Breton epanol - a description of the breed and character of the dog

Breton epanyol has not only an intricate name for the breed, but also an amazing appearance, which makes the dog popular in many different regions. In fact, it is a dog hunting breed, which is often compared to pointers and setters.

A clever and obedient dog is devoted to the owner with all his heart, fulfills all his commands with pleasure and is always ready to develop. That is why epanyol Breton is an excellent choice as a pet companion or just a friend of the family.

Origin

For the first time, ancestors began to be bred in the agricultural area of ​​Brittany, which is located in France. The breed is rather ancient, the years of transformation and selection have passed, therefore there is little information about its formation. It is known for certain that representatives come from the province of France, dating back to 1900.In one century, the friendly and appeasable dog gained popularity throughout the country.

The first literary source is dated 1850 year. The local priest in the treatises described a dog with a short tail, which is ideal for hunting in the north of the country. By 1900, the dog became recognizable, began to participate in exhibitions held in Paris.

A detailed description of the breed (as the first standard) was made by a vet cavalry in 1906. He introduced the world to a dog like a spaniel with a short tail (or all without him) and a double color (red and white, black and white, white and brown). These shades are still selected from the modern Breton epanol.

In 1907, the male breed under the nickname Boy became the first representative, registered officially cynological community. In the same year, the breed standard was introduced and approved, in which it was assigned the intricate name “Breton dog with a short tail”.

Breed description

The active epanol is referred to as spaniels, despite the fact that there are significant differences in the appearance and character of these dogs.

Epanol Breton has an average height - the height in the cleaving of males is up to 50 cm with a weight of 15 to 20 kg. Since this breed is hunting, it must be lean and strong, always be at the peak of fitness. That is why the animal's body is muscular and powerful, but by no means fat or large-boned. It is believed that the spaniel epanyol has the most proportional dimensions (height at withers is approximately equal to the length).

The animal is known to all by its short tail (not more than 10 cm). Sometimes puppies are born and even without him, which can not be considered a vice. Most of them stop the tail in puppyhood.

The head of the dog is proportional to the size of the body, the shape is typical for hunting breeds. The muzzle is slightly elongated, but of medium length. Small and intelligent eyes have a deep landing, and heavy eyebrows frame them on top. The eyes should be dark, but an amber shade is also accepted by the standard. Unlike other breeds, the epanol nose can be dark (black, brown) or pink, depending on the coat color.

The animal is already medium length, but shorter than the spaniel.

The torso covers the long, wavy (not curly) wool with no hair, which also distinguishes the Breton epanol from relatives.The length of the coat protects the dog from moving in bushy areas with thickets. Despite the density and thickness of wool, the dog has no undercoat, so it can freeze at low temperatures. On paws and ears, wool is slightly longer, but also without feathering.

Among the colors, the most common is white with a combination of other colors (red, chestnut, black, etc.).

Character and temperament

For many decades, breeders followed the working qualities of an epanol, raising a friend hunting dog from it. Despite this, the breed is distinguished by good nature, playfulness and endless devotion. Animals successfully transformed into pets "on the pillow", should they return after an exciting hunt. They quickly become attached to the host and the household, are good-natured to the guests and other pets, like small children.

It is necessary to understand that the Breton epanol is completely unsuitable as a guard or service dog, as it will gladly “sell” for a piece of sausage or biscuit. Proper socialization allows the puppy to become an excellent “nanny” for a baby, an elder brother for other pets, a friend and a companion for an elderly person.Epanol "wins" even in comparison with famous companion dogs, such as a Labrador or an American Cocker.

The obedient dog perfectly gives in to training and with pleasure learns new things, pleases its owner. Breed is ideal for both breed exhibitions, and for active events such as obedience or agility.

Despite the activity and curiously, the dog is very dependent on the owner and can not tolerate loneliness for a long time. When planting a small puppy, you must take a vacation to help the baby get comfortable and socialize, to gain the protection and love of the household.

Breton epanyol able to work well independently, but with joy will be paired with another dog or even a pack. You can keep an animal in an open-air cage with other breeds, as it has an unknown dominance, a sense of superiority, a desire to recapture the territory, etc.

It is also important to remember that epanoli are considered among the most well-trained dogs. They have a high level of intelligence, so the breed attributed to the 20 most intelligent dogs. It easily performs its tasks, it absorbs basic commands with lightning speed and is suitable for owners who have insufficient experience in training.

The animal loves outdoor games, active pastime, hunting, fishing and tourism, so the content in a small apartment is not very suitable for them. Muscular physique requires regular high loads, so you need to walk with the animals for hours several times a day. Normally, Breton loves a long, long hunt without a break at any time of day and weather conditions. If the animal does not waste the natural energy supply, then there is a shift in behavior and domination. A dog may become timid, nervous, apathetic or angry, barking for no reason, rushing around the apartment, ruining shoes or repairing.

Care Tips

Breton epanol does not require special care, not picky about the choice of location, diet, hygiene procedures.

1. Wool cover. It is necessary to bathe the animal once a week with special shampoos and conditioners for wool. Do not forget to thoroughly comb the wool after washing to ensure a natural shedding.
2. Ears. They are vulnerable because of the hanging shape and length. Often moisture gets into them, fungi or infection develop, ticks can climb.Inspect the ears must be daily cleaned with a sponge and antiseptic.
3. Teeth. In order to prevent the formation of soft deposits and rough stone, brush your teeth with special soft brushes and toothpaste. Also stock up on special dental bones for enamel cleaning. Every six months, write your pet on the ultrasonic hygienic cleaning of teeth.
4. Claws Breton epanyol spends a lot of time in nature, actively runs and digs in the mud, so the claws grind off on their own. However, we must not forget about claws on dewclaws, which should be removed with a file.
5. Feeding. It is best to transfer the dog to a professional feed for active dogs, as it contains all the minerals and vitamins necessary for the animal. Periodically give the animal large beef bones (make sure not to get to the core, but only nibble), as well as cartilage.

The breed is prone to attack by parasites. Fleas, lice, bugs - all animals actively reproduce in the thick coat, as well as on the skin and under the skin, causing dry seborrhea, allergies, dermatitis and other diseases of the skin. Also, the Breton often get helminths, as the animal often spends time outside the house and picks up the "extra" from the ground. It is important for the owner to timely anthelmintic the dog, to make planned vaccinations, to treat it from skin parasites.

Breton epanol is an ideal breed for a large and active family, respecting picnics, hunting, fishing and other pastime in nature. Caring and faithful dog will be a great friend for every household and pet.

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