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This section of the Frenchbrittany.org is dedicated to members that are breeders of the Epagneul Breton and includes a segment created to inform about featured kennels to help grow our family who are all dedicated to this wonderful dog.
Lynda and Chris have a history of raising dogs; dating back to the mid 70's when "Mom" started out with American Brittany's and Pudelpointer from Germany. The original TopperLyn Kennels was formed from her love of dogs and her husband, [and Chris' dad], Eddie's love of hunting. Over the years our interest evolved from hunting dogs - to ranch working Australian Cattle dogs (Queensland Heelers) - back to hunting dogs. When Chris got out of the US Marine Corps in 1998 we again started looking for good hunting dogs. That was when we discovered the Epagneul Breton. Immediately they caught our attention and we acquired our first two dogs. Over time we have learned more and more about the breed - hunted over them - trained them - tested them - trialed them - shown them - and have come to appreciate them even more. Our goal is to develop a distinct "line" of dogs that excel in all aspects of hunting and demonstrate their true capabilities as the smallest of the versatile hunting breeds. Their smallness is noted in their physical stature only [compared to many of the other versatile breeds] because they have a heart as big as a moose. There is nothing better than hunting Huns (Hungarian Partridge) in the morning; Pheasants and Sharptail Grouse in the afternoon; and ducks in the evening - with the same dog. Then to have that contented canine lying at your feet in the evening as you enjoy a fine glass of wine and recount the successes of the day.
Beau is proving to be a pre-potent sire and his progeny are distinguishable in their physical "type." Along with breed appropriate type, Beau passes a mellow disposition with his puppies. In his short career so far as a stud dog Beau has already produced the following:
3 Full Brothers Qualified in the UKC Top Ten for 2006 One of Beau's first puppies TR CH TopperLyn D'Artagnan has now graduated to the rank of sire -relieving "Papa Beau" to be a "hunting dog" again and Chief puppy-sitter of his "grand-pups." (A pastime he thoroughly enjoys.)
D'Art has the most unflappable disposition of any dog we've had to date. His solid temperament has carried him through every venue we've Competed in and he just continues to get stronger every day. This year he sired his first litter and we are already seeing his passion and confidence manifesting itself in these puppies.
We place considerable weight on various hunt test formats for evaluating and determining our breeding stock. These tests show us the inherited traits and characteristics that will determine the future of our lines. The formats we utilize to test our potential breeding candidates are NAVHDA (North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association); VHDF (Versatile Hunting Dog Federation); and JGV-USA (JadgebrauchshundVerein - USA, a recognized chapter of the JGHV). The results of the JGV tests are reported back to and recorded in the official studbook in Germany. We hold high standards for our breeding stock and only those dogs that prove themselves in the field, in the show, and in health are considered for breeding. Their progeny are also tested and must prove the prepotency of the sire and dam for those dogs to STAY in our breeding program. In the past we have encouraged our puppy buyers to test their dogs (for a variety of reasons - not all selfish on our part); however as our line develops we will now require our pups to be tested in at least one of the above formats. We are looking for committed hunters who are interested in exploiting the full capabilities of their dog and who hold a similar commitment as we do to continually improve and solidify the health and versatility of our breed in this country.
If
you would to be featured on the breeders page, simply contact whuey2@frenchbrittany.org
for details and/or requirements.
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BREEDERS
& FEATURED KENNELS 
The
foundation of our current line began with NBOB GR CH TAN Beau
de l'Hospitalier from Georgine Weber-Dierick from Belgium. The
Hospitalier line is well proven throughout Europe and the UK and
Beau brought with him the Breton "type" as well as a
solid disposition and strong abilities. Beau's line includes UK
CH Tchao de l'Hospitalier at Brittyhill- the first [Brittany]
Full Champion in the U.K., two time Best of Breed at the prestigious
Crufts; and sire of the first DUAL Champion in the UK Tournesol
Toutou at Bryantschroft. Beau's dam, CH Tramontane de l'Hospitalier
was also World Winner and twice European Winner and she produced
numerous successful offspring both in the field and in the show
ring. For more information on the Hospitalier line, go to 
