The French Brittany: Montana's Premier Upland Hunting Companion

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 in the heart of Montana, 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.

French Brittany 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: Understanding the Difference

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. Here's what sets them apart:

Size and Build

CharacteristicFrench BrittanyAmerican BrittanyHeight17-20 inches17.5-20.5 inchesWeight20-35 pounds30-40 poundsBuildCompact, "cobby," squareLonger, leggier, more setter-likeChestWell-developed, deepMore narrow, setter-type

Hunting Style and Range

The most significant difference is how these dogs work in the field:

French Brittanys hunt close to the gun, typically ranging 40-100 yards depending on cover. They make frequent visual contact with their handler, check in often, and are thorough and methodical in their search pattern. This close-working style makes them ideal for foot hunters and dense cover.

American Brittanys were bred for wider ranging, especially in field trial competition. They cover more ground quickly and are better suited for open terrain where a big-running dog is an advantage.

Color Differences

French Brittanys carry a black gene that American Brittanys do not. This means French Brittanys can be:

  • Orange and white

  • Liver and white

  • Black and white

  • Tricolor (black, white, and orange)

American Brittanys come only in orange/white and liver/white combinations. The American Kennel Club disqualifies black coloring.

French Brittany Temperament and Personality

French Brittanys are known for their exceptional temperament, which makes them outstanding both in the field and in the home.

In the Home

French Brittanys are calm, sociable, and affectionate family companions. They're gentle and patient with children, get along well with other pets, and adapt easily to household routines. Despite their high energy in the field, they settle nicely in the home when given adequate exercise.

Trainability

This breed is highly intelligent and eager to please, making them one of the easiest pointing breeds to train. However, they're also sensitive dogs that don't respond well to harsh corrections. Positive, consistent training methods work best. Most French Brittany owners find that a stern voice is all the correction these dogs ever need.

Energy Level

Make no mistake: French Brittanys are high-energy dogs that need regular exercise and mental stimulation. They're happiest when they have a job to do, whether that's hunting, training, or active play. A French Brittany that doesn't get enough exercise may become restless or develop unwanted behaviors.

French Brittany 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

  • 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 large fenced yard is ideal)

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

French Brittany Care and 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)

  • 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

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.