CEB-US NEWS

Last week, we introduced the phrase "getting birdie" — those subtle changes in pace, body language, breathing, and movement that tell an experienced handler birds may be close [catch up on Part 1, click here.] This week, we'll take that idea one step further. No two Epagneul Bretons hunt exactly alike. Just as every hunter develops their own style, every Breton has its own rhythm, personality, and way of communicating. Some dogs are flashy and dramatic. Others are methodical

While the Board provides direction and governance, committees are where much of the day-to-day work gets done. Whether it's organizing events, growing membership, creating educational resources, or raising funds, committees give members an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the future of the Epagneul Breton and the community that surrounds it.

The dog's getting birdie." If you've spent much time around bird dogs, you've probably heard that phrase. It's common at field trials, hunt tests, training days, and especially during upland hunts. But what does it actually mean?

Each year, the CEB-US Board of Directors works behind the scenes to guide the club, support our members, oversee national events, and ensure the long-term success of our organization. We’re excited to introduce the 2026 Board and recognize several individuals whose service has helped shape the club.

If you’re new to the breed — or even if you’ve owned Bretons for years — you’ve probably heard names like CEB-US, CEB, AICEB, FCI, UKC, AKC, and NAVHDA. They all play important roles, but they aren’t the same organization, and each serves a different purpose.

At the 2026 CEB-US National Conclave, one of the week's most meaningful moments was recognizing W. Edward Smith as the recipient of the 2026 Peter Ward Memorial Service Award. Named in honor of one of the club's founding members, the Peter Ward Memorial Service Award recognizes individuals whose lifelong dedication, leadership, and service have left a lasting impact on both CEB-US and the Epagneul Breton breed. This year's recipient exemplifies those qualities in every way

The final line of our mission isn’t just a closing statement — it’s the heart of everything we do. The Epagneul Breton may be what brought us together, but it’s the friendships, mentorships, and shared stories that keep this community alive. Whether it’s at a field trial, a training day, or simply through an online conversation, fellowship is the heartbeat of the CEB-US.

At CEB-US, our mission is more than a statement — it’s a reflection of who we are as a community. Each part of it represents shared values, collective responsibility, and a vision for the future of the Epagneul Breton. These aren’t just ideals on paper — they are commitments lived out every day by members across the country, with CEB-US serving as the foundation and resource that supports their efforts.

As we explore the next section of the CEB-US Mission Statement, we focus on two key pillars: preserving the Epagneul Breton’s distinct identity and providing the systems and resources our community needs to maintain that integrity. In this installment, we combine points 4 and 5 — two pillars that guide both the breed’s distinct identity and the systems we use to preserve and evaluate it with integrity:

One of the key pillars of the CEB-US mission is to maintain the fieldwork and conformation standards and rules for the Epagneul Breton breed as developed in France. The word maintain was chosen intentionally. It reflects the understanding that the Epagneul Breton already performs at an exceptional level. The role of CEB-US is not to redefine or modernize the breed, but to ensure that the standards which have guided its consistent excellence continue to shape its future. Mai

CEB-US works behind the scenes as a connector, providing the knowledge, tools, and opportunities that allow the community to preserve the breed together. We recognize we cannot control the outcomes, but we remain focused on the responsibility of promoting the standard and equipping everyone with the means to uphold it. That’s why preserve is written so clearly in our mission statement: the standard is already set, and our responsibility is to protect it from drifting, not r

If you own an Epagneul Breton, you’re already part of something special. But what exactly makes this breed unique — and how do we keep it that way? The answer isn’t just tradition or breed standards. It’s about all of us — owners, breeders, hunters, and the club — working together to ensure future generations of Bretons remain the same versatile, loyal dogs we love today.

The CEB-US is thrilled to launch the Breton Breeder Achievement Awards Program — a brand-new way to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of our Bretons, their breeders, and their owners! This program shines a spotlight on the dedication of our community while strengthening the data and transparency that protect the future of the Epagneul Breton. It’s a chance to showcase pride in the dogs you're producing and the breed we’re preserving.

We’re excited to share an important update for our members, breeders, and the broader Epagneul Breton community: the CEB-US Breeder Listing is coming soon!

The CEB-US remains energized by the insight, challenge, and encouragement shared by José Luis Recondo (the international leader of the breed and President of the AICEB). The blog post reflecting on his perspective has prompted thoughtful, positive debate about how we can strengthen our community and advance the breed. So… now what?

With upland season around the corner, now is the time to shift gears from dreaming to doing. Whether you live the bird dog lifestyle year-round or count down the weeks until that first crisp morning afield, it pays to start early and prepare with purpose.

The Epagneul Breton has reached a significant milestone in the United States: official breed recognition by the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA). This is more than just a formality — it’s a meaningful step in reinforcing the breed’s identity and purpose in North America. While CEB-US continues to champion the UKC as our primary registry and testing venue, NAVHDA now offers an additional, respected platform to evaluate our dogs under demanding field co

As part of our recent member survey, many of you asked for more health-related content — particularly practical topics that apply to active bird dogs. While the CEB-US is not a substitute for your veterinary professional, we want to share resources that align with common concerns in our community, especially during the warmer months and leading into the upland hunting season.

Fireworks can be overwhelming for dogs, especially bird dogs like the Epagneul Breton. Unlike purposeful gunfire in the field, fireworks are loud, unpredictable, and confusing. While fear of fireworks rarely leads to gun shyness, it’s important to stay calm and avoid over-coddling. With a little preparation and a steady presence, you can help your dog manage the stress and stay safe during firework-filled nights.

As the CEB-US continues to grow and evolve, leadership grounded in community, experience, and commitment to the breed has never been more important. That’s why we’re proud to welcome Jeff Pleskac as our new President.