History of the Epagneul Breton.
In 1896 the Brittany Spaniel was shown in Paris his name was Pincon-Royal, a tri-colored born in 1892 by Printemps out of Fauvelle. He was entered with Spaniels of varied breeds. He was not awarded a prize but he was put up for sale for 500 francs, a very high price for the times this reflected the importance and value the owner placed on him.
Several years later in 1902 the next Brittany was shown, a male white and liver called Das de Magenta born January 20, 1898 by Kim out of Eda, owned by M. Laveissiere. He also did not receive any awards. The same year Myrrha d'Amorique was entered by M. Treuttel owner of the first Brittany Spaniel in a Field Trial first place was awarded.
In 1904 M. J. Patin enterd Max de Callac who was awarded a very honorable mention by judge M. de Conink. At the same time, Javotte, a speckled liver dog who was owned by M. Corboy obtained an honorable mention. These are the first two Brittany's rewarded at a bench show.
Then in 1905 M. Treuttel enterd at the Nates show, again with Max de Callac who carried away a very honorable mention also Mirza d'Amorique and white and liver took second prize. In 1909 Max became a champion: his exact origin was never determined.
In 1906 the Viscount of Cambourg enterd in Paris, Arvor du Dichul out of Pen-du, white and liver. Arvor was bred by the Viscount of Camboug and judged by M de Conink. He received a very honorable mention. The judge noted: Brittany Spaniel, well limbed, hair rather badly dressed. During the year there were many more Brittany Spaniels to show up at the ring. Also during this year at Tolouse a division was reserved for the first time, as they were always being judged against the Spaniels of Miscellaneous Breeds.
The next year 1907 in Paris the Brittany Spaniels were officially given a class to themselves dogs and bitches competed together. There were many Brittany's at the show in Nantes, 3 dogs and 8 bitches. First prize went to Arvor du kos Ker second to Yan d'Amorique and third went to Kate. On May 31, 1907 in Nantes the French Spaniel Club was formed.
First Standard for the Brittany Spaniel Established September 3,1907 by The French Spaniel Club.
General Appearance- Size 50 cm. (191/2 inches ) to 56 cm. (22 inches) . low set, with short back, round head, rather short ears with comparatively little fringe, short coat on the body, feather waved but never curly, rather cob-like, tail naturally always short form 10-15 centimeters ( 4-5 7/8 inches) at the maximum.
Nose- Well open, a little angular, snout brown, fawn or black, according to weather the dog is white and liver, white and orange or white and black. Faults-Round, narrow and too pointed,
Lips- Thin, rather high, lapping over the lower lip by every little. Faults: Thick, very drooping
Muzzle- Rather long, sometimes slightly receding. Faults- Too short or too long
Skull-Rather long, very rounded lateral walls marked and very rounded. Faults- Square, peaked or narrow.
Eyes-Dark amber, full of life, expression and intelligence. Faults -Too clear and mean looking.
Ears- Attached rather high, rather short than long, terminating in a slight point: very little fringe, although the ear is well covered with wavy hair.
Neck- Rather short, although standing well away from the shoulders, without dewlap. Faults- Too short and too heavy.
Shoulder- Slightly oblique and muscled. Faults Straight or too oblique and muscle. Faults- Straight or too oblique.
Forelegs- Light and Muscled. Faults -Too strong.
Chest- Deep, arched, coming down full to the level of the elbow, rounded side rather wide. Faults - Narrow, not coming down enough, flat side.
Loins- Short, wide and vigorous. Faults- Long, narrow and weak.
Back- Short, withers coming out well, never saddle-backed. Faults - Back long and hollow.
Hindquarters- Prominent, coming to the height of the back, definitely lover than the withers.
Rump- Slightly receding, tall attached high but falling. Faults- Too straight.
Flanks- Slightly high. Faults- Fat and falling
Tail- Always short at birth, not over six inches at the very most, sometimes a little twisted and terminating with a tuft of hair. Faults- Long, cut and bare.
Forelegs- Very straight, well poised, shins short and muscled, sparse and wavy feathers. Faults-Shins too short and too bare of hair.
Hind Legs- Wide thigh, coming well down, very muscled, well feathered, wavy hair: hock and point of the buttock in the same alignment, rather straight than elbowed. Faults-Narrow thigh, without feather, too straight or too oblique.
Feet- Like a hare's, close toes, a few hairs between the toes. Faults- Wide, fat or round, splayed.
Skin- Thin, rather loose. Faults-Thick or too loose.
Fur-Rather fine on the body, flat or slightly wavy. Faults-Long or curly or too silky.
Coat-White and liver, white and orange, white and black, ticked with the same color.
Ensemble-Size from 50-56 cm (191/2-22 inches) an elegant dog, although stocky has the aspect of a cob or a hunter: intelligent head, giving the dog the look of a resourceful and vigorous ragamuffin.
These were the French Standards with slight modifications until 1933.
This article is based on the revised edition of The Brittany in America by Fred z. White M.D Second edition-1965
First Imports of the United States