Picking a Puppy

Tips for Picking a Breton Puppy

Choosing an Epagneul Breton puppy is exciting — and a little daunting. Everyone has their own theory for how to pick the best puppy from a litter, but there’s no magic formula.

Before you start contacting breeders, consider taking some time to connect with the Breton community. Attend a field trial, training day, or regional club gathering to see Epagneul Bretons in action and meet experienced owners. You’ll gain insight into the breed’s style, temperament, and versatility — helping you make more informed decisions about your puppy selection — and you’ll find that our members are happy to share what they’ve learned about living, hunting, and training with their dogs.

When it comes to finding the right breeder for you, visit our Breeder Directory, Breeder Questions, and Breton Breeder Achievement pages. Those resources will help you narrow your search — this page is meant to help you pick your puppy once you’ve found your breeder.

Start with Proven Bloodlines

The best way to “load the dice” in your favor is to start with strong, proven genetics. While hunting wild birds is the ultimate goal, field trials and conformation evaluations remain the only tangible way to measure a dog’s performance and structure across generations.

A reputable breeder should gladly provide a pedigree showing several generations of dogs with verified performance and conformation titles.Look for titles that demonstrate ability, trainability, and sound structure, such as:

Field & Hunt Test Titles: FC, AFC, JH, SH, MH, TAN, HUNT, GUN, TR

Conformation Titles: CH, GRCH, FCH

Versatile Dog Titles (NAVHDA): NA, UPT, UT, VC

Tip: The closer these titles appear to your pup’s parents, the more likely those traits will carry forward. Titles are proof that a dog’s abilities have been tested and confirmed — not just claimed.

The parents should also have proven hunting backgrounds. While a “great hunting dog” can mean different things to different people, it’s essential to know that your Epagneul Breton’s pedigree includes dogs recognized for their field ability and temperament.

Tip: Focus less on color and gender and more on how the individual puppy's characteristics and traits will fit your goals and lifestyle.

Know the Breeder’s Expectations

Many breeders take an active role in matching puppies to owners. They’ll consider variables like age, activity level, hunting goals, location, and experience to determine the best fit.

For example, a bold, high-drive puppy may be perfect for an active hunter with access to open ground, while a more reserved pup may be better suited for a quieter home or urban lifestyle.

Be open and honest about your goals and daily life. The breeder’s insight helps ensure a successful match — and remember, this process isn’t about which puppy is “best,” but which puppy is best for you.

Meet the Parents and Ask Around

Whenever possible, see the parents in person or talk to people who have hunted with them. The old saying rings true — the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

If the sire or dam’s hunting style, pace, and temperament appeal to you, that’s a strong sign of what to expect from their offspring.

You might even notice physical similarities that hint at behavioral parallels — if you love the dam’s look and attitude, consider choosing the pup that most closely resembles her.

Decide Early: Male or Female

It helps to decide early whether you want a male or a female. Everyone has their preferences — males can sometimes be more assertive, females may cycle into heat — but most differences can be managed through socialization, training, and consistent exercise.

Trust Your Gut

If your breeder allows you to choose, lean on their experience first. You selected this breeder and pedigree to stack the odds in your favor — that means the entire litter should represent quality, consistency, and the Epagneul Breton standard.

Remember, the breeder has seen these puppies every day for weeks. They’ve observed how each pup overcomes challenges, interacts with siblings, and adapts to new situations. Your short visit can’t capture all of that insight — so use their perspective as your guide.

That said, when you meet the litter:

Look for a pup that is alert, curious, and people-focused
Observe how they interact with littermates — confident, playful, or cautious?
Check for healthy eyes, balance, and overall energy

Every personality can make a great bird dog, but matching that personality to your lifestyle is key.

And when all else feels equal — trust your gut. You may just end up with the dog of a lifetime, or at least a loyal hunting companion you’ll love for years to come.

Learn about the French tradition for naming your EB puppy.