Range, the distance a dog operates or moves away from its handler while hunting or working, is a hot topic among bird dog enthusiasts. Several factors influence a dog's range, including genetics, drive, upbringing, and habitat. While there's ongoing debate about these influences, it's clear that some dogs have a greater range than others. Additionally, owners have their preferences: some favor fast-moving dogs that cover lots of ground, while others prefer meticulous, closer-working dogs.
Ideal Range: A Team Effort
The ideal range is subjective and varies from handler to handler. The key is that the dog should work as a team with the handler. The distance is irrelevant if the dog does not cooperate with the handler. Observing a field trial or hunting with friends reveals the difference between dogs working in sync with their handlers and those operating independently, whether they work close or push the horizon. Since a dog’s range is not determined by the speed of ground coverage nor a pre-set distance, it is preferred to have a dog that aggressively targets likely objectives and naturally adapts to the terrain presented.
The Epagneul Breton's Range
Peter Wax, in the January 2024 issue of the Woah Post newsletter, summarized the Epagneul Breton's range as a dynamic movement rather than a fixed number. Peter concludes that the common marketing message portraying the French Brittany as a close-working gundog working “50-100 yards on either side of the handler” is misleading. More importantly, he points out that the French working standard emphasizes style, energy, attitude, desire, and intelligence, with no mention of range or an ideal distance to cast away from the handler.
French Working Standard Highlights
From the French working standard, range is broken into two parts. The run and the hunt. The French define the run as "cheerful, lively, sparkling with an energetic and rolling gallop. Fast succession of short [collective] movements avoiding long gallops." The hunt of the Epagneul Breton "must be intelligent, methodical, without being mechanical, demonstrating that the dog hunts 'intensively' adapting itself to the nature and configuration of the terrain to remain constantly in contact with the handler."*
Notice the French working standard for the Epagneul Breton does not specify a precise yardage for range. Instead, it focuses on the dog's athleticism, grace, and drive. This flexibility is crucial given the diverse terrains where Epagneul Bretons hunt, from the prairies of Montana to the piney woods of Georgia, the thick CRP of the Midwest, and the arid deserts of the Southwest.
Regarding field trials, range tends to be a debatable topic, and judgment can vary based on a judge’s preference. Field trials with big-running dogs are often held on grounds designed for showcasing large casts and long runs, encouraging dogs to extend their range to hunt the terrain effectively. Meanwhile, hunt tests and other testing venues may feature courses designed for shorter durations or different judging parameters.
Paraphrasing Hon. Poul Neilsen’s description of an Epagneul Breton’s hunt, an EB’s run should be a fluid movement quartering across the field with snappy, natural movements. [Watch Poul’s award presentation at the 2023 CEB-US National Conclave.] Poul wants to see a dog that takes chances rather than cautiously approaching a point. The dog should intelligently work the wind and objectives while covering ground with a high pace and style.
Finding Birds: The Ultimate Goal
A bird dog's primary goal is to find birds. In field trials, missed game can lead to a fault, highlighting the complexity of range as it relates to a dog's intelligence and experience in targeting prime objectives and traversing lines while still producing birds. The same is true when hunting, where an EB with astute range will understand when to shorten up versus when to push out. An experienced hunter or trialer can guide a dog to prime bird areas, but a dog's range should dynamically adapt based on the cover and bird population. As Peter Wax points out, there’s a difference between a bird-finding dog and a dog that is always backing.
The Epagneul Breton's Efficient Gait
The compact size and efficient gait of the Epagneul Breton allow it to hunt and cover ground for extended periods. A perfect example of form meeting function. This characteristic supports the need for intelligent range, where the dog avoids non-productive areas and maintains stamina throughout the day.
Next time someone asks about the range of the Epagneul Breton, remember that range is not a fixed measurement but a dynamic quality influenced by various factors, with the ultimate goal being effective teamwork between the dog and handler to find birds.
*Courtesy of the Epagneul Breton Working Standard from Club de l'Epagneul Breton - France. Provided by Pierre Willems.
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