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🐾 When Do Epagneul Bretons Start to Calm Down?
If you own an Epagneul Breton, you already know—these little orange-and-white rockets are born with two settings: go and go faster. The breed is famous for its energy, drive, and happy enthusiasm, especially through the younger years. But many owners wonder the same thing: “When will my French Brittany finally calm down?” Here’s what to expect as your EB matures and how exercise needs change over time. 🐶 Puppy to 1 Year: The Energizer Stage During puppyhood and the first yea

Joel Ebstein
6 days ago2 min read
🐶 How Puppies Develop Temperament Differences in the First 6 Weeks
When people choose a puppy, they often assume its personality is “natural” — but most temperament traits begin forming long before 8 weeks, right inside the whelping box. The first 6 weeks are the most crucial, because puppies are rapidly changing neurologically, emotionally, and socially. For breeders, this is where the foundation for stable, confident adult dogs is created. Below is a clear, breeder-level breakdown of how temperament forms week by week. 🗓️ Week 0–1: The Ne

Joel Ebstein
Dec 33 min read
❄️ Introducing Your Puppy to Snow: A Magical First Winter Together
There’s something unforgettable about a puppy’s first snow — the way they bounce through flakes, try to bite the sky, or look up questioning why the world suddenly turned cold and fluffy. Winter brings new experiences, new sensations, and new training opportunities. With a bit of preparation, you can make your puppy’s snowy debut safe, fun, and confidence-building. Here’s how to introduce your young dog to snow in a way that sets them up for a lifetime of winter adventures. �

Joel Ebstein
Nov 302 min read
🐾 When Is the Right Time to Get a Puppy?
Bringing home a new puppy is one of life’s most joyful decisions—those floppy ears, tiny paws, and excited wiggles make it easy to fall in love fast. But timing matters. A puppy is a commitment that affects daily routines, finances, and lifestyle. So how do you know when now is the right time? Below is a full guide to help you decide confidently and responsibly. 1. You Have the Time—Not Just Today, but Every Day Puppies don’t just need cuddles—they need structure. Ask yoursel

Joel Ebstein
Nov 263 min read
🐾 Are Dogs Developing Chicken Allergies More Often These Days?
Chicken has long been one of the most common ingredients in dog food. It’s affordable, packed with protein, and dogs usually love the taste. But lately, more owners have been wondering — is chicken causing allergies in my dog? The short answer is: sometimes, yes — but it’s not as common as social media might make it seem. 🔬 What the Research Says Studies show that true food allergies in dogs are actually pretty rare — affecting only about 1–2% of dogs overall. But among thos

Joel Ebstein
Nov 83 min read
When Do Male French Brittanys Start Hormones?
If you’re raising a male Epagneul Breton (also known as a French Brittany), you may notice changes as he grows — lifting his leg to pee, showing interest in other dogs, or acting a little more confident (and sometimes stubborn!). These are normal signs that your young dog’s hormones are kicking in. 🐶 Understanding Male Maturity Unlike females, male dogs don’t go “into heat.” Instead, they reach sexual maturity as their testosterone levels rise. This process happens gradually

Joel Ebstein
Nov 71 min read
🐾 How Long Do French Brittany Spaniels Live?
French Brittany Spaniels—also known as Epagneul Bretons—are beloved for their intelligence, loyalty, and energetic personalities. Whether you hunt with them or simply enjoy their affectionate nature as family companions, one of the most common questions owners ask is: how long do French Brittanys live? 🕰️ Average Lifespan of a French Brittany On average, French Brittany Spaniels live between 12 and 15 years. With proper care, a healthy diet, and regular exercise, it’s not un

Joel Ebstein
Nov 62 min read
Are There Alternatives to Puppy Vaccines?
Bringing home a new puppy comes with a lot of decisions—what food to buy, how to train, and how to keep them healthy. One of the most important health decisions is whether (and when) to vaccinate. While vaccines are the gold standard for protecting puppies from serious diseases like parvo, distemper, and rabies, many puppy owners wonder: are there any alternatives to vaccines? The short answer: nothing provides the same proven protection as vaccines. But let’s explore some of

Joel Ebstein
Sep 282 min read
Helping Your Anxious Puppy Feel Safe and Confident
Bringing home a puppy is supposed to be full of joy—but for some new owners, it can also be stressful when their little one shows signs of anxiety. Just like people, puppies can feel nervous, insecure, or overwhelmed by new environments. The good news? With patience, structure, and love, you can help your puppy grow into a calm, confident dog. Spotting the Signs of Puppy Anxiety Not all anxious puppies act the same. Some may be clingy, while others hide or bark excessively. C

Joel Ebstein
Sep 242 min read
House Training Your Puppy: A Step-by-Step Guide for New Dog Owners
Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting milestone. Along with cuddles and playtime, one of the very first responsibilities you’ll face is house training. While it can feel overwhelming at first, with patience and consistency you’ll set your puppy up for success and avoid long-term potty struggles. Why House Training Matters Teaching your puppy where to go potty is more than just keeping your floors clean. Good house training builds structure, strengthens your bond, and helps

Joel Ebstein
Sep 242 min read
How to Keep Your Puppy From Play Biting You
Bringing a puppy home is full of joy, cuddles, and… tiny teeth! Play biting is one of the most common challenges new puppy parents face. It’s natural — puppies explore the world with their mouths and test boundaries through playful nips. But while those little teeth may seem harmless now, it’s important to teach your pup early that biting humans isn’t okay. Here are some proven tips to stop play biting before it becomes a bigger problem. 1. Understand Why Puppies Bite Puppies

Joel Ebstein
Sep 232 min read
How We Desensitize Puppies: Setting Them Up for Confident Futures
One of the most important parts of raising puppies isn’t just keeping them healthy and happy—it’s preparing them for the world they’ll live in once they leave our care. That’s where desensitization comes in. Desensitization simply means exposing puppies to everyday sights, sounds, and experiences in safe, positive ways so they grow up confident instead of fearful. As breeders, we make this a priority from the very beginning. Here’s a peek into the different ways we do it: Sou

Joel Ebstein
Aug 282 min read
Why Ethical Breeders Rarely Produce Runts: The Power of Responsible Breeding Programs
When it comes to bringing a new puppy into your home, many prospective dog owners worry about choosing a healthy, well-adjusted pup. One common concern? The “runt of the litter.” You’ve probably heard that term tossed around—often referring to the smallest, weakest puppy in a litter. But did you know that in ethical, well-managed breeding programs, true runts are actually extremely rare? Let’s break down why ethical breeders virtually eliminate the risk of runts through thoug

Joel Ebstein
Aug 33 min read
🐶 How to Calm an Anxious Puppy: Natural Tips Every Dog Parent Should Know
Bringing home a new puppy is exciting—but what happens when your little fluffball is more nervous than playful? Just like humans, puppies can feel anxious, especially during transitions like leaving their littermates, meeting new people, or adjusting to a new environment. If your pup seems clingy, fearful, whiny, or overly alert, they may be dealing with anxiety. But don’t worry—there are plenty of natural, gentle ways to help your puppy feel safe, calm, and confident. Here’s

Joel Ebstein
Jul 282 min read
How Often Should You Exercise Your Epagneul Breton Puppy Off-Leash?
One of the most rewarding parts of raising an Epagneul Breton puppy is watching them grow into an active, eager, and birdy companion. These dogs were born to move—whether it’s flushing birds in the field or exploring trails with their human. But how often should you really be letting your French Brittany run off-leash? The answer depends on your puppy’s age, development, and training progress. Below is a helpful breakdown to guide you through each stage of your Epagneul Breto

Joel Ebstein
Jul 112 min read
Understanding the Importance of Bloodlines in Breeding Hunting Dogs
When it comes to choosing a hunting dog, one of the most important—and often overlooked—factors is bloodline. Whether you’re looking for a reliable bird dog or a driven tracking companion, a pup’s pedigree can tell you a lot about what to expect in the field. Let’s break down why bloodlines matter and what to look for when choosing a hunting dog. 🧬 What Is a Bloodline? In simple terms, a bloodline refers to a dog’s lineage or pedigree. It’s the genetic history that traces ba

Joel Ebstein
Jun 202 min read
June is Pet Preparedness Month: Why Microchips & ID Tags Matter—Especially Before the 4th of July
As June rolls in and we welcome warmer weather and outdoor adventures, it also marks National Pet Preparedness Month—a reminder to ensure our dogs are protected, not just from heat or dehydration, but from the very real risk of getting lost. And with the 4th of July just around the corner, now is the perfect time to talk about one of the most important (and easiest) steps we can take as responsible dog owners: making sure our dogs are microchipped and wearing an up-to-date ID

Joel Ebstein
Jun 22 min read
What’s the Healthiest Age to Spay or Neuter Your Dog?
One of the most important decisions you’ll make as a dog owner—whether you’re a first-time puppy parent or seasoned handler—is when to spay or neuter your dog. While the procedure offers long-term benefits, timing plays a critical role in your dog’s health, development, and behavior. So, what is the healthiest age to spay or neuter your dog? The answer depends on your dog’s breed, size, sex, and intended purpose (e.g., companion vs. working dog). General Guidelines for Spay a

Joel Ebstein
May 202 min read
Male vs. Female Dog: Which Is Right for Your Family?
Bringing a dog into your home is a big decision—and choosing the right one can shape your family’s experience for years to come. One question many new dog owners ask is: Should we get a male or a female dog? While personality and training play a huge role in a dog’s behavior, there are some general differences between male and female dogs that might help guide your decision. Temperament and Personality Male Dogs: Often described as more playful, goofy, and affectionate with t

Joel Ebstein
May 202 min read
Epagneul Breton vs American Brittany: Working Dog or Show Ring Star?
When it comes to Brittany-type dogs, not all lines are created equal. If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between a French...

Joel Ebstein
May 22 min read
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