The Epagneul Breton is a true rarity in the dog world—a breed known for excelling in the show ring and in the field. But let’s get one thing straight right off the bat: the Epagneul Breton is, first and foremost, a bird dog. Period. That’s where its heart lies, and it’s what drives these dogs in everything they do. However, to maintain the breed’s excellence, it takes more than just legendary hunting stories and post-hunt tailgate photos. That’s where conformation shows and field trials step in.
Why Evaluations Matter
The CEB-US has established three key evaluations to keep the breed on track. These evaluations are designed to ensure the next generation of Epagneul Bretons is even better than the last—while staying true to the French standards set over 100 years ago. The evaluations focus on both form and function, honoring the breed’s past while looking toward the future. These tests provide benchmarks that breeders and owners alike can rely on to track their dogs’ development and how to better drive the breed forward.
Let’s break them down:
Field Trials
UKC field trials simulate real hunting scenarios to measure a dog’s abilities against a standard and other competitors. While it’s not quite the same as a real hunt, field trials offer a valuable benchmark for evaluating a dog’s hunting skills. Trial performance and titles provide insight into a dog’s pedigree allowing you to track a dog’s pedigree with more than a word-of-mouth declaration of excellence.
And let’s be clear: trials don’t replace hunting. They’re simply a way to measure a dog’s skills and help guide future breeding decisions. They’re also a fun way to bond with your dog through training and friendly competition.
Confirmation Evaluations
The second type of evaluation is relatively unique to the Epagneul Breton in the U.S.: confirmation evaluations. These tests literally measure your dog against the official breed standard—there’s no guessing or subjective bias involved. It’s a simple pass/fail assessment based on how well your dog aligns with the quintessential traits of an Epagneul Breton. The goal is to ensure that these dogs stay true to their heritage in both appearance and function. [Click here to watch a sample confirmation evaluation.]
Conformation Shows
The third measurement is through conformation shows, which are held at both regional and national levels. These shows follow the familiar format of traditional dog shows, where judges select the dogs that best represent the breed in terms of physical appearance. The National Show even takes it up a notch by inviting a foreign judge—someone who’s intimately familiar with the breed in Europe—to offer an expert opinion and provide a score/rating for each dog (Excellent, Good, etc.). This helps ensure that Epagneul Bretons in the U.S. remain in line with their European counterparts.
Why Should This Matter to You?
If you’ve brought an Epagneul Breton into your family, you probably did so because you wanted a compact, hardworking bird dog—or maybe you were drawn to their reputation as loyal, adventure-ready companions (and always ready for snuggling on the couch). No matter how your EB fits into your life, you can take pride in knowing that this breed remains remarkably true to its original form, as defined in France in 1907.
Unlike some breeds that have been reshaped by trends or lost their working-dog heritage, the Epagneul Breton has stayed true to its roots. That’s no small feat. It’s taken years of behind-the-scenes work by the breed club and dedicated breeders to keep the EB consistent, healthy, and reliable as both a field dog and a companion. And as history has shown with other breeds, it only takes a few generations of careless or misguided breeding to completely alter a dog’s characteristics—sometimes irreversibly.
Most Epagneul Breton breeders are highly committed to using field trials and conformation evaluations to guide their breeding programs, making sure that each litter is a step forward for the breed. And if you’re new to the world of EBs, the CEB-US has created a welcoming community for everyone, from first-time owners to seasoned pros. Testing your dog against the breed standard is more than just a way to earn ribbons—it’s a way to honor the legacy of the breed and ensure it stays true to its roots.
Want to Learn More?
Whether you’re curious about getting involved in field trials, interested in confirmation evaluations, or excited about the idea of stepping into the show ring, we’ve got you covered!
Field Trials: We’ve put together a 3-part series that walks you through everything you need to know, from signing up to preparing for your first trial. Click here for Part 1.
Confirmation Evaluations: Ready to see how your dog measures up? Check out our article on the importance of evaluations and keep an eye on our event calendar for upcoming opportunities. Debunking Confirmation, Conformation, and What It All Means.
Conformation Shows: Think your dog’s got what it takes to shine in the ring? Our series of articles and videos will have even the greenest handler ready for the spotlight. Click here to start the series.
No matter where you and your Epagneul Breton are on your journey, there’s always something new to learn and enjoy. The breed may be over a century old, but it’s as vibrant and dynamic as ever!
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