Tips for Buying an Epagneul Breton Puppy

Bringing home a puppy is exciting — but it can also feel overwhelming. There’s a lot of information out there about finding the “right” breeder, and much of it can be confusing or even contradictory. The good news is that you don’t have to figure it out alone.

As the parent breed club in the United States, the CEB-US does not recommend or endorse specific breeders, kennels, or pedigrees. However, we are more than willing to help prospective owners understand the breed, navigate breeder discussions, and make informed decisions. Our goal is to ensure every puppy buyer has the knowledge and resources to choose responsibly.

Because the Epagneul Breton breeder community is deeply committed to the French standard and to maintaining the breed’s original purpose as a bird dog, the average Epagneul Breton today is an exceptional dog — athletic, intelligent, affectionate, and true to its roots.

This guide highlights the key questions to ask and the areas to consider when selecting your new Epagneul Breton puppy.

"The best dog has no sex and no color." Bodo Winterhelt, Founder of NAVHDA

Start With Your Goals

Before you contact breeders, take some time to think about what you’re looking for in your dog:

Do you plan to hunt? What species and which terrain?
Are you interested in showing or participating in trials?
Do you want a versatile companion who can succeed in other sports like agility or obedience?
Or are you mainly looking for a family dog and loyal companion?

Having a clear idea of your goals will help you ask the right questions and find a breeder whose program aligns with your needs.

Use the Breed Club as a Resource

A quick internet search will pull up dozens of “Epagneul Breton breeders.” But how do you know which are reputable? Instead of relying on Google, start with the breed club.

The CEB-US Breeder Directory lists active members who are committed to preserving the Epagneul Breton’s heritage and health. Choosing from within this network gives you an added layer of confidence.

Breeder Question: Do you follow the French tradition for breed standard, field performance and bird dog heritage?

Registration

Epagneul Bretons should be registered with the UKC, the only U.S. registry that recognizes the breed. Many owners also dual-register with the AKC (listed there as “Brittany”), but the UKC registration is the only registry that ensures the purity of your pup's pedigree as an Epagneul Breton.

Breeder Question: Will you provide the UKC pedigree for the litter? Will you register the litter with UKC?

"My findings are that what matters most is; the personality of the individual puppy and how it matches that of the potential owner. Color and sex should be secondary to a good nature and a well made puppy. Above all each puppy has to be fit for its future function, be it a pet or working companion."

Patricia Rush, Patouche Kennels (UK) legacy breeder of Epagneul Bretons

Health and Genetic Testing

Thanks to advances in veterinary science, breeders now have powerful tools to avoid hereditary health problems. Reputable breeders know their lines inside and out — both strengths and weaknesses — and they make breeding decisions with health as the top priority.

Breeder Question: What genetic testing have you completed? What issues are you working to avoid in your lines? Do you have hip certifications and negative AY testing on all your breeding stock? May I see the records?

Conformation Matters

Even if you never plan to enter the show ring, proper structure is essential for your dog’s health and longevity. A well-conformed dog moves efficiently, avoids unnecessary strain, and is less likely to develop painful conditions later in life — this is where form meets function.

The CEB-US hosts conformation evaluations, where trained confirmateurs assess dogs for adherence to the French breed standard. At the annual National Specialty Show, an international judge also provides official conformation ratings for all entered dogs, scoring each against the standard. These evaluations help ensure that your puppy’s parents — and the generations before them — were structurally sound and true to the Epagneul Breton standard. CEB-US Confirmation Ratings.

Breeder Question: Have your dogs earned show ratings or titles that confirm correct conformation?

Working Ability

The Epagneul Breton is, above all, a bird dog. Preserving that instinct and skill is central to the breed’s identity. Field trials and personal hunting experience demonstrate that a dog has not only the instinct but also the trainability and cooperative spirit the breed is known for. Titles will not replace hunting wild birds, but may help you discern the quality of the pedigree.

Breeder Questions:

Do you participate in field trials or hunt tests?
Do you personally hunt with your dogs, and on what type of game?
How do you describe your Bretons' hunting style and range?
Have puppies from your program excelled in other disciplines like agility, nosework, or obedience?

Building a Relationship With Your Breeder

Buying a puppy isn’t a transaction — it’s the start of a long-term relationship. A good breeder will want to know about your lifestyle and goals, and they’ll stay in touch throughout your dog’s life to offer guidance. Ask for references from previous puppy buyers.

Tip: Don’t let your first question be about color or sex. Start with health, ability, and temperament—the traits that truly matter.

Health Guarantees

Responsible breeders should stand behind the health of their puppies. Many provide guarantees against hip dysplasia or serious congenital health issues, with the condition that dogs not be spayed or neutered too early.

Breeder Question: What health guarantees do you offer?

Logistics: Deposits, Selection, Pickup

Most breeders require a deposit, with the balance due at pickup or before shipping. Puppies are often reserved in the order of deposits received. Keep in mind that reputable breeders focus on matching the right pup to the right family — not just color or sex preferences.

Whenever possible, plan to pick up your puppy in person. Meeting the breeder and seeing the environment where the litter was raised can be an important part of the experience. If you need to fly, most airlines allow puppies to travel as carry-ons. When travel isn’t possible, many breeders can arrange safe shipping, though temperature restrictions may affect timing and availability.

Breeder Question: How do you handle deposits and reservations? Can a deposit transfer to another litter if my preferred sex isn’t available? How are puppy assignments determined?

And, your puppy will need a name! Learn about the French naming tradition.