Kennel Gazette April 2025

Game for anything

Brittany Lively with an intelligent expression, this hunt, point and retrieve breed with its exceedingly keen game sense is a natural worker

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COVER IMAGE: Bitch and joint breed Challenge Certificate (CCs) record holder Sh Ch Highclare Flaming Nora, winner of 39 CCs and bred by Gill Tully. When Gill died Maria Casey gave Nora her retirement home. Nora was with Maria one day short of four years and said she was a joy to live with. Gill was a staunch advocate of Brittanys, and continues to be greatly missed within the breed and around the show ring. Ruth Dalrymple/The Kennel Club©

Opinion

04 Kennel Club news

A special lunch celebrating Charles Cruft, an update on the recent free health webinar from The Kennel Club’s health team, in partnership with the Veterinary Cardiovascular Society, the latest political updates and how readers can be involved in an upcoming gallery exhibition

Features

06 Mighty oaks from little acorns grow

What preceded The Kennel Club and how it became the institution we know today

14 Unsung canine heroes

How The Kennel Club Charitable Trust supports dogs that really make a difference

16 A lifetime of support

A look at the different types of trusts available to ensure your pet is cared for after you’ve gone

Health matters

10 Testing, testing, one, two, three

Canine hearing loss and the importance of Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response screening

Judges’ Choice 18 Brittany

We look at this intelligent hunt, point and retrieve breed, its history and show ring success, the latest on the health of the Brittany and how the breed club keeps on top of rescue. Discover more about Le Weekend, an annual Brittany event, and find out about other activities the breed enjoys. Kathy Moores shares a selection of artwork collected over the years, plus six judges choose their three favourite Brittanys they have judged in the show ring

EXCITING NEWS FOR OUR MEMBERS!

In addition to receiving the physical copy of the Kennel Gazette, readers can also enjoy early access to the digital version. Head over to the Members’ Zone on The Kennel Club’s website (https://bit.ly/3BPXhFt) to read the latest issue before anyone else. We hope you enjoy the convenience of digital reading.

Originally from the Brittany region of France, this breed has a remarkable working nature, pictured quartering at speed. See page 34. Courtesy of Andy Coveney

Kennel Club News

The latest developments to help make the most of owning a dog.

A showman like no other

Members were treated to a special lunchtime lecture on 12 February, presented by Ciara Farrell, Culture and Heritage Senior Manager on Charles Cruft, and his background in developing the world’s greatest dog show that now attracts over 160,000 visitors each year. Charles Cruft was known in his lifetime as the British Barnum, and Ciara’s talk looked at how he founded ‘Cruft’s Great International Dog Show’ in 1891 at the Royal Agricultural Hall in Islington. To how he built his reputation as an innovator in public relations, sponsorship, and advertising. Ciara illustrated this talk by using material from The Kennel Club’s own unique collections and she brought along some of these very special documents and objects. These included the familiar Keddell Memorial Trophy, that celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, the Daytona Beach Trophy, the original deed of purchase for Cruft’s Dog Show between The Kennel Club and Emma

Cruft, historic Crufts catalogues, newspapers, books, letters and more.

The event was well attended and enjoyed by many. There are more events planned for later in the year and members are advised to keep an eye on the Members’ Zone, members’ round up and the members’ Facebook page so as not to miss out.

We want to hear from you

This summer, The Kennel Club Art Gallery will host an exhibition exploring the history and culture of prizegiving at dog shows. It will also celebrate the 100th anniversary of the renowned Keddell Memorial Trophy, awarded for Best in Show at Crufts. Readers are encouraged to contact the gallery team about the awards they have won or collected over the years to be considered for inclusion in the exhibition. The team is particularly interested in items that are unusual, rare, or have an intriguing story behind them –think medals, silver spoons and even teapots! Please send photos to artgallery@thekennelclub.org.uk or contact the team with any queries you may have.

Closing later this month: Last chance to view well-known contemporary artist Deirdre Ashdown’s capsule exhibition, that closes on 4 April, and Drawings of Dogs closes 25 April. The gallery is open Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4.30pm. To book your visit, please email or call 020 7518 1064

Book Review

Fear and Anxiety in Dogs: Understanding, prevention and treatment by Caroline Clark Crowood

Press

Reviewed by Bill

Moores

Published in 2022 just as the global pandemic ended this book was a timely reminder of the many issues, actual and perceived, which can cause unnecessary fear and anxiety in our loyal companion.

The author sets out to encourage owners to try to make sense of their dog’s behaviour breaking down the various stages from factors to de-coding reactions to individual situations. She then deals with aggression and reactivity and their links with fear and anxiety. Finally, in section one the prevention of problems outlined earlier makes interesting reading.

It becomes clear that owners can be as much to blame as the dogs themselves for failure to recognise some regimes which can have a profound effect on man’s best friend!

Section two of the book sequences the need for practical management and treatment and it is here that the owner learns how to effectively apply kind correction to learned behaviour issues from shyness to dominance of other canines.

From the analysis and modification of behaviour to the first steps towards correction the end of this section also deals with useful training accessories plus a chapter of typical case studies accompanied by a methodic list of how it can be prevented. Patience and, in the case of a family owned dog, a unified approach is key to success we learn.

All in all this is a most useful and interesting book which deals with some difficult problems and gives owners complete and comprehensive answers to issues which one way or another most will have known or encountered.

Heidi Hudson/The Kennel Club©

DIARY DATES

By Helen Kenward

In our efforts to strengthen communications with the Government and support both dog welfare and The Kennel Club’s interests, we have been closely examining several key reports. These include the Government’s response to the EFRA Committee report on pet welfare and abuse, the Post-Implementation Review of the Licensing of Activities Involving Animals (LAIA) Regulations 2018, which details the English breeding regulations, and the Animal Welfare Committee’s independent report on specialised dog reproductive practices. Each of these reports plays a critical role in shaping our advocacy and policy discussions and we have written to the DEFRA Minister on these. We remain committed to collaborating with DEFRA to ensure our efforts continue to influence meaningful change for the welfare of dogs.

Success takes heart work and dedication

Recently, The Kennel Club’s health team, in partnership with the Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VCS), hosted a free health webinar to explore heart problems in dogs, open to owners and breeders of all levels of experience. This first webinar, held on 12 February, was an introduction to congenital (present from birth) and acquired (developing later in life) heart disease and was led by specialist veterinary cardiologist Dr Hannah Stephenson. In two days it was fully subscribed with 1,000 registrants, and a further 131 joined the waiting list. There were 493 live participants and a further 168 YouTube views to date. Feedback was extremely positive, with 95% of attendees saying they would recommend it to others and 99% advising they would be interested in attending future webinars. It was promoted via an email to Breed Health Co-ordinators, registered owners of relevant breeds, press release and social media platforms including Facebook and LinkedIn.

The VCS and Kennel Club have launched an online survey which aims to improve understanding of the prevalence and types of heart disease affecting different pedigree dog breeds. The results will be used to direct new research to areas requiring further attention. To date, approximately 6,000 people have participated, but the organisations hope to reach 10,000. The survey, open to owners of any breed, can be completed at surveymonkey.com/r/heartsPR

Coming up: A further two heart-related follow-up webinars for later this year.

Readers are advised to keep an eye on the seminar diary page on The Kennel Club’s website for information on when the dates will be released: thekennelclub.org.uk/events-and-activities/

These webinars and others will also be advertised in The Kennel Club Journal, and for more live updates, please join the Dog Health news from @TheKennelClubUK Facebook group. Past webinars can be watched on The Kennel Club’s YouTube channel: bit.ly/3GcTrVy

Great Danes are one of the breeds included in the KC/VCS Cardiology Development Programme. Lisa Croft-Elliott/The Kennel Club©

Mighty oaks from little acorns grow

We take a look back at how The Kennel Club became the institution we know today.

BY BILL MOORES

Following The Kennel Club’s 150th anniversary in 2023, when it also received its royal prefix and, last year when it received royal patronage, we take a look at those far-off days that preceded its foundation and the early attempts to regulate shows and dog breeding in general.

Any Kennel Club member who cares to browse Edward William Jaquet’s comprehensive but dry The Kennel Club – A History and Record of Its Work, cannot fail to note his ‘casual’ reference to the National Dog Club that pre-dated The Kennel Club by four years.

Jaquet concluded The Kennel Club was formed out of the early Crystal Palace dog shows that were popular in mid-Victorian times. However, articles in The Field, and Land and Water, popular field sports magazines of the time, suggest otherwise!

The year 1867 saw the foundation of the Shooting Dog Club (SDC) whose original members were landed gentry residents in southern England. As sporting gentlemen, they invariably used dogs to retrieve birds and drive ground game.

Rather wryly, The Field drew attention to the unfortunate title of the club, particularly after one of its member’s favourite retrievers was accidentally shot! The aggrieved member, delicately referred to as ‘an influential noblemman’, withdrew his support for the club and, in solidarity, others turned their back on the club.

After several SDC meetings in 1867 and 1868, the decision was made to change

The Kennel Club 41st show held at Crystal Palace was covered in Our Dogs 24 October 1896. Kennel Club founder Mr Sewallis Evelyn Shirley MP features prominently in the well observed line drawings that were a popular style of the time. Note also The Field correspondent gets a mention, a nod to Jaquet’s close family connection. Bottom right: Lieutenant Colonel Claude Cane who was a director of Our Dogs is seen judging spaniels. Meanwhile, a certain Charles Cruft’s own show held every February was only five years old as an all-breed event and in time finally outshone The Kennel Club Shows. Courtesy of Our Dogs

its name in an effort to distance itself from the bad publicity and concern over its future. On 1 December 1868 in Birmingham, Richard Lloyd Price from Bala, North Wales chaired a meeting of the club and its name was changed to the National Dog Club. It is worth noting that Lloyd Price was one of the wealthiest young men of his day having inherited his grandfather’s 64,000 acre estate Rhiwlas, near Bala in North Wales. He was also destined to be a founder member of The Kennel Club and host of the very first Kennel Club licensed field trial.

Seizing the opportunity for more regulation, a further meeting followed on 17 December, this time in Liverpool at the famous Adelphi Hotel with George Russell Rogerson, a local solicitor, in the chair. Several resolutions were passed including one concerning club membership levels and another to increase the size of what was seen as an influential committee. There was also a successful proposal to start a register of members’ dogs. George Russell Rogerson was a man in a hurry as, on Christmas Eve just one week later, he called members to a meeting at Belle Vue Zoological Gardens in Manchester. That evening the ‘new’ club added two prominent members to its committee; seven members were appointed to revise club rules for them to also consider the viability of drawing up breed standards for the guidance of future judges.

That all these meetings coincided with unregulated shows held in these cities in the midlands and the north of England was not lost on Land and Water, which could find no fault in the rules and regulations issued the following February. The club rule 3 stated ‘a donation of ten guineas shall constitute a life member and a subscription of one guinea a yearly member. No member shall incur any liability beyond his subscription.’

The year 1869 saw the National Dog Club organise its first event, an all-breed show, at Laycock’s Dairy Yard, Liverpool Road, Islington in London over the first three days of June. Covered by Land and Water, it concluded that the show was the ‘finest of its time’ and was the best seen in

“1869 saw the National Dog Club organise its first event, an all-breed show in Islington over the first three days of June”

London for three years, although it gives no clue as to which show it was being compared!

On a very positive note, the show attracted 958 dogs with 400 others that were refused because of limited space at the venue. The numbers far exceeded those of any other show held previously, including the ones held annually by the Birmingham Dog Show Society since 1860. Interestingly, the one guinea subscription adopted by the Birmingham show committee was ignored by the National Dog Club!

The show attracted five entries from HRH The Prince of Wales, later to become King Edward VII, and HRH The Princess of Wales. Their entries included two Borzoi, Molodetz, described as a magnificent black and white dog, and Oudatschka, a white bitch with fawn markings. Unsurprisingly both were presents from the Tsar of Russia at a time when the royal families of Europe were closely linked. The royal patronage also extended to the entry of two Mastiffs and a Bloodhound.

In the late afternoon of the second day, their Royal Highnesses, accompanied by the young Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark, made an official visit to the show. They were greeted at the entrance by George Russell Rogerson, Chairman of the National Dog Club, who introduced them to two of the judges, Messrs Lort and Walker.

At the show on the first day, judges were invited but declined to employ a points system. This had been suggested by the National Dog Club committee and advocated by The Field, but was decried and opposed by Land and Water

The one and only show organised by the National Dog Club was not a financial success, despite its royal patronage and it was reported to have had ‘organisational problems’.

A year later in 1870, with the benefit of these experiences, seven of the 12 gentlemen who had been members of the National Dog Club assisted Mr Sewallis Evelyn Shirley MP and Mr J H Murchison in

Birmingham National prize card – a reworked version from the 1800s in recent years.

Courtesy of Jennie Griffiths

the staging of the very first Crystal Palace show. Three years later in 1873, at least four of the 12 gentlemen who founded The Kennel Club and at least four of the 11 gentlemen who organised the first Kennel Club Show at Crystal Palace in June that year had been members of the National Dog Club.

It could be argued that the National Dog Club did influence the foundation of The Kennel Club and that, despite its shaky start in life, its members became the very lifeblood of dog shows and dog showing. Why Jaquet records the foundation of the National Dog Club as being 2 February 1869 is difficult to fathom. Cuttings from the sporting press of the time would indicate this was not the case.

It may interest Kennel Club members to know that there is no connection between the National Dog Club and the Birmingham Dog Show Society whose shows were first labelled as ‘National Exhibition of Sporting & Other Dogs’ but have more recently morphed into ‘National Dog Shows’. It is a recorded fact that the Birmingham Dog Show Society appeared in the 1999 Kennel Club Stud Book for the very first time as the ‘The Birmingham National Dog Show Society’. It was inevitable that some conflict existed in those earlier days, particularly as The Kennel Club had the audacity to start its own Stud Book, something that the Birmingham society was actively pursuing. The matter was only resolved after a meeting in July 1885 when concessions were agreed, including representative show status. For this reason alone, Birmingham National was always a ‘representative show’ that entitled the management committee to elect a member of The Kennel Club Show Executive Committee and to have Challenge Certificates for all breeds as at Crufts, the Welsh Kennel Club and Scottish Kennel Club. This was an exclusive privilege it enjoyed until 2019 when it was extended to several other shows in the calendar. I really should get out more!

Who was Jaquet?

Edward William Jaquet was born in 1859. The son of William Jaquet, a solicitor, and Harriette, née Cox, the sister of Serjeant-at-Law Edward Cox. Cox was the founder of two magazines, Law Times and Exchange & Mart. He later purchased The Field and The Queen, a lady’s newspaper.

Growing up in London’s Russell Square, where his mother kept house for her enterprising brother, he became great friends with his slightly older cousin Harding Cox. It was a partnership that would endure most of their lives encompassing the show ring, hunting and so many other sporting activities. Living privileged lives, the two boys were educated at public schools and in 1881 they married two sisters, Hebe and Edith Barlow, in a joint ceremony at St James’s Church, Piccadilly. Immediately Harding Cox and Edward Jaquet were not only cousins but also brothers-in-law!

At Cruft’s Great International Dog Show in February 1906, a presentation was made to Jaquet citing his unwavering support and dedication to the world of pedigree dogs for over 30 years.

A popular subscription collected a considerable amount of money and the Chairman of The Kennel Club, Dr J Sidney Turner, gave an address to the assembly before the presentation of a silver tea and coffee service and tray and a cheque for 400 guineas (£420).

It was noted that Jaquet, who had been Secretary of The Kennel Club since 1901, was also editor of the Kennel Gazette and was a distinguished fancier in his early days of Fox Terriers and Bulldogs. He was also Field Master of the Old Berkeley Foxhounds helping his cousin, now Major Harding Cox, with the pack management. He was a founder member in 1875 of the Bulldog Club Incorporated and was an accepted authority on English White Terriers (a popular show dog when conformation showing developed in the 1860s, but never achieved great popularity beyond the show scene and is no longer seen).

In 1907 Jaquet, a long-standing Freemason, instigated the foundation of the Connaught Lodge of which all founder members were also Kennel Club members. Dr J Sidney Turner was its first ever Master of the Lodge and two years later Jaquet himself was elected Master.

During the Great War he also acted as Secretary to The Kennel Club’s Ambulance Car Fund that set out to fund a fully-equipped military field vehicle. Such were his efforts that, during the four years of the conflict, enough money was collected to fund eight ambulances.

He lost his first wife in 1917 but re-married three years later, only to pass away in 1921 following a serious asthma attack. The world of pedigree dogs and The Kennel Club had lost a great friend and tireless worker who had steered it through its formative years.

With acknowledgements and thanks to Mark Hutchings, former Kennel Club General Committee member and Chairman of the Crufts Committee for the research papers that supported this article.

A young Edward William Jaquet. Courtesy of The Kennel Club - A History and Record of Its Work by Edward Jaquet

Testing, testing, one, two, three

Canine hearing loss and the importance of BAER screening.

BY ELLEN WHEELER, OF THE MOBILE BAER SCREENING CLINIC, AND JUSTINE SWEET MSc CF, HEAD OF AUDIOLOGY AT KINGSTON AND RICHMOND NHS FOUNDATION

In the July 2016 edition of the Kennel Gazette there was an article on hearing and deafness in dogs, by Julia Freeman and Luisa De Risio of the Animal Health Trust. They outlined the development and implementation of screening for deafness in dogs using Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) testing. This article reviews basic principles and the relevance of hearing screening in breed-specific health schemes for dog breeders today.

The types of hearing loss that affect dogs and the underlying causes (aetiologies) parallel those seen in humans because of similarities in the ear anatomy.

The ear consists of the outer, middle and inner ear. The outer ear catches sound waves and sends them down the ear canal causing the eardrum to vibrate. These sound vibrations pass through the middle ear across three tiny bones that amplify the vibrations before they pass into the inner ear. In the inner ear the sound vibrations are converted to electrical impulses

that then travel along the hearing nerve to the brain where they are understood as sound.

Deafness or hearing loss happens when one or more parts of the ear aren’t working. Conductive hearing loss results from disorders that disrupt the conduction of sound through the outer and middle ear and are usually amendable to treatment. This could be caused by, for example, an accumulation of ear wax, or an outer ear infection.

Sensory and neural hearing loss that affect the inner ear are usually permanent and can be congenital (present at, or shortly after birth), or acquired from noise exposure injury, ototoxic agents (i.e. drug and chemicals), liver disorders, or due to the aging process. Some types of deafness can be inherited, caused by genetic mutations passed down through generations. The presence of hereditary congenital deafness (HCD) in dogs is documented in more than 80 breeds, although prevalence data for specific breeds is often not known or reported incidence varies. However, prevalence does appear higher in some breeds such as Dalmatians (8-22%), Australian Cattle Dogs (10%), Border Collies (2.4-2.8%), English Setters (12%) and Cocker Spaniels (6%). In all white Norwegian Dunker hounds, deafness is found in 75% of dogs but the incidence in normal-colour dogs is unknown. Other breeds with a high incidence are the American Catahoula Leopard Dog and Australian Shepherd Dog. However, it is possible that deafness is more commonplace because of the small numbers of dogs that are tested, limited numbers of studies and because deafness is often difficult to recognise. A normally hearing puppy will begin to respond to environmental sounds and human voice by around ten days of age. HCD usually occurs within the first few weeks of life. A deaf puppy in its early life will mimic the movement and responses of its littermates and may only, when

Human ear anatomy is similar to canine anatomy. National Deaf Children’s Society©

separated from its litter, exhibit a lack of behavioural responses raising the suspicion of deafness when both ears are affected. Single-sided (unilateral) deafness is difficult to recognise without screening. There are also unsubstantiated reports of deafness being longestablished in breed lines where this is kept hidden to protect breeder reputation.

“It is possible that deafness is more commonplace because of the small numbers of dogs that are tested”

Although in most breeds the genes responsible for congenital deafness have not yet been identified, there is an association with genes that result in white hair and blue eye colour. Two pigment genes are often associated with deafness in dogs – the piebald gene and the merle gene. It is thought the absence of pigment producing melanocyte cells (that determine eye and skin colour) results in vascular degeneration of the inner ear sensory cells. For example, the prevalence of HCD in Border Collies is estimated to be around 2.8% and more common in dogs with a greater than 50% white pigmentation on the head, blue iris and merle coat colour pattern. Similarly, in Old English Sheepdogs HCD is reportedly more common in dogs with all-white heads, white stifles and blue eyes. Prevalence is also higher in white Bull Terriers, (20%) compared with coloured Bull Terriers (1.3%). Rates of prevalence are also greater (25%) in double merle dogs – created when

BAER SCREENING

Hearing screening in dogs is undertaken using BAER testing, which is non-invasive, safe, quick and low cost. Results are reliable and dogs do not need to be sedated for testing. When a dog’s ear receives a sound, the sound waves travel through the outer and middle ear to the inner ear where nerve cells are stimulated to fire nerve impulses. These impulses travel along the hearing nerve to other cells, which then fire off more nerve impulses that travel to other groups of cells all the way up until they reach the brain, which then processes the sound.

During BAER screening, an earphone plays clicking sounds into the dog’s ear and thin electrodes are placed just under the surface of the skin to collect nerve impulses generated in response to the sounds. If everything is working well a series of waves is recorded, with each wave corresponding to the impulses travelling along different parts of the nerve pathway. If there is any defect, the waves can be absent or delayed.

Each recording takes a few minutes depending on test conditions and quality of the nerve response. Several recordings are taken to ensure repeatability. Regardless of species, the typical BAER response consists of up to seven positive waves recorded within ten milliseconds of a sound starting. The first wave occurs at 1-1.5 milliseconds, and subsequent waves at 0.5-1 millisecond intervals thereafter.

Waves are labelled using Roman numerals I-VII and vary in size, with wave V usually being the biggest.

Sometimes waves can merge to form a ‘complex’, i.e. a wave III-IV complex occurs when waves III and IV merge. Each wave represents nerve activity from different portions of the hearing pathway. Waves I to III are generated by the inner ear and hearing nerve, (i.e. cochlear nucleus and superior olivary complex) and waves IV-VII are generated in the parts of the brainstem that process sound (i.e. lateral lemniscus, inferior colliculus or medial geniculate nucleus).

Australian Cattle Dog puppies, many breeds benefit from BAER screening. Ellen Wheeler©

Ellen testing at the Midland English Setter Society Championship Show. Justine Sweet©

“Although in most breeds the genes responsible for congenital deafness have not yet been identified, there is an association with genes that result in white hair and blue eye colour”

two dogs with a merle coat are bred together. Breeds listed by The Kennel Club that have an association with deafness and piebald colouring include Australian Cattle Dogs, Australian Shepherd Dogs, Border Collies, white Boxers, white Bull Terriers, Dalmatians, and English Setters. Dogs with merle coat colour include Australian Shepherd Dogs, Border Collies, dappled Dachshunds and Old English Sheepdogs.

Although the method of genetic transmission of HCD

in dogs is unclear, and it is therefore difficult to predict the possible outcomes of breeding, the most conservative approach is to not breed an affected dog. Alternatively, using extreme caution informed by hearing screening results and an understanding of genetic patterns can help breeders make informed decisions and preserve a breed line that may have taken years to shape.

The Dalmatian Club of America asks breeders to ensure that the BAER hearing status of breeding dogs and their progeny is considered prior to breeding. This selective breeding approach, where breeders avoid breeding with dogs that have a highest genetic risk, is reported to have reduced the overall prevalence from around 28% to 17.8%.

Some dogs may display Early Adult Onset Deafness (EAOD). This appears to be an inherited condition that causes gradual progressive loss of hearing in both ears between the age of one to five years. It has been reported to be evident in Border Collies and Rhodesian Ridgebacks and does not appear to be pigmentation related. However, prevalence and mode of inheritance have not been experimentally confirmed, although genome studies are ongoing.

ELLEN WHEELER

Ellen has been involved with Old English Sheepdogs since 2003 and bred her first litter in 2007. Her dogs are the current ‘face of Dulux’ (since 2018). She set up the Mobile BAER Screening Clinic in 2021 and offers home visits, conducting screening and microchipping throughout the UK, including Northern Ireland. Contact Ellen Wheeler at ellenwheeler 66@gmail.com or visit facebook.com/the mobilebaertestingclinic

JUSTINE SWEET

MSc CF

Justine is a practising Audiologist and a Churchill Fellow, with more than 25 years of clinical experience. She owns two Old English Sheepdogs, and while new to exhibiting, Justine has an interest in canine hearing loss and provides ongoing subject matter expertise to the mobile BAER Screening Clinic.

Bull Terrier puppies waiting their turn. Ellen Wheeler©

Dalmatian puppies relaxing after Baer screening. Ellen Wheeler©

Unsung canine heroes

Dogs that really do make a difference.

BY HELENA BYRNE-STEVENS

Each year, through The Kennel Club’s Hero Dog Award at Crufts, The Kennel Club Charitable Trust provides support for a range of canine charities and showcases the remarkable impact dogs can have. Finalists are chosen from categories celebrating rescue, therapy and working dogs. The winner receives £5,000, and each finalist £1,000 donated to their chosen canine charity. Since the award’s inception in 2004, the Trust has donated over £180,000 to canine charities – from Border Terrier Rescue and Southern Shih Tzu Rescue, to Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, Dogs for Good and Guide Dogs, as well as welfare organisations that support the nation’s brave working dogs. These are two previous winners.

Leo and a team of Pets

As Therapy dogs –winners of The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award in 2020, finalist in the Child’s Champion category.

Golden Retriever Leo heads up a team of six Pets

As Therapy dogs who visit Southampton Children’s Hospital alongside his owner, Lyndsey Uglow. Leo and friends have been visiting up to five times a week for over seven years and have helped more than 10,000, often critically ill, children. The £5,000 donation was awarded to Pets As Therapy – a charity providing therapeutic pet visits to care homes, hospitals, and schools.

“The minute Lyndsey and the dogs come in, people switch off and have time to relax,” says Donna Austin, Advanced Nurse Practitioner at Southampton Children’s Hospital. “Our patients absolutely love the treat of having a dog come in – they bring a bit of home into the unit, which is a really clinical and intense environment. Having that calming time with Leo is therapy for us all.”

Rescue dog Jack – The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award winner in 2018, finalist in the Rescue Dog Hero category.

Border Terrier Jack had been to three homes before being rescued at the age of 13 months by Vanessa Holbrow, from Somerset, and despite his fractured start in life, he is credited with helping Vanessa to live with complex mental health conditions by giving her confidence, companionship and stability. Vanessa donated her award money to Border Terrier Welfare, from where Jack was rescued.

Jack hadn’t been socialised and other owners had given up on him, but he overcame the odds with Vanessa’s love and care. Vanessa also struggled with her mental health, but credits Jack with teaching her what love is and saving her life every day. Since the award win, this special partnership has gone on to raise awareness of mental health issues. Jack has given Vanessa the confidence to speak on local radio and write articles for mental health charity, Rethink, and together they have raised thousands for mental health charities. “I am so proud of Jack,” Vanessa said, “He had such a bad start in life, and it took me a year to train him, but this just shows what love and patience can do. He is my family. I don’t know what I would do without him.”

Crufts 2025

Retired police dog Baloo, a finalist in the Extraordinary Working Dog category with her owner Mandy Chapman, was announced the winner of The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award 2025. We’ll feature Baloo’s story in an upcoming edition.

Vanessa and Jack.

Lyndsey and Leo, with their team of Pets As Therapy dogs.

A lifetime of support

A look at the different types of trusts available to ensure your pet is cared for after you’ve gone.

The recent excellent article by Del Richards regarding provisions for pets in your Will (Kennel Gazette, January 2025) led me to recall a phone call I received about 12 months ago. It was from an owner of a Briard puppy, ‘Sky’, that I had bred in March 2020. He had gone to a home with a couple in their mid-60s. They were experienced with the breed, fit and in good health. After recently updating their Wills, they wanted to discuss provision for him, should something happen to them both or within a short time of each other.

In the eyes of the law, pets are considered property in the same way as a car, table and mobile phone. In short, they have no legal personality, so it is not possible to leave a bequest to an animal under a Will. The pet itself can be left, just like any other asset. The owners had thought of this and they were planning well ahead.

I was asked if I would take care of the dog should something happen and either keep him for the rest of his natural life or rehome him, if I felt that was more appropriate, trusting me to make the best decisions for their boy. They had opened a bank account for him and were saving monthly for his future care needs. The contents of this bank account would follow him after six months.

BY TERRIE COUSINS-BROWN

between myself and Sky’s owners. I did think of other scenarios that may not be so trusting – if the money is given as an outright gift in this way, there is nothing to stop the beneficiary from spending that money on themselves, as they will have control over the funds. An alternative is to set up a discretionary trust, where there are more checks over the release of the funds by the executors of the Will. They can choose to not release all the funds at once, or to withhold funds if the ‘named carer’ declines to care for the pet.

Legally, you can leave a testamentary gift to

someone providing for your pet’s maintenance – a cash sum can be bequeathed to a named person. This is conditional upon the recipient taking on the responsibility of looking after the pet with a wish that it be spent for the animal’s benefit. There is obviously a high degree of trust

Trusts called ‘trusts of imperfect obligation’ can be set up when the Will is made. This type of trust can be paid only for the purpose for which they are set up, in this case for the benefit of a specific animal. The courts have stated that the maximum term of such a trust is limited to a duration of 21 years, which will normally be fine if the animal in question is a dog or a cat. It is a good idea to expressly state that the provisions of the Will apply to all pets owned by the testator at the time of their death rather than name them specifically, unless of course, there is only one animal to consider.

I was more than happy to agree to their request and give them the guarantee that I would care for Sky and give him a lifetime of support should the worst happen.

Sky’s future is safe should anything happen to his owners. Sue Hailstone©

Brittany

Hunt, point and retrieve breed with roots in Northern France.

In France the breed carries the name Épagneul Breton – the Brittany Spaniel – and was founded on a breed of naturally short-tailed spaniel found in Northern France known locally as ‘le Fougère’. To this foundation was added some English Setter and Pointer blood to give scenting and pointing qualities and the result was the Brittany – a short backed, cobby dog capable of flushing, pointing and retrieving – a true HPR breed. For this reason the nomenclature was changed and the word ‘spaniel’ was dropped.

The breed is often, but not always naturally bob-tailed and for this reason the first breed club in France, when founded in 1907, carried the title Club of the Naturally Short-Tailed Brittany.

BREED STANDARD

Bitch and joint breed Challenge Certificate (CC) record holder Sh Ch Highclare Flaming Nora, ‘Nora’, winner of 39 CCs, 26 with Best of Breed (BOB) and 16 Reserve CCs. Bred by Gill Tully (Kennel Club member) and after Gill died Nora went to live with Maria Casey. Born on 12 March 2010 and sired by Sh Ch/Ir Sh Ch Eastonite Veep at Byeways ShCM x Sh Ch Eastonite Bracken. Nora’s first CC and BOB was at Bath Canine Society in 2012 under Pam Blay. She was up against dog and joint breed CC record holder Sh Ch Bonapartist Grenadier, ‘Tom’, who took the dog CC. Her second CC and BOB was at Driffield in 2012 under Valerie Foss and she was made up at Windsor in 2013 under Kathy Moores, who also awarded her BOB. Her last CC and BOB was at Manchester in 2020 under Annukka Paloheimo, when she equalled Tom’s record. Gill Tully was also well-known in other breeds, such as Welsh Springer Spaniels and Irish Setters, but she was a devoted advocate and supporter of Brittanys. She passed away in March 2020. Maria Casey took great care of Nora and her daughter, Paris, until Nora passed away on 26 March 2024. Ruth Dalrymple/The Kennel Club©

A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance including the correct colour of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function. Absolute soundness is essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions or exaggerations which would be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed. From time to time certain conditions or exaggerations may be considered to have the potential to affect dogs in some breeds adversely, and judges and breeders are requested to refer to the Breed Watch information related to this breed for details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure. However, if a dog possesses a feature, characteristic or colour described as unacceptable, it must not be rewarded in the show ring.

GENERAL APPEARANCE

Workmanlike. Substance without heaviness. Moderately well boned. Lively with an intelligent expression. Square and cobby appearance.

CHARACTERISTICS

Very energetic, intelligent, hunt-point-retriever. Exceedingly keen game sense, persistent in hunting and finding game.

A naturally keen worker with distinctive gait.

TEMPERAMENT

Gentle and affectionate, yet full of life and exuberance.

HEAD AND SKULL

Skull slightly rounded as seen from front, side or above. Toplines of skull and muzzle should be parallel. Width of skull measured at the zygomatic arches is less than its length. Median line and occiput are slightly defined. Stop moderate. Muzzle tapered but not snipy. Ideal proportion of skull to muzzle as 3 is to 2. Nostrils open and well shaped.

EYES

Expressive, brown to dark, in harmony with coat colour, Somewhat oval in shape and slightly obliquely set. Never light or hard in expression.

EARS

Triangular in shape, slightly rounded at tip. Relatively wide and rather short with slightly wavy hair. Set and carried high, falling flat against the cheek. When drawn forward, the ear tip reaches the stop.

MOUTH

Jaws strong with a perfect regular scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Lips tight, upper lip slightly overlapping lower.

NECK

Medium length, clean and well set into shoulders.

FOREQUARTERS

Shoulders muscular and moderately sloping. Angulation slightly less than that of the hindquarters. Tops

Dog and joint breed CC record holder Sh Ch Bonapartist Grenadier, ‘Tom’, winner of 39 CCs, 16 with Best of Breed and 16 Reserve CCs. Born on 26 October 2011. He made his debut in the ring at seven months old, when he won his first CC under Pam Blay at Bath Canine Society in 2012. He won his second CC at Crufts in 2013 under Geoff Hargreaves and was made up at Birmingham National in May 2013 under Valerie Foss. He went Best in Show at the Brittany Club of GB Championship Show in 2015 under Diane Arrowsmith. His last award was at Crufts in 2023 when he won the Reserve Dog CC and Best Veteran under Lynda Davis. Bred and owned by Janette and Paul Yarrow. Nirinder Purawal©

of shoulder blades set fairly wide. Elbows close to body. Forelegs muscular, vertical and straight. Pasterns slightly sloping.

BODY

Chest deep. Brisket reaching to elbow. Foreleg length is slightly greater than chest depth. Ribcage well rounded. Back short with loin short and strong. Topline slopes slightly from withers to croup. Croup very slightly sloping to set on of tail. Height at withers equal to length of body measured from point of shoulder to point of buttock.

HINDQUARTERS

Moderate bend of stifle. Point of buttock and hock on approximately the same vertical. Thighs broad and muscular. Rear pastern vertical to ground.

FEET

Rather round, tight and compact with little hair between the toes. Rear feet slightly longer.

TAIL

Naturally tailless, short or previously customarily docked.

Docked: Set high, carried horizontally or slightly lower.

Undocked: Set high, carried horizontally or slightly lower.

GAIT/MOVEMENT

Brisk, short stride. Should retain topline when moving. Hindlegs have little rear extension.

COAT

Body coat dense but fairly fine. Rather flat or slightly wavy. Forelegs slightly feathered and hindlegs well feathered to mid-thigh.

COLOUR

Orange/white, liver/white, black/white, tricolour, or roan of any of these colours. Nose dark or in harmony with coat colour. Black and white or liver and white tricolours have orange markings over eyes, on sides of muzzle, either side of chest, on inside of front legs and outside from knee downwards, on inside of hindlegs and outside from stifle downwards, and around vent.

Any other colour or combination of colours unacceptable.

SIZE

Ideal height at withers: dogs: 48-51 cms (19-20 ins); bitches: 47-50 cms (18½-19¾ ins).

FAULTS

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.

NOTE

Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

Brittanys point the way

The inherited traits from the breed’s founding dogs still remain strong in the Brittany we see today thanks to experienced breeders.

BY ANNE MASSIE (ABERDON)

FOUNDER MEMBER OF THE BRITTANY CLUB OF GB

The standard and type of the Brittany is reputed to have become established in Callac, Côte d’Armour, in the early 1900s. In Callac, a pretty little village, with a museum dedicated to the breed, stands a large statue of a French cob horse, said to be the model for the Épagneul Breton, which, although rather exaggerated, shows a cobby, short loined, well-muscled animal. It’s believed that when the breed was imported to other countries the name ‘spaniel’ arose from an error in translation of the original name ‘Épagneul’.

Before the advent of firearms, pointing dogs would indicate game by lying flat. Handlers then threw nets over the game birds and the dogs that had found them. It is thought that the word Épagneul comes from the ancient French meaning to lie down. In France some of the more wellknown kennels were Keranlouan, St Tugen, Kerveillant, Hameau de Sorny and Pigenettes. An outstanding dog, born in 1981, who was influential in both France and the UK was Ska de Saint Tugen (a black-based tricolour), a Grand Champion and Grand Trialler with a string of titles including International Beauty and International Field Trial Champion. He was an ancestor of many champions and triallers in many countries. Ska was the epitome of the Callac horse – well ribbed, short-coupled, well muscled, and having great presence.

Stan Smith brought in the first imports from France, and these were Puk des Pigenettes, a mature orange and white dog,

bred by Monsieur and Madame Trentini in France, two young bitches – Samantha de Goas Vilinic, bred by Monsieur Léon Lelouet, and Rolline de Saint Tugen, bred by Monsieur and Madame Marchand. Puk and Rolline were mated and produced the Dorvalstan T litter of eight in July 1982, one of which went to Wales, and two were presented in an import class at Crufts in March 1983. A second litter to Rolline produced the first

Brittany to go to Scotland, Dorvalstan Vitalis of Aberdon, owned by Sandy and Anne Massie.

Stan Smith also imported Ted de Sous les Viviers, an orange and white, born in 1982 and bred by Monsieur F Riva. Several UK kennels brought in other influential imports, which widened the gene pool – Brittyhill, Fosscott, Joymonds, Patouche and Walgoreg. Around the same time, a few American

Ska de Saint Tugen handled by Kathy Moores at the Paris Dog Show in 1987. Photographer unknown

“These initial ancestors of the Brittany established themselves as efficient and enthusiastic working dogs”

Brittanys were living in the UK and they produced offspring when mated to Frenchbred dogs. The main differences between the American and French Brittany is that they are a little taller and longer, and black is not allowed.

The first open show in the UK was held in March 1988, judged by the world-famous Leonard Pagliero. He awarded Best in Show to Sonnenberg Viking, bred by Eileen Hughes and owned by her friend Marion Reeves. Sonnenberg Viking was second generation from French imports. Best Bitch was awarded to Uhelenn de Saint Lubin, bred by Monsieur Desprez in France, and was owned by our current President, Ray Greenwood.

The Brittany Club of GB was granted championship status in 1997 and the first UK Show Champion was Fosscott Hautain, achieving three Challenge Certificates at three subsequent shows. Bred and owned by the late Pete and Margaret Green

(at various times Margaret was President or Secretary of the Brittany Club of GB). Breeders of strong French lines incorporated St Tugen and Hameau de Sorny.

Field trials were granted by The Kennel Club from 1987. The first Field Trial Champion was Riscoris Fleur de Lys, sired by Ted de Sous les Viviers, bred and owned by Angie Lewis, a one-time Field Trial Secretary of the Brittany Club of GB.

In recent years, there have been three dual champions in the UK, having achieved both Show Champion and Field Trial Champion titles, and all bred by Alithea and Malcolm Lockie in Scotland, (Tournesol). They were all handled by Rory Major (Dual Ch Tournesol Toutou at Bryantscroft, her daughter Dual Ch Tournesol Destinee at Bryantscroft, and her great-grandson, Dual Ch Tournesol Heriot at Bryantscroft). There are also 17 full champions – show champions with field trial/working certification, and numerous show champions, as well as ten

THE BRITTANY CLUB OF GREAT BRITAIN BREED MILESTONES

1981 Influential sire born in France, Ska de Saint Tugen

1982 First imports from France to the UK by Stan Smith – Puk des Pigenettes, Samantha de Goas Vilinic, Ted de Sous les Viviers, Rolline de Saint Tugen

1982 First UK litter born and registered with The Kennel Club – Dorvalstan

1983 First appearance at Crufts in an import class - Dorvalstan Tania of Joymond’s, Dorvalstan Tansy, Puk des Pigenettes

1984 Inaugural meeting of the Brittany Club of GB, Chairman was Graham Bryant

1984 First field trial award to a Brittany at a UK trial was to Dorvalstan Ulrick of Riscoris

1986 to 2023

Number of subsequent imports to UK, mostly French, and about 36 from Brittyhill, Fosscott, Joymonds, Patouche and Walgoreg

1987 First UK Field Trial Champion Riscoris Fleur de Lys

1988 First Brittany Club of GB Open Show judged by Leonard Pagliero, Best in Show was Sonnenberg Viking

1989 First Brittany Club of GB Field Trial judged by Aubrey Greville-Williams and Edward Hardman

1989 First Junior Warrant winner awarded to Joymonds Diplomat at Huntersridge JW

1990 First field trial award at the Brittany Club of GB went to Walgoreg Etienne du Bestobel

1997 Awarded championship status by The Kennel Club. First show with CCs was Crufts, judged by Kathy Moores (formerly Gorman)

1997 First Brittany Club of GB Championship Show judged by Monsieur Léon Lelouet (then Chairman of the Club de l’Épagneul Breton) and Ray Greenwood (then Chairman of the Brittany Club of GB)

1998 First Show Champion made up –Sh Ch Fosscott Hautain

2004 First Show Certificate of Merit awarded to Sh Ch Eastonite Talapion ShCM

2007 First Dual Champion Tournesol Toutou at Bryantscroft

Sh Ch Fosscott Hautain, first breed Show Champion. John Elgie©

Junior Warrant winners and five achieving their Show Certificate of Merit.

As of the end of 2024, the top show kennel for the last 12 years has been Bonapartist, owned by Paul and Janette Yarrow, whose first dog, Sh Ch Baywillow Napoleon, had the first four imports in his pedigree. He was mated once and produced three show champions. They have owned or bred 20 show champions over the years since 1997. Their top winning dog, Sh Ch Bonapartist Grenadier, equalled the bitch owned by Gill Tully, home-bred Sh Ch Highclare Flaming Nora, each having been awarded 39 Challenge Certificates. Covid put paid to any further CCs for both Tom and Nora but they remain unbeaten to date.

Rochus Brittanys owned by John and Barbara Anderson, are another well-known kennel. They have had considerable success in French trials with ChFTP Rochus Marvin, a French Champion, and Patouche kennels owned by Patricia Rush, who won the French National d’Elevage in 2005 with their home-bred bitch, Ch Patouche Toscane. Patricia Rush frequently uses French ‘Elite’ studs (a title given to outstanding dogs in the ring by a panel of judges) or descendants of these. Despite variations in the origins of the Épagneul Breton, these initial ancestors of the Brittany established themselves as efficient and enthusiastic working dogs. The breed’s founding dogs were strong and energetic, exhibiting inherited traits prized by hunters. These attributes were essential in the diverse terrain of northern France and have been passed down to today’s Brittanys by careful and knowledgeable breeding.

A breed that is often overlooked in the show ring for big wins such as Best in Show or in the Gundog group at Crufts, the Brittany enjoys immeasurable success around the world in both field and show ring in the continental Gundog group.

In the August 2018 edition, Kathy Moores shared her memories of the Club de l’Épagneul Breton national show weekends. For a definitive history on the breed see Club de l’Épagneul

, a French club publication from 2007 covering the first 100 years of the breed club.

Breton

Ch Patouche Toscane who won the French National d’Elevage in 2005. Jefford©

Dual Ch Tournesol Toutou at Bryantscroft, first breed Dual Champion. Alithea Lockie©

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Handy cartons with easy re-closable screw cap.

Judges’ Choice

We asked a number of breed-specialist and all-rounder judges to pick their three favourite Brittanys from those they have judged in the show ring.

I was born into a working gundog family, but after marriage and children, became interested in showing Cockers. In the early 1980s, hearing of a ‘new breed of spaniel’ arriving in England, my husband Sandy met with Stan Smith and secured a puppy from the third litter born in the UK, Dorvalstan Vitalis of Aberdon. When Sandy died, I started judging in the early 1990s and in 2005 bought my beloved Allez – Sh Ch Fosscott Alaine Over Aberdon ShCM. I now co-ordinate the Brittany pedigree database.

1

He was my CC and BOB winner at Crufts in 2005. He entered the ring with presence and the correct short Brittany gait. He was so close to the breed standard and had substance without heaviness. A lovely expression and so typical of the breed. His ribcage was correctly well rounded. He went on to be the breed record holder until he passed away so young.

1 CH PATOUCHE MILORD SGWC

I judged this dog at National Gundog Association in 2022. Cobby, deep-chested black tricolour with correct markings, short loined, firm muscles, correctly shaped head in the 3:2 proportions, correct stop, correctly shaped eyes, dark; skull lines perfect; excellent movement, with style and purpose, straight front legs, correct bend of stifle, good forechest, with goat type hairs along his back, and always watching his handler attentively.

2 SH CH EASTONITE

BRACKEN

I judged this young Brittany at Windsor in 2009 giving her the RCC, then I gave her the CC and BOB at Three Counties in 2012. She demanded attention and was so feminine. Her conformation and type was so close to the breed standard. I loved her expression and eye colour, which was so in harmony with her coat. Moderately well boned, square and cobby in appearance, she was always presented immaculately in the ring.

2 SH CH BONAPARTIST

IRYSSA

I judged this bitch at National Gundog Association in 2015 awarding her the CC. Neat, well-made bitch. Typical of this kennel’s breeding lines; correct shape of head and Breton expression. Tight neat feet at front, correct slightly longer feet at back, excellent bone, ribs and quarters, with a well-groomed coat and goat type hairs on her back; correctly shaped ears and eyes, and pigmentation matching her coat colour.

3 SH CH KENOCTO PRETTY PACHANGA OF BONAPARTIST

I judged her at Windsor in 2009 as a junior and her quality stood out. I awarded her the CC and BOB. She was very workmanlike and had substance without heaviness. Beautiful expression and high-set ears. She stood out for her shapely, cobby body and outstanding brisk movement. She was successful in the show ring and went on to be an outstanding brood bitch.

3 SH CH FOSSCOTT LASKAR

I judged this dog at my first CC appointment at National Gundog Association in 2001. Correctly marked tricolour, very typical; high set, short ears used to advantage, good deep chest and rounded ribcage, level back, well set shoulders and neck. Moved with purpose, with perfect Brittany style. Correct coat with goat type guard hairs, tight feet, well boned all round, and in good muscle tone. I later owned one of his tricolour sons and used another at stud.

I’ve been involved with the breed since 1984. I awarded my first CCs in 1998. My first Sh Ch/Ir Sh Ch Rosevale Gwenfrewi was the first Brittany to gain her Irish title and was a working gundog. Her son Rosevale Mystic Moondance was the first Brittany to be placed in the group at championship level in Ireland. I changed my affix to Jayricnbrits and the first litter produced Sh Ch Jayricnbrits Bowen, who became a successful stud dog, and Sh Ch Jayricnbrits Briafael JW.

ANNE MASSIE ABERDON

Joan Shelton©

Joan Shelton©

John D Jackson©

Margaret Green©

JAYNE CUTLER JAYRICNBRITS

Brittanyclub.co.uk/Lewis Baucutt© Yulia Titovets/The Kennel Club© David Williams©

SH CH EASTONITE TALAPION ShCM

Emily Cutler©

Our first Brittany was born in 1997, Sh Ch Baywillow Napoleon, bred by Marion Reeves and from whom we gained so much knowledge of the breed. Bonapartist is our kennel name as every puppy is a follower of Napoleon. Twenty show champions have carried the Bonapartist name and we have been top breeders for 12 years, top brood for 12 years with Sh Ch Kenocto Pretty Pachanga of Bonapartist (five years, including top brood overall in the 2016 Gundog group), Sh Ch Bonapartist Grande Duchess (four years) and Sh Ch Bonapartist Linnet (three years).

1 SH CH

JAYRICNBRITS

BRIAFAEL JW

I judged this dog at Bath in 2010 and awarded him the CC and BOB. A true cob, so was short in back, close coupled with a strong loin fitting perfectly into the desired square outline. Dark eye with a mischievous expression, tremendous spring of rib and a glistening coat completed the picture. A very typical Brittany mover, full of bustling energy yet still retaining a short striding gait. I have never seen him look better.

from the limit class. On the day he did not have the presence of the CC winner but had many of the same virtues. Again, he was an orange and white cob with short back and close coupled loin. Nothing overdone, excellent angulation front and rear, straight neat front and feet, and standing with hocks in line with buttocks. An excellent mover flowing around the ring with a level topline.

3 SH CH ROCHUS NOBLE

I judged this dog at National Gundog Association in 2023. A most attractive black and white tricolour that often let himself down by giving his handler a hard time, but this was to be his day. Attractive masculine head with correct dark eye and markings and moderate neck led to well-placed shoulders, tucked in elbows, deep chest and cobby appearance. Correct angulation and movement with a brisk stride earned him the CC and BOB.

All our kennel’s litters can be traced to our first between Sh Ch Kenocto Pretty Pachanga of Bonapartist and Ch Tournesol Braconnier. Pachanga produced three show champions: Grande Duchess, Gourrege and Grenadier (joint breed record holder). A repeat mating produced Sh Ch Bonapartist Iryssa. Grande Duchess had three litters - five puppies became show champions, including Lancelot, Lieutenant, Odile, Odette at Ruskinite and Linnet. Linnet produced three litters and four show champions; Pickpocket, Peaky Blinder Avec Aukskara, Portia and Truffle.

1 CH TOURNESOL INOX

I judged this dog at Windsor in 2015 and he had quality all through. He had a stunning head of correct proportions, correct eye shape and small high set ears. Shown in hard working condition. His body was compact with deep brisket and muscular hindquarters. Excellent movement showing that short brisk stride. I was so pleased to award him the CC and BOB and he continued on to gain his full Champion title.

and awarded her

previously awarded her a RCC as a puppy at Driffield in 2013 and was pleased to see she had fulfilled her early promise. She had a beautiful feminine head with that quizzical, cheeky expression, tight lips, clean and moderate neck, short in back with plenty of rib. Standing four square, she presented herself well and moved excellently around the ring.

3 SH CH CHALLOWMOON NOAH

I judged this dog at the Brittany Club of Great Britain in 2019. It is a privilege to award CCs in your own breed and I had an entry of 56. I found this young dog from post graduate. He had presence, many pleasing qualities and was handled well. A most beautiful head with strong dark pigmentation and wide nostrils. Correct cobby body and super angulations front and rear. A joy to go over and award him his first CC.

Alithea Lockie©

Richard Cutler©

Caroline Perks©

Barbara Anderson©

PAUL YARROW BONAPARTIST

JANETTE YARROW BONAPARTIST

Caroline Perks©

Alithea Lockie©

2 SH CH HIGHCLARE HELLRAISER AT DENANDMEG I also judged this bitch at Windsor in

2 CH TOURNESOL BRACONNIER

I also judged this dog at Bath in 2010 and awarded him the RCC

2015

the CC. I had

Caroline Perks©

David Williams©

In 1983, I acquired a Brittany bitch, Dorvalstan Ursine de Walgoreg from Stan Smith (Dorvalstan), from the second litter born in the UK. In 1987, Ursine was mated to Joymonds Valet and this litter produced four consistent winners including Walgoreg Canard du Fosscott. He was top show Brittany 1988-1992 and top stud 1993-94; his show career was over before the breed had CC status. I awarded the first CCs to Brittanys at Crufts in 1997. I have awarded CCs 13 times and judged the French Brittany club’s championship show in 2024.

1 SH CH EASTONITE BRACKEN

I awarded her BIS at the Brittany Club of GB Championship Show in 2008. A stylish bitch, full of curves, very square and cobby. She had a correctly proportioned head, expressive, intelligent eyes, small well-shaped ears set on high and sufficient development of the zygomatic arch all of which she used well to achieve the desired ‘Breton look’. She had a good width of chest and a short, strong loin. She moved soundly displaying the desired short gait.

2 SH CH IVRY DE KERANLOUAN (IMP FRA)

I awarded this bitch the CC and

BOB at Crufts in 1997, the first occasion CCs were attributed to the breed. She was a typical bitch with a well-proportioned feminine head, square outline and full of the required curves. She had a strong neck leading into well-laid shoulders, deep chest and well-rounded ribs. She was well muscled over a short loin, moved soundly and typically on neat feet. She was shown in hard muscular condition with a lovely quality coat.

3 JOYMONDS VALET

Valet, born in 1984, was top male Brittany in 1985-87 and had a large impact on the breed in the early days. I judged him at National Gundog in 1989. He was of correct size and had the most fabulous well-proportioned head and expressive eyes that he passed on to his offspring. He was cobby, well-ribbed and had the required longer length of leg compared to depth of chest. He moved with style and displayed the typical short gait.

I first judged the breed at Coventry Gundog Society in 1985. Twenty-three dogs made 35 entries with a wonderful atmosphere, which still is enjoyed today around the ringside. I have now judged the breed with CCs on 11 occasions including Crufts in 2004, which was a great honour. I have been lucky enough to judge most of the imports, but here I am choosing three of my favourite home-bred dogs. I enjoy watching the working tests in this country, which really shows how the breed is capable of being truly dual purpose.

1 SH CH/IR SH CH ROSEVALE GWENFREWI

I first judged this beautiful bitch at the Brittany Club of GB Open Show in 1993 when she took BIS from junior. Since meeting her, my views on the breed has always been based on her. She had the typical true movement with the minimal turn of stifle required, which is correct for the breed, yet is so opposite to a working gundog. I met her again at Crufts in 2004 when she was nearly 12 and she won veteran bitch.

2 SH CH FOSSCOTT LASKAR

I judged him at Birmingham National in 2001 and gave him the

CC and BOB. I previously gave him the RCC and he had matured beyond recognition. In fact, he continued to mature and at National Gundog Association in 2001 took his crown and went on to be the first Brittany to be placed in a group where he took group 4. This black tricolour was very balanced and always shown in good hard condition with a good coat to complete the picture.

3 SH CH BONAPARTIST GRENADIER

I met him at Bath in 2012 when at seven months I could not resist him for the CC. He was also Best Puppy, beating his litter sister Sh Ch Bonapartist Grande Duchess who was also top quality. Grenadier was also quality and cobby. When he settled, he moved so typically and was in excellent coat and condition. He went on to be the joint breed record holder. He was also top dog for a few years too.

William Moores©

Ray Greenwood©

KATHY MOORES WALGOREG

William Moores©

Richard Cutler©

David Williams©

PAM BLAY STABLAHEIM

John D Jackson©

Best of the Best

BRITTANY

CRUFTS BEST OF BREED WINNERS

1997 SH CH IVRY DE KERANLOUAN (IMP FRA)

1998 CH TCHAO DE L’HOSPITALIER AT BRITTYHILL (IMP BEL)

1999 SH CH FOSSCOTT HAUTAIN

2000 CH TCHAO DE L’HOSPITALIER AT BRITTYHILL (IMP BEL)

2001 SH CH FOSSCOTT MADELEINE

2002 SH CH PATOUCHE HORACE

2003 SH CH RAOUL DU SULON AT BRITTYHILL (IMP FRA)

2004 SH CH TARWARD OYSTER

2005 SH CH EASTONITE TALAPION ShCM

2006 SH CH BAYWILLOW TROUBADOUR

2007 SH CH CHALLOWMOON VITO

2008 SH CH BAYWILLOW TROUBADOUR

2009 SH CH RAOUL DU SULON AT BRITTYHILL (IMP FRA)

2010 SH CH DARAYDALA BEAUMONT

2011 CH TOURNESOL BRACONNIER

2012 SH CH EASTONITE BRACKEN

2013 SH CH EASTONITE DEE DEE AVEC LLESSORT

2014 SH CH HIGHCLARE FLAMING NORA

2015 SH CH EASTONITE BRACKEN

2016 SH CH HIGHCLARE FLAMING NORA

2017 SH CH HIGHCLARE FLAMING NORA

2018 CH PATOUCHE MILORD SGWC

2019 SH CH BONAPARTIST LANCELOT

2020 SH CH CHALLOWMOON NOAH

2022 SH CH BONAPARTIST PICKPOCKET

2023 SH CH BONAPARTIST PICKPOCKET

2024 SH CH HIGHCLARE ONLY ONE (AI) JW

NEXT MONTH CRUFTS SPECIAL!

If you would like to advertise in the May edition of the Kennel Gazette, please contact Gary Turner on 07702 881109 or email

gary.turner@ newhallpublishing.com

BeatMedia/The Royal Kennel Club©

BREED SERVICES

Breed clubs take welfare very seriously and work tirelessly to provide help, support and homes for dogs in need.

The Brittany Club of Great Britain is the sole club for the breed in the UK. It is passionate about promoting and maintaining the dual-purpose nature of the breed as a show dog and working dog. The club offers a range of events, including shows, gundog and obedience training, field trials and shot-over days. Every year the club organises Le Weekend, comprising a show day and a working day with various activities for members to try with their Brittanys and includes social events throughout the weekend.

The club is proactive in supporting owners by offering help and advice with training, socialising, working, breeding, purchasing a puppy, re-homing and health testing for their dog(s). The club also organises judges’ training days and educational seminars for those wishing to pursue a career in judging. There is a well-established link between the breed and The Kennel Club on matters of health and wellbeing. Please contact Brittany Club of Great Britain Secretary Jenna Cocking for more information.

Brittany Club of Great Britain

Miss Jenna Cocking Tel: 07793 037800 clubsecretary@brittanyclub.co.uk brittanyclub.co.uk

The Brittany Club of Great Britain

Breed Education Co-ordinator

Miss Jenna Cocking Tel: 07793 037800 clubsecretary@brittanyclub.co.uk

Brittany Club of Great Britain Rescue & Rehoming

Ms Ruth Holt Tel: 01743 651830 rescue@brittanyclub.co.uk

Breed Health Co-ordinator

Mrs Kathy Moores Tel: 07971 184559 health@brittanyclub.co.uk

SHOW JUDGES BRITTANY

08/05/2025 Birmingham Dog Show Society Ltd Anthony Allen Both

15/05/2025 Scottish Kennel Club Jeff Horswell Both

23/05/2025 Bath Canine Society Frank Kane Both

26/06/2025 Windsor Dog Show Society Ray McDonald Both

25/07/2025 Leeds City & District Canine Association Frank Whyte Both

03/08/2025 National Gundog Association Barbara Stamp Both 14/08/2025 Welsh Kennel Club Martyn Rees Both 12/09/2025 Darlington Dog Show Society Ltd Jennifer Millard Both 04/10/2025 Brittany Club of Great Britain Patricia Grime Both

Approved list of judges as of 13 March 2025. Appointments may change due to unforeseen circumstances.

Judging the Brittany

Looking out for ‘maximum quality in the minimum volume’.

BY KATHY MOORES (FORMERLY GORMAN), VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE BRITTANY CLUB OF GB

In many breeds, the most pertinent part of the breed standard is the General Appearance section, and this is very true for the Brittany. The standard states: General Appearance Workmanlike. Substance without heaviness. Moderately well boned. Lively with an intelligent expression. Square and cobby appearance. These are the most important features that makes the breed different from other gundogs, which I will discuss separately.

Workmanlike: As primarily a working dog, the Brittany must have the appearance of a dog that could do a day’s work and also be able to carry game without a problem.

Substance without heaviness: The motto of the French Brittany club (Club de l’Épagneul Breton) is ‘un maximum de qualités pour un volume minimum’ meaning, ‘Maximum quality in the minimum volume’. This is confirmed in the next phrase from the standard.

Moderately well-boned: We do not require heavy bone on the Brittany but neither should they be lacking in substance. The fact that the forelegs, measured from elbow to ground, are slightly longer than the body depth from withers to bottom of chest, sets the Brittany apart from spaniel breeds and most other gundogs. This length of leg emphasises the fact that the breed is only moderately boned (see top diagram).

Lively with an intelligent expression: The ‘quizzical, intelligent expression’ is a delightful trait of the breed. When judging the Brittany, judges should get the dog to

put its ears up to give this expression, often accompanied by a slight tilt of the head (see photo on opposite page).

Square and cobby appearance: The Brittany is a breed without exaggeration, everything is compact and the whole dog fits neatly into a square. The height is measured from the withers to the ground and length measured from the point of shoulder to the point of buttock. In essence, the Brittany should present the appearance of a small cob full of energy. If it is too long in body compared to height, it does not exhibit sufficient breed type; it is so important that height equals length. The cobby appearance is further enhanced by the short back with a slight slope from withers to the

Diagrams reproduced with permission from L’épagneul Breton 2000 by Jean Louvet

croup in conjunction with an extremely well-developed and rounded ribcage leading to a short and strong loin. Dogs that are long in loin or back will not appear cobby, and this should be penalised in the ring. The neck of the Brittany should be strong and of medium length, contributing to the overall cobby look.

The differing angulation between the forequarters and hindquarters of the Brittany is another important feature that sets the breed apart from other Gundog breeds. The front angulation comprises muscular shoulders that are moderately sloping with a good return of upper arm. The shoulder blades are set fairly wide apart, as would be expected from the desired well-rounded ribcage. The hindquarters are less angulated than the forequarters. When seen in profile, the hind legs do not extend beyond the body; therefore, when judging you are not looking for the bend of stifle you would wish to see on a spaniel but rather one you would expect on a breed such as the Schipperke or Siberian Husky.

I have addressed the components of the general appearance, and will continue with other parts of the breed’s construction.

The main difference between the head of the Brittany and most spaniel and retriever breeds is the fact that the muzzle is shorter than the skull; the ideal proportions of the head being skull three to muzzle two i.e. about 12 cms to 8 cms (see diagram on opposite page). The skull is rounded when viewed from the front or in profile and seen from above, sides are also rounded; the width of the skull at the zygomatic arch is slightly less than the skull length. The muzzle is tapered but not snipy and the nostrils are open and well-shaped.

The skin is tight-fitting on the head, the upper lip slightly overlapping the lower. Judges should penalise dogs with loose lips and drooping flews. It is most important that there is only a moderate stop – some exhibits today have very deep stops that ruins the gentle expression of the breed and this should be penalised in the ring.

The eyes help to create the unique Brittany expression – they should be somewhat

“The ‘quizzical, intelligent expression’ is a delightful trait of the breed… often accompanied by a tilt of the head”

oval in shape and set slightly obliquely; they should not be rounded or protruding and should give a soft, intelligent and questioning expression. The eye colour is brown to dark – of a colour in harmony with the coat. The ears are set on and carried high. The smaller the ear the better, in order to create the desired expression. They should be triangular in shape, slightly rounded at the tip, relatively wide and rather short with slightly wavy hair. The main faults are low set ears, or those which are drooping, large or long.

Brittanys can be born tailless, with a short tail or a full tail. Many Brittanys are still docked, as they are used for working. The outline of the tailless or short-tailed Brittany has always contributed to the square cobby appearance, however, full-tailed Brittanys can still display the cobby outline; judges need to look and

examine the body to see whether the dog is square or not.

The final feature that I am going to discuss here is the gait of the Brittany, which is different to that of spaniels and all other gundogs. It can be described as brisk, stilted, short-striding with little rear extension – everything that is usually considered undesirable in other gundogs.

Judges must not expect lots of rear extension on the move and certainly no excessive throwing of the hind legs so that the pads can be seen. The correct movement is actually difficult to describe but is probably easiest to assess when seen in profile.

I will leave readers to study the rest of the breed standard in the hope that they can now have a better understanding of this lovely, individual breed and don’t forget: ‘Maximum quality in the minimum volume’.

Head study that illustrates the typical ‘Brittany look’. Sue Axtell©

Right dog, right family

Despite often being misrepresented as a spaniel, the number of UK Brittanys needing to be rehomed is reassuringly small.

BY RUTH HOLT, BRITTANY CLUB OF GB RESCUE & REHOMING CO-ORDINATOR

Brittany Rescue can be a sensitive topic in the UK, as many of the dogs in rescues are brought in from abroad by organisations that sometimes present them as spaniels, despite belonging to the HPR (hunt, point, retrieve) Gundog group.

The Brittany is still a minority breed in the UK so, fortunately, we have a correspondingly small number of dogs coming through the Brittany Club of GB Rescue & Rehoming service. I have been the co-ordinator since February 2021 and was involved in the rehoming of five Brittanys – all of which have remained in their homes. This is highly rewarding, as it is a huge responsibility to take a dog I don’t know from people I don’t know, and entrust it to the care of other people I don’t know. I’ve had many sleepless nights! Brittanys aren’t always the easiest dogs to manage, as they have a high prey drive and can cover ground at great speed, which some people find alarming. They need space to run – being constantly walked on a lead can result in destructive traits. I keep an eye out for Brittanys for sale online and have offered to assist other rescues with finding suitable homes – especially when they’re described as spaniels. We do not have dedicated rehoming premises so dogs stay with the original owner until a home is found. I have access to local kennels and offers of fostering.

The re-homing process begins with a ‘fact find’ to build a profile of the dog and its needs. I then look through enquiries I have received from people looking for a dog. If there is no suitable match, I will post the dog in the Brittany Club of GB Facebook group (details on page 27). I include very limited information and request interested parties to

email me outlining their circumstances and what they can offer the dog. This not only helps protect the privacy of the current owner, but also enables me to assess suitability more readily. I cover the whole of the UK and I rely heavily on intuition, which so far has not let me down. Once I have made my decision, and depending on the circumstances and geography, a meeting will be arranged, or the dog is collected from its original home by its new owner. I check in at varying intervals to ensure all is well. Brittanys usually only come up for rehoming due to changes in the owner’s circumstances – ill health, breakdown of relationship, unavoidable change in work or living arrangements – and in many cases the breeder will either take the dog back, or assist with rehoming, as expected of any

responsible breeder. Having spent years carefully selecting breeding stock to maintain the breed as a dual-purpose dog, fit for field and show ring, they want the best for them. Although there are only a small number of breeders in the UK, the majority are long-established and highly reputable. Sadly, there are those who breed for profit, rather than betterment of the breed, and will let dogs go to unsuitable homes, then refuse to assist when it doesn’t work out. I have had a couple of these cases, but have always managed to rehome the dogs. It makes me wonder, if not worry, about the rest.

In general, rescue organisations are at capacity since Covid began. I’m pleased to say this has not been the case with the Brittany and we continue to ensure the right dog goes to the right family.

Larry was my first rehome that came through the Brittany Club of GB in September 2021. He was sold with a littermate but became the underdog. Now he is living his best life with his canicross buddies. Seen here descending Sugar Loaf in the Black Mountains, Wales.

Pavel Teklinski©

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A versatile breed

When not working, Brittanys love doing other activities –from obedience to agility and more.

BY HELENA AND MARK JONES, WITH CONTRIBUTIONS FROM MEMBERS

OF THE BRITTANY CLUB OF GB

While gathering information for this article, we were surprised and delighted at the number of Brittany club members that do agility at various levels. It demonstrates how versatile the breed is, despite being a very capable hunt, point and retrieve dog. Our first experience was with our rescue Brittany, Bob (The Jolly Bobby). She loved her training, and while she was very focussed in a learning environment, it changed dramatically once she got outside, as her natural instinct took over. Our goal for Bob was to complete the first obstacle before she started tracking a scent. She did well and went on to win the winter league at a dedicated agility arena (an unaffiliated show). Bob also loved obedience and did very well at a few inter-club matches. We currently have two Brittanys, Rigg (Rochus Sweet Pea) and Jack (Rochus Take Action), both of whom really enjoy training. Rigg has a high work ethic, so will probably never compete outside due to her overriding desire to work fields and boundaries. Jack is more biddable and, although new to agility, is showing promise to compete. Both dogs love rally classes too. I think they love that the exercises are broken up, and the changes of direction and pace keeps their mind active. We are hoping to start competing with Jack soon.

Another Brittany that loves working and obedience is Gill Winyard’s Jaque (Bonapartist Tricolore), known as ‘Vaa Vaa Voom’, as he is so fast! “He might be small, but he is definitely mighty, and with a strong, determined character, he could probably turn his paw to many dog activities,” said Gill.

“While growing up, it became clear that he needed a job to do. We started our obedience journey and he loves to train and definitely enjoys being in the ring. He’s only competed a couple of times and achieved a second and third in his class. When he is in a higher class, he puts everything into it, but then once the training and competing is done, he becomes our lap dog and loves a cuddle!”

Hayley Johnson told us about her agility journey: “I got my first Brittany, Phoenix (Jassendue Liquorish AW(B)) in 2015. I didn’t get a Brittany to do agility with, but after a taster session at a regional Brittany Club of GB training day, I was hooked and couldn’t wait to begin classes. Agility with a Brittany

has challenges. They appear ideal because they are smart and quick to learn as well as athletic. However, they are bred to hunt game and that is their passion. This causes conflict when trying to do agility in a field lined with hedges, or in the middle of a field with interesting scents.

“Training was fun, but our first few years of competing usually ended up with me coming home complaining that Phoenix found it more interesting to take off around the ring sniffing, despite behaving at training. Our bond grew, our connection became stronger and after four years, we achieved clear rounds and even won classes. Two years later we attained our Bronze Agility Warrant and have recently won into grade 5. My next challenge is my younger Brittany, Roscoe.”

Hayley sums up agility with a Brittany beautifully. The general consensus is agility is fun, but that competition requires patience and determination. Stick at it and your efforts will be rewarded tenfold.

Bob co-owned by Helena and Mark Jones, both agility instructors. Richard Weller Poley Photography© Phoenix, owned by Hayley Johnson. Mary Coe Photography©

Gill Winyard and Jaque doing obedience. Jason Bath©

Going from strength to strength

Looking at the health of Brittanys.

BY KATHY MOORES, BRITTANY BREED HEALTH CO-ORDINATOR

The Brittany in the UK is extremely healthy and, although I have new conditions reported to me from time to time, there is no pattern of any one prevalent health problem in the breed. The only health screening scheme that is strongly advised by The Kennel Club, and which all breeders are strongly advised to use, is the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme. Apart from hip dysplasia, which isn’t very common in our breed, the other main health issues that have been reported to me over the years have been megaoesophagus and epilepsy, but in such small numbers that research as to possible inherited factors cannot yet be undertaken.

The annual breed average inbreeding coefficient is currently 3.9%, which is very low. The inbreeding coefficient is the probability that two copies of the same gene have been inherited by an individual from a common founder – an ancestor shared by both parents. For example, a 0% average inbreeding coefficient indicates a dog that comes from two unrelated parents, based on all available pedigree information; 12.5% would equate to the genetic equivalent of a dog produced from a grandfather to granddaughter mating. Coefficient of Inbreeding (COI) values have been added to the pedigrees on the Brittany Club of Great Britain’s database. As a numerically small breed, it’s important that we as a community continue to take careful consideration of our genetic diversity, to help our breed continue to thrive as it does today.

The Kennel Club’s Breed Watch system for the Brittany states: “Currently no points of concern specific to this breed have been identified for special attention by judges.” So I’m pleased to report that the breed has a healthy future.

Nurturing puppies to their full potential Brittanys love to do a variety of activities, but like all breeds they need time to grow, build strength and socialise with other dogs before they take on anything fast paced like agility or canicross. The health of the dog is paramount and dogs should be at least one year old before they start training in these activities.

Five-week-old Brittany puppies. Kathy Moores©

Kate Armitage shows how her Brittanys are fit for function. She competes in canicross events with Baxter (left) and Gigi. Michael Ellis©

Natural, keen and intelligent workers

The first thing to remember is a Brittany isn’t a spaniel.

BY DAVE ANDERTON, FIELD TRIAL SECRETARY OF THE BRITTANY CLUB OF GB

Being the smallest of the hunt, point and retrieve (HPR) breeds, and originating from the Brittany region of France, the breed is known for its excellent skills at hunting woodcock in France and across Europe But as they are natural, keen and intelligent hunters, they will readily hunt and point any type of game once they are introduced to it, which is different to the traits of a spaniel, and the two should not be confused.

Their name in France and across Europe is Épagneul Breton. They are widely used as a working dog, the majority of owners in France being chasseurs (hunters), working on local land on informal shoots.

Owners may use the Brittany in many scenarios, from a weekend rough shooting dog to a fully trained field trial competitor. The latter is much prized, and in particular in spring pointing field trials, where the dog is expected to cover great distances with speed and power.

In France, Spain and other European countries the Brittany is prized in these spring pointing trials for their untiring quest to point

the elusive partridge. A Brittany owned and bred by John and Barbara Anderson in the UK has successfully competed in spring pointing trials in France and Spain and has now obtained the title of ChFTP (Champion of Spring Trials on Partridge) in the two countries – a fantastic achievement.

The Brittany quarters the ground very quickly and widely for its size. On scenting game, it will suddenly snap on to a point, which is an impressive sight and still gives me goosebumps after 25 years of working Brittanys. This is a

characteristic loved by owners, and is so inbuilt into the psyche of the breed that there is usually little or no training needed for the dog to point.

In the UK, the Brittany is a much-prized rough shooting or walked up shooting dog, especially if game is scarce, as they are blessed with being forever the optimist, and believe game will be around the next corner. Along with having amazing stamina and readily putting a shift in for their owner, they are used in many areas of the UK shooting world from grouse counting, being in the beating line, picking up and working boundaries of shoots. However, all of the above can depend on the Brittany’s type or bloodline, plus the amount of time spent on training. When I refer to type, this means a dog that can be in the field on Saturday and in the show ring on Sunday. We have only one type and hopefully the breed will never be split into show and working, like other breeds have been. The HPR world has in general strived to maintain the dual-purpose aspect of all of its breeds, so there are many HPR full champions with the

FT Ch Riscoris Fleur de Lys, first Field Trial Champion, sired by Ted de Sous les Viviers, bred and owned by Angie Lewis.

Main photo: Penny Simpson© Inset photo: Photographer Unknown

title of Champion as opposed to the Show Champion title. This means that as well as qualifying to be a champion in the show ring, they have also passed the Show Gundog Working Certificate (SGWC) or gained an award in an actual field trial.

Since arriving on our shores, Brittanys have taken part in field trials, working tests and deer scent trialling, basically using their fantastic nose. There have been some excellent ambassadors for the breed over the years, starting with the first Brittany Field Trial Champion in the late 1980s, Angie Lewis’s FT Ch Riscoris Fleur de Lys. As a numerically small breed, we never have the entries in field trials that more popular breeds have, but despite this there have been 242 field trial awards attained by Brittanys from 1984-2024.

In recent years, there have been three dual champions in the UK, achieving both Show Champion and Field Trial Champion titles, all bred by Alithea and Malcolm Lockie (Tournesol) in Scotland and handled by Rory Major. They are Dual Ch Tournesol Toutou at Bryantscroft, her daughter Dual Ch Tournesol

Destinee at Bryantscroft, and great-grandson Dual Ch Tournesol Heriot at Bryantscroft. Other Brittanys to achieve the title of Field Trial Champion are FT Ch Tournesol Truffe, owned by William Pearson, and FT Ch Bestobel Hiver, owned and bred by John and Eunice Lambert.

A great deal of work has been going on behind the scenes and we are seeing a good number of owners stepping into the working field and entering field trials or preparing for competition, which is lovely to see and hopefully will continue to grow.

The Brittany is not confined to shooting and is extremely popular and widely used in falconry. There are possibly more in this area of field sports than field trials, as a remarkable bond is formed between the handler and bird. It’s a special thing to see the dog working with the bird and handler but takes a great deal of work. We have reintroduced this aspect to the Brittany Club of Great Britain’s Le Weekend (see page 36), and on the working day, visitors can see how Brittanys can be trained to work for a bird and have the opportunity to ask questions of the bird handler.

All breeds form a bond with their humans, which is very important. Brittanys are not velcro dogs as such, but like to know their handler is there. In our house, we have three people and three Brittanys, but I’m the one they look to, unless of course someone utters the word ‘cheese’, then it’s my wife!

Brittanys are extremely intelligent and need training from a young age, with regards to recall and basic training, even if intended to be a pet. Most possess a strong prey drive, which becomes apparent when owners are left whistling or shouting across a field, so a good recall is a must.

The Brittany Club of Great Britain can provide assistance and point (no pun intended) you in the right direction as to where to start working your Brittany. It also organises training sessions with the characteristics of the breed in mind, from basic starter to more advanced in-the-field opportunities. Sometimes we refer to these days as group therapy, where handlers realise they are not the only ones who have a training problem that can be solved.

Brittany on point. Dave Anderton©

ChFTP Rochus Marvin during a pointing test in Spain. Elena Trufanova©

Brittany and bird of prey. Alex Renshaw©

Bienvenue à tous!

Le Weekend features both showing and working activities that promote the Brittany as a true dual-purpose breed.

BY CAROLINE PERKS, MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY OF THE BRITTANY CLUB OF GB

Le Weekend is the flagship annual event organised by the Brittany Club of Great Britain (BCGB), dedicated to celebrating and showcasing the versatility and talents of the Brittany breed. Traditionally held over a weekend during the summer months, this gathering brings together Brittany enthusiasts, breeders, owners, and their dogs from across the UK and beyond.

The concept of Le Weekend originated from the experiences of the BCGB’s founding members, who visited similar events held by the Club de l’Épagneul Breton. Inspired by the way these weekends combined conformation shows, working tests and social gatherings that celebrated the breed’s dual-purpose nature, they decided to bring the idea to the UK.

In 1997, with the first allocated Challenge Certificates (CCs) for Brittanys, the first UK Le Weekend was held near Yelvertoft,

Northamptonshire. It began with a working day on the Saturday, where 47 Brittanys took part in the TAN (Test d’Aptitude Naturel), and then the championship show took place on the Sunday, with 69 exhibits.

The TAN, was a British version of the TAN from France. Dogs that pass the TAN in France have their award officially recorded in the French kennel club’s database (Société Centrale Canine), recognising their natural hunting aptitude. In the UK, however, the TAN is conducted purely ‘for fun’ as part of Le Weekend, allowing owners to assess their dogs instinctive abilities in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.

After the success of the first event, it continued in 1998 and 1999. In these years, the shows were held in Nuneaton, the working events took place in local fields, and the evening meals were hosted at local hotels until a single venue was found that could

The next day was dedicated to working activities, promoting the breed’s versatility and athleticism. The day featured a range of challenges, including retrieving competitions, other working tests, and the TAN competition, as shown in this photo of Angela and Elena Byrne’s rescue Riskit

Le Weekend 2024 was held on 13 and 14 July at Forest Oak Farm in Gloucestershire. The winners of the second championship show, pictured from left to right, with judge Barbara Anderson (Rochus): Best Veteran in Show, Patouche Jaimee Avec Petillant AW(B) owned by Sian Ryan, Best Dog, Tillybirloch Otis at Patouche owned by Jessica Frost, Best in Show, Sprite de la Rivière Ouareau owned by Sue Axtell, Reserve Best in Show, Jassendue Usoa JW co-owned by Sue Gudgin (pictured) and Sarah Finch, and Best Puppy in Show, Jayricnbrits Uncle Jake, owned by Jayne Cutler.

Biscuit with judge Larry Wilks. Also pictured is John Anderson, the then BCGB Chairman and Brenda Moss.

“Le Weekend provides a platform to demonstrate the breed’s hunting prowess, agility, obedience, and conformation standards”

offer all the necessary facilities in one place. This led to the selection of Catthorpe Manor Estate, and Le Weekend continued to be held there until the estate transitioned into a wedding venue. Subsequent venues have included Riseholme, Walton and Moulton agricultural colleges. In the last two years, Le Weekend has been held at Forest Oak Farm near the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. This year Le Weekend will feature two championship shows on Saturday 4 October followed by working activities on Sunday 5 October.

Event highlights

Le Weekend is packed with events that cater to both novice and experienced handlers. These include:

• Working tests: Designed to assess the natural abilities and training of Brittanys in hunting scenarios. These tests evaluate skills such as pointing, retrieving, and steadiness. The working tests include retrieving competitions for both novice and advanced handlers, covering retrieves on land and in water. These challenges allow owners to showcase their dogs’ field capabilities in

varied settings, testing their natural retrieving instincts.

• Conformation shows: These shows focus on the physical attributes of the Brittany, ensuring they align with the breed standard. Judges evaluate aspects like structure, movement, and overall appearance.

• Social gatherings: Le Weekend is not just about competition; it’s also a social event. Evening gatherings, dinners, and informal meetups allow participants to network, share experiences, and build lasting friendships.

• Birds of prey meet and greet: An opportunity to meet the handlers and find out how the dog and bird work together.

Beyond the structured events, Le Weekend serves as a hub for the Brittany community. The event fosters a supportive environment where newcomers can learn from seasoned handlers, and long-standing members can reconnect with friends and colleagues.

The BCGB remains committed to enhancing the experience for all participants. Future events aim to introduce new activities and further promote the Brittany as a versatile and capable breed. Whether you’re a

seasoned Brittany owner or new to the breed, Le Weekend offers an enriching and enjoyable experience that celebrates all aspects of these remarkable dogs.

Advanced retrieve winner 2024, Laura Winder with Gefni Mile A Minute and judge Dave Anderton (BCGB Field Trial Secretary).

Last year’s water retrieve competition for various competitors with different abilities. Pictured is Anne Gee and Freyas Spirit of Adventure.

Sue Wright with Hawkwise Nugget, ‘Nem’, taken during a water retrieve at Le Weekend in 2024. Sue and Nem won the novice retrieve competition in 2022. Last year Sue judged the water certification. Sue Axtell©

The Brittany in art and sculpture

Kathy Moores shares a selection of artwork collected over the years.

Since Kathy first owned a puppy that came from the second litter bred in the UK by Stan Smith, a fellow founder member of the Brittany Club of Great Britain, her personal collection of artwork has grown.

During the Covid 19 lockdowns, she curated a PowerPoint presentation of her artwork for club members, which attracted additional interest from other Brittany enthusiasts from around the world. Here, she presents a selection of these from that presentation.

A Kennel Club member since 2006, last month Kathy judged the Gundog group at Crufts 2025

Below: This clay sculpture, a Richard Fath original, the famous ‘animalier’ born in France in 1900, is said to portray the ideal Brittany. Fath’s exciting work prompted commissions from many prominent breeders in the first half of the 20th century. From this association followed many commissions in Europe and in America, where his talents were also appreciated. Commissions also followed from the Société Centrale Canine, breed clubs asked him to design medals and badges, and there were also requests from the French Ministry of Agriculture and other public bodies.

A remarkable chance visit 20 years ago to a museum in Vernon that had an exhibition of Fath’s sculptures led to correspondence with his son, Richard-Camille Fath. Although in poor health at the time, his wish was to trace as many of his father’s works as possible. To this end, a book by him was published in the late 1990s, the afterword of which contained an appeal for anyone who owned or knew of the whereabouts of any of his works. It was his wish to then publish a second book as a complete compendium of

from a good friend. Tony Westby©

She was an alpha bitch in many ways, and a great asset on a local shoot when it came to picking up after drives. This was a Christmas present from the staff at Fosse Data, and Julie was one of the employees at the time. Julie Jalland©

Above: Watercolour portrait of bitch Sh Ch Walgoreg Incroyable by artist Julie Jalland.

Above: This cover illustration by F Castellan for Le Chasseur Français entitled Une Belle Pièce dates back to 1951 and shows a Brittany retrieving a pheasant with a traditionally dressed hunter. Courtesy of Kathy Moores

Above: Alios du Hameau de Sorny á Walgoreg (Imp Fra) (left), the first male tricolour to be imported into the UK, and his daughter, Fosscott Devri á Walgoreg, by artist Tony Westby, was presented to Kathy as a Christmas present

Above: This first work by Léon Danchin shows two Brittanys, one ‘backing up’ the other, a typical trait caught by the artist. Danchin was born in 1887 to a prosperous family of Walloon origins who lived in Lille in northern France. His family had property in the city and a country retreat where his introduction to field sports was complete. He served in the information and intelligence corps in the Great War, operating in and around the Calais and northern ports area, where his command of the English language aided liaison with British officers. An accomplished artist and sculptor, his experiences led to commemorative commissions in the period after the war.

Left: Brittany owners will recognise these typical poses including a dog on point in reeds. This is a print from one of Danchin’s many watercolours. In the 1920s and 30s, as relative prosperity returned to France, demand for his sporting artwork was high. He even painted the actress Josephine Baker riding side-saddle on her horse accompanied by a Fox Terrier. Commissions from the wealthy equestrian world led him to move to Chantilly, near Paris. It was close enough to the countryside and north east of the capital to still enjoy his field sports and weekend invitations. It also enabled him to move among the monied circles of society who were his best customers. Danchin sadly passed away at the early age of 51, but his eversupportive wife, and eventually his son, perpetuated his memory by publishing limited editions of his best work, still signing the prints with his name in the exact style. Kathy acquired these artworks through various canine antique stands at Crufts and other shows in the UK.

Above: Walgoreg Nicoline immortalised in oil crayon by Andrea Robbins (2012), a talented artist who lived in the same village as Bill and Kathy in Swinford, Leicestershire. Andrea asked if she could paint one of their dogs as a ‘practice piece’ and she captured the expression perfectly working from a photograph. Andrea Robbins©

Left: Head study by Léon Danchin showing the typical alert expression. The faint line of script (top right) shows his Paris publisher’s address dated 1938, the year he passed away. It is said that any signature appearing on the right of the print was done by Léon’s son and any on the left were signed by the artist himself.

Below: Two head studies by Léon Danchin emphasising ear-carriage and expression. The distinctive signature is part of the reproduction.

All courtesy of leondanchin.com/Léon

Danchin Animalier by Denis Montaut, 2001 edition, published by Montaut

PURSUING WORKING DOGS AND COUNTRY LIFE

Riab was born Boris Riabouchinsky in Moscow, Russia on 1 November 1898. His family was fairly well off, and he was able to study at several art schools in Moscow

After the 1917 revolution, he and his family fled Russia. He travelled throughout the world until settling in France in 1927, when he simplified his last name to Riab. He painted hunting dog portraits and wild fowl, mostly in watercolour. He also printed limited edition engravings. Riab died in Saint-Vincent-du-Lorouër in 1975.

Left: Riab’s striking poses and head studies often formed compositions such as this. Again, like Léon Danchin, his attention to detail in the bird’s feathers is remarkable. Kathy purchased these at various game fairs and shows in the UK.

Above: A feature of the Club de l’Épagneul Breton national show weekends, which often attracted entries in excess of 200, were the artists’ stands. This one is dated 2002 by Jean-Jacques Gendron and portrays an unknown Brittany in the field complete with bell-collar and game in the foreground. Kathy bought this painting from the artist himself. Jean-Jacques Gendron©

Left: This early Riab shows the breed flushing ducks.

Below: Brittany collectibles also extend to this limited-edition Wedgwood bone China plate entitled ‘Brittany Spaniel’. It is hand-painted from original etchings by Marguerite Kirmse, a British-born artist who lived and worked in America and who was popular in the first half of the 20th century. There are several other sporting dogs in this collection and, as the name suggests, the commission was aimed at the North American market. Kirmse was an accomplished artist and illustrator, whose work extended to greetings cards, the books of Rudyard Kipling and children’s books such as Lassie Come Home. The AKC Museum of the Dog has a great collection of her dry point etchings featuring many sporting breeds. Wedgwood©

If you have a collection of breed artwork that you would like to share with our readers, please contact the editor at kennel.gazette@thekennelclub.org.uk

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FAVOURITE DOG WALKS

Craster to Low Newton

BY CAROLINE PERKS, MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY OF THE BRITTANY CLUB OF GB

This circular walk in Northumberland takes in castle ruins, coastal views, diverse wildlife – and a dog-friendly pub.

Although I hail from the West Midlands, the Northumberland coast has become a cherished destination for holidays. Its long, sandy beaches – free of seasonal dog restrictions – and breathtaking views offer a sense of freedom that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Among these coastal gems, my favourite walk begins in the picturesque fishing village of Craster, takes in the dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, and sweeps along Embleton Bay to Low Newton By The Sea.

and descends on to the expansive sands of Embleton Bay. You’ll pass a golf course, cross Embleton Burn – a small stream that flows out to the sea –and encounter wading birds such as oystercatchers with their striking black and white plumage and vivid orange beaks. To protect these birds, dogs need to be on a lead near their habitats.

WALKING TIPS

This circular walk is approximately 7.7 miles (12.32 km) and takes about three hours. The terrain is mostly flat, making it suitable for families, though some areas may not be accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs. Weather conditions can vary, so dress in layers and be prepared for coastal winds. Beaches are dog-friendly, but keep dogs on leads where indicated.

Start at Craster Quarry car park, open 8am to 6pm daily. Cash and contactless payments are accepted for parking at the machine near the tourist information centre. From here, head towards the harbour and take a left down Dunstanburgh Road, following the path towards the castle.

Dunstanburgh Castle, managed by English Heritage (free entry to members), is a highlight of the route. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times. It’s worth exploring the ruins. Continue past the castle and you’ll notice the limestone cliffs that provide an important nesting site for seabirds. Dogs can enjoy this stretch off lead, but due to the wildlife, it’s best to keep them on a lead here.

From the castle, follow the path that skirts its base

The beach offers space for dogs to roam (off lead in appropriate areas) and splash in the sea. You might even spot seals lounging near Newton Haven. Children will love exploring the rock pools along the shore, searching for hidden sea creatures.

Upon reaching Low Newton By The Sea, take a break at The Ship Inn, a dog-friendly pub serving excellent food and drink. Beyond the pub, a track leads inland behind the village square. This path, bordered by sand dunes, passes wildlife hides overlooking Newton Pool nature reserve.

Continue towards Dunstan Steads, where the golf course comes into view again. The route circles back to the castle, offering an alternative high-level path with stunning coastal views as you return to Craster.

This walk encapsulates the charm of Northumberland’s coastline, offering an ideal blend of history, nature and dog-friendly exploration.

If there is a walk/trail that you would like to share with our readers, please get in touch with the editor – details on page 3.