CEB-US Mission Statement Part 2 - Preserving the Epagneul Breton: Form, Function, and the Working Standard

In our previous post, we explored what it means to protect the tradition of the Epagneul Breton and why that responsibility belongs to all of us — owners, breeders, handlers, and hunters alike.

Now, we turn to the second key point of the CEB-US Mission Statement:

To preserve the Epagneul Breton’s unique conformation and working standard in the field, which traits are to provide for a close-working gun dog for the foot hunter.

Thank you to our members — breeders, trainers, hunters, trialers, and everyday owners — whose dedication keeps the Epagneul Breton true to its standard. Every evaluation, test, and hunt adds to the picture of where the breed stands and where it’s headed.

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 reshape it to fit trends or convenience.

Unique Conformation

The Epagneul Breton isn’t built like other pointing breeds — and it shouldn’t be. Its form fuels function, creating the unique traits, build, and mechanics that define the breed.

Each evaluation — whether in the conformation ring or through a formal breed assessment — contributes data that helps guide the breed and informs breeding decisions. At the National Specialty Show, international judges provide ratings aligned with the standard, giving breeders tangible insights. Every dog evaluated adds to the collective understanding of the breed and strengthens our ability to preserve its structure.

Click to see the list of confirmed and rated Bretons.

Learn more about conformation ratings and confirmation evaluations.

The Working Standard

The Epagneul Breton is a bird dog, defined from the start by its field ability. Strong nose, natural point, instinct to retrieve, and a relentless drive to find birds are hallmarks of the breed.

Field trials provide tangible benchmarks to compare performance across generations while wild bird hunting experiences remain the ultimate test of performance. Through partnerships with UKC, regional clubs, and international judges, CEB-US provides platforms for testing and evaluation, helping breeders, hunters, and owners understand and support the breed’s working standard. Nothing replaces the uplands as a classroom for the Breton, but structured opportunities ensure the traits remain consistent across generations.

Close-Working Gun Dog for the Foot Hunter

What does “close-working” really mean? It’s not about a fixed yardage — it’s about a dog hunting with you and for you. A Breton should adapt to cover, conditions, and pace, staying connected to the hunter/handler because it was bred to be an intelligent bird dog. The adaptability and range means something different in chukar country compared to the grouse woods.

This is why preserving the working standard is critical. When we prioritize natural ability and evaluate dogs in hunting conditions — whether in formal trials or hunting wild birds — we reinforce the traits that make the breed so effective and enjoyable in the field. This is also why hunting our Bretons remains at the pinnacle of importance because nothing will replace the uplands as the ultimate classroom and teacher for our breed.

Read more about the dynamic range of the Epagneul Breton.

Protecting the Standard — Together

Preserving the Epagneul Breton is a shared effort. Evaluations, trials, and shows — even with dogs that aren’t perfectly trained — contribute data that helps everyone understand the breed’s strengths and challenges. While there is an element of friendly competition, each participation strengthens the community and the breed.

We recognize that many Bretons live in urban areas, following HOA rules rather than wandering the uplands, yet every effort matters. Owners who cherish the breed, even outside the field, help maintain its essence. Together, these combined efforts ensure the tradition continues.

This isn’t about rules for the sake of rules. It’s about honoring the promise behind the name Epagneul Breton — the bird dogs we trust in the field and cherish at home.

A cobby frame. A big engine. A burning desire to find birds.

Those qualities live on because of the breeders, hunters, trainers, and owners who keep the tradition strong. Every day in the field, every carefully planned litter, and every standard upheld is part of the story. Together, the community preserves what makes the Breton unique.