nash could point, flush and retrieve to hand, an all-around hunting dog. Like the Brittany needs a new model. Really.
It sounds to me like breeders got together and came up with another dog to sell. Too bad they picked the Brittany. Just my two cents..

[Harold Pickens]

Sounds to me like the same people who say" I don't have English Setters, l have Llewellyn s"

[Rick Roemer]

I like Brittanys- never owned one but have had cousins with them and they’ve always been good dogs. I always recommend Brittanys as a new person‘s first bird dog. They just work. I’ve actually never seen a bad one. But I prefer other breeds personally.

[Alfred Houde]

Here is the article/notification from NAVHDA. I should have included it in my original post.

I'm not sure what the author is referring to as far as registration. The AKC, CKC, UKC, and NAVHDA all recognize the Brittany as Brittany, not "American Brittany." My pup is registered with AKC, FDSB (UKC), and NAVHDA. Each says "Brittany."

I don't know what he is referring to when he claims that other registries consider them "mixed breeds." What other registries are there? I personally feel that the ending of the article was the true mission/motive. NAVHDA wants that $65 annual membership fee and registration fees from those who own the EB and were hesitant to join or participate.

Annie is only my second Brittany, and I don't claim to be an expert, but I do know the history of the breed and I don't see this as a positive.

[Twoatlow8]

As far as I know, EB’s have always been a separate breed to UKC where NAVHDA originates. EB‘s indeed are a completely different breed. If you look at them, they are built totally different than an American Brittany. They are smaller, more cobby and have other distinct features. Their heads are totally different, the stop on their head is quite angular in comparison to American Brittany’s. Their ear set is different. Read the UKC standard and you will understand the differences. EB’s ans AB’s should not be mixed.

Sue Janowski

[Andy]

Someone overthinketh

[Wilmurt]

Every American and French Brittany I've known is a pointing dog. What do Epagneul Breton (Brittany Spaniel) do, point or flush?

[Alfred Houde]

Point