Earlier this week, the CEB-US Board and Field Trial/Judges Committee convened an emergency meeting to address the topic of using Electronic Recovery/Retrieval Collars at the upcoming 2024 National Conclave. As we engage with subjects close to the heart of our breed, we are humbled by the deep passion of our community and driven to build on the 27 years of dedication that have safeguarded the Epagneul Breton’s legacy in the United States. Our work is continually inspired by the challenges that face all working dog breeds in today’s world, and we are deeply proud that the Epagneul Breton of today still exemplifies the French bird dogs first recognized in 1907.
The topic of Electronic Recovery/Retrieval Collars is not new within our organization. The Field Trial Committee has monitored this closely, even prior to its adoption by the UKC, and it remains a regular topic of debate. This ongoing review reflects our commitment to evaluating all factors that may impact our trials and breed standards. While the UKC has issued a letter permitting the use of tracking collars, it does not mandate that clubs must adopt this practice.
For the 2024 National Conclave, the CEB-US will not allow Electronic Recovery/Retrieval Collars. Trials naturally involve some risks — from potential for lost dogs to stray gunfire to wildlife encounters to injury. Handlers understand these risks with each run. While Electronic Recovery/Retrieval Collars are today’s hot topic, they do not provide a failsafe; they lack recall functions and may cause delays as handlers establish a connection between handheld and collar resulting in the dog being farther afield. Furthermore, Electronic Recovery/Retrieval Collars can artificially influence a dog’s behavior, mask training deficiencies or supersede the connection between dog and handler which is a defining trait of the Epagneul Breton. Our aim at each Conclave is to create a supportive environment celebrating the Epagneul Breton and strengthening our community, but we recognize that the standards of the National event, emphasizing a self-reliant bird dog, may limit participation for some dogs. While we respect that some members may not agree with the decision to exclude Electronic Recovery/Retrieval Collars at the National event, we appreciate their perspective and continue to celebrate their dogs’ achievements in other venues.
At the start of every board meeting, the CEB-US Mission Statement is read aloud as a guiding reminder to anchor all decisions and processes that uphold the Epagneul Breton. Aligned with this mission, the CEB-US is deeply committed to preserving the breed's “unique conformation and working standard in the field, which traits are to provide for a close working gun dog for the foot hunter and to maintain the fieldwork and conformation standards and rules for the Epagneul Breton breed as developed in France.” Guided by the FCI (the world’s largest canine organization governing 98 countries and over 350 breeds), we are steadfast in upholding the breed’s integrity. In a time when many breeds have diverged from their original standards, both in form and function, the Epagneul Breton remains distinct in its consistency. This uncompromising stance on breed integrity is not a limitation on performance; rather, it champions the breed’s signature events and celebrates its extraordinary abilities.
We also take inspiration from like-minded organizations such as NAVHDA and NASTRA, which thrive due to their clear and consistent commitment to tradition and excellence within their rulebooks. Likewise, through our steadfast dedication to the Epagneul Breton’s unique heritage, our breed routinely excels at the highest levels across various field trial venues and in the show ring. While “dual champion” status is rare in most breeds, it is the standard for the Epagneul Breton—a testament to decades of rigorous breeding, research, and dedication by breeders and owners alike. While it might have been easy to follow trends, we applaud our breeders and owners who have chosen to honor the breed’s legacy while driving it forward. Together, we strive to preserve the character and capabilities of a true bird dog with a unique temperament, drive, and purpose.
By choosing an Epagneul Breton, our community embraces a breed with almost 120 years of heritage. While each owner’s connection to tradition may vary, CEB-US remains committed to preserving the breed’s essence so it can continue to thrive. Though we recognize field trials are not a perfect replica of hunting scenarios and variables in the US may vary from European trials, the UKC system aligns most closely with the French tradition and FCI structure that defines our breed’s core. We also acknowledge the value of other venues with varying rules and focuses, but we believe the UKC’s structure best supports our mission of honoring the authentic French Epagneul Breton tradition.
As we look forward to the 2024 National Conclave trials in Georgia, we are excited to work with the two regional clubs hosting this event. The grounds selected for this Conclave are steeped in bird dog and Epagneul Breton history, and our hosts are seasoned Epagneul Breton owners with extensive experience running trials on these very grounds. We are confident they have taken every precaution to ensure a safe and rewarding experience for our competitors. We extend our sincerest thanks to the national and local volunteers who have dedicated countless hours to making this event possible.
To our members and the larger Epagneul Breton community, thank you for your passion and dedication to this breed. The CEB-US has created a platform for open dialogue and growth, offering members a formal process for inquiries and feedback. These are outlined in the bylaws which can be found in the Member’s Only section of the website. We also welcome informal communication through email or the website’s chat feature and encourage anyone who wishes to contribute to the breed’s journey to volunteer for a committee or event and share their voice and time. The diversity of our community enriches our club, and together, we are united in our commitment to the betterment of the Epagneul Breton while honoring its rich French tradition.
