CEB-US Mission Statement Part 3 - Maintaining Fieldwork and Conformation Standards for the Epagneul Breton

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. Maintaining the standard honors the breed’s purpose, protects its identity, and supports the ongoing success of the Epagneul Breton community.

A Standard That Speaks for Itself

The French standard describes the Breton as:

“A versatile pointing dog, for any game on any terrain, precocious in revealing its hunting passion. Remarkable in its searching for game, its gaits, its scenting ability, its ranging in the field, its spontaneity and duration of pointing, its retrieving and its aptitude for training.”

The key word here is remarkable. Each trait—range, gait, point, search, scenting, and trainability—is expected to stand out. Excellence across all aspects, not just one, is the baseline for the breed. Conversely, a dog that shines in the ring but lacks drive or confidence in the field—or one that hesitates to hunt boldly and cover ground with purpose—is not the ideal. The standard isn’t about specialization; it’s about balance. The Epagneul Breton is designed to excel in all aspects, and CEB-US provides the resources, guidance, and oversight to help the community preserve that balance and uphold the breed’s legacy.

Learn more about the full French breed standard and how it’s applied in the U.S.

Natural Instinct Over Artificial Polish

Biddability and connection to the hunter are hallmarks of the breed, but instinctive ability in the field is equally critical. Fieldwork titles like CAG and CAC recognize dogs who demonstrate the standard through natural talent and purposeful performance—not through excessive handling or polish. CEB-US supports this integrity by prioritizing judge education, accountability, and consistent evaluation standards across all field events.

Natural ability is the trait that endures and passes to future generations. While awarding ribbons for meeting minimum criteria is straightforward, the club’s focus is on recognizing truly exceptional examples of the breed. These are the traits that matter most because they define the breed’s future. CEB-US provides the guidance, resources, and oversight to help judges, breeders, and owners preserve and propagate those qualities.

Explore our Field Trial 101 and Judge Education Seminar for more on how we support consistent evaluation.

Where Form Meets Function

Conformation is not separate from field ability. The Breton was designed to be compact, athletic, and built for endurance. Structure enables performance, allowing the dog to sustain its distinctive gait and stamina throughout long days in the uplands. Strong natural drive can sometimes mask physical shortcomings, and good looks can obscure weak instincts—but neither alone defines the breed.

The standard exists at the intersection of form and function. A well-structured Breton with sound field instincts reflects the full intent of the breed. CEB-US is committed to promoting a full-scope evaluation of the Epagneul Breton—avoiding the siloed focus on either the show ring or field trials that has hindered many other breeds. The club’s role is to safeguard this holistic perspective behind the scenes, ensuring the breed continues to thrive as it was intended.

Learn more about conformation standards and their role in supporting field performance.

Why It Matters

Maintaining the standard helps ensure that the Epagneul Breton continues to be the exceptional breed it has always been. This work honors the dedication of generations of breeders, judges, and owners who have shaped the breed and continues to support the community today. While no breeding program progresses in a perfectly straight line, upholding consistent standards provides a strong foundation, allowing future generations to build on the accomplishments of those who came before and continue advancing the breed with care and purpose.