Understanding the Gait of the Epagneul Breton

Recently, we posted about the range of the Epagneul Breton, highlighting how its dynamic expression of drive adapts to the terrain, bird density, and handler connection. An extension of range is the breed standard's expectation for gait. [Gait refers to the manner or style of walking or running, particularly the patterns of limb movements.]

According to the French breed standard, mirrored by the UKC/CEB-US standard, "The different gaits [of the Epagneul Breton] are easy but powerful, even and lively. The legs move straight without exaggerated bouncing of the body and without rolling, the top line staying level. The canter is the most common gait in the field, the strides are rapid and of medium length, the hind legs having little extension to the rear (collected canter)."

The French Brittany is a breed known for its grace, agility, and tireless energy in the field. One of the most striking aspects of this breed is its distinctive gait, which perfectly balances power and elegance. This repeatable, efficient gait enables a well-conditioned Epagneul Breton to hunt all day for consecutive days. With proper nutrition and rest, our dogs routinely cover dozens of miles for days at a time hunting.

An intelligent dog that is aware of the terrain and physical demands will combine effective range and proper gait to maximize bird-finding opportunities. The breed’s gait is equally effective for targeting Ruffed Grouse in the thick underbrush of the Northwoods, pursuing sharpies and huns in the open prairies, or navigating the steep, rocky canyon plateaus home to chukar. While some of the defining characteristics may sound rigid—such as straight legs and little extension—the French Brittany’s movement is refined, light on their feet, and athletic.

When observing an Epagneul Breton in action, you'll notice a few key characteristics:

1. Ease and Power: The breed's movement appears effortless, yet it is underpinned by considerable strength. This combination allows the Epagneul Breton to cover ground efficiently without undue strain or fatigue. The French Brittany should have all-day stamina, exemplified by the form meeting the function of the dog.

2. Even and Lively Gait: Their gait is smooth and consistent, with a lively energy that reflects their enthusiasm for work and play. This evenness ensures they maintain a steady pace, crucial for prolonged ground coverage. Many dogs show over-exuberance off the line but should relax into a canter, combining athleticism, fluidity, and aggressive ground coverage. It's important to note that, similar to the expected range, while an Epagneul Breton is expected to aggressively cover a field, this is not directly correlated with a specific speed or exact distance—factors determined by age, size, conditions, etc. This is where the gait becomes crucial.

3. Collected Canter: The Epagneul Breton’s strides are rapid and of medium length, allowing them to maneuver quickly and precisely. The hind legs show little extension to the rear, a characteristic known as a collected canter, enabling quick changes in direction and speed. Aside from clearing obstacles, the gait should not feature over-extended strides, with the front feet not reaching forward like Superman flying, nor the hindquarters extending too far back.

4. Straight Leg Movement: Unlike some breeds that may exhibit a rolling motion or excessive bounce, the Epagneul Breton's legs move straight, contributing to a stable and balanced top line. This straight movement is key to their efficiency and agility. The top line is also part of the conformation standard, keeping the French Brittany cobby or nearly equal in height and length. If the anatomical angles or proportions are off, the gait will be affected, potentially leading to injury or other health concerns. This underscores the importance of the conformation breed standard as the foundation for the dog's performance in the field.

5. Head Carriage: As they move, their top line remains level, and the head should be held high and mobile (yet not overextended above the top line) for maximum scenting and educated terrain coverage, matching style with function.

Fred Overby, one of the founding members of the CEB-US and the de facto club historian, describes the Epagneul Breton's movement beautifully: "The gait of the Epagneul Breton in full gallop is powerful, yet enduring. The EB of excellent style should appear to move forward in a classic Breton 'roll' across the terrain, with the head carried high, seeking to detect the scent of upland game. The points at which the legs move in flexion and extension of the shoulders and hip joints are somewhat analogous to well-oiled wheels, which seem to turn smoothly like those of a locomotive, such that the dog appears to roll across the terrain. The rear legs, which provide the propulsion to move forward, will contact the ground almost simultaneously. Among the pointing breeds, the typical Epagneul Breton is a 'galloper' with a higher headset when trying to scent game, compared to members of a 'trotter' pointing breed, which run more methodically with the head and nose carried closer to the ground while hunting."

Watching an Epagneul Breton canter across a field is a testament to the breed's natural abilities and the concerted efforts of breeding for optimal performance. Their gait is not just a matter of aesthetics; it is a reflection of their capabilities and versatility as hunting companions.

As the parent breed club in the US, the CEB-US educates, protects, and promotes the betterment of the breed while honoring the French bird dog tradition. The gait is a crucial aspect of the dog's overall performance, influenced by variables such as drive, intelligence, nose, style, genetics, and anatomy—all part of the CEB-US's focus to better the breed. The CEB-US uses confirmation evaluations to measure the anatomical traits of a dog to determine if they fall within the breed standard. By measuring and recording data, the club can track trends and continue to protect the breed's heritage. In tandem with the UKC, the CEB-US ensures field trial judges are knowledgeable about the field/hunt expectations of the EB, including proper gait. While the gait is not a direct fault in US field trials, a judge may take it into consideration when choosing to showcase a CAG/CAC dog versus the dogs earning Passes. Please reach out to the CEB-US or a local UKC field trial to learn more about the gait and to see EBs in action.

In conclusion, the gait of the Epagneul Breton embodies a harmonious blend of power, ease, and liveliness, making them a joy to watch and a highly effective working dog. Whether you're a hunter, a dog sports enthusiast, or simply a lover of beautiful canine movement, the Epagneul Breton's gait is sure to impress.