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  Located in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, the Élevage des Hunters de l’Est is a family-owned kennel French spaniel breeding program focused on meeting very high health and quality standards.

Litter 2025

Who are we ?

       Located in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, the  Élevage des Hunters de l’Est is a family-owned kennel French spaniel breeding program focused on meeting very high health and quality standards. All our dogs are regularly examined by our veterinarian; vaccinated, dewormed, tested for genetic diseases; and, of course, registered with the CKC and the NAVHDA. They are all OFA-tested to be free of hip and elbow dysplasia. We also test for genetic cardiomyopathy and cataracts. Our bloodlines are specialized in bird hunting (partridge, woodcock, pheasant and waterfowl).

    Every year, we enter field dog and water tests through the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) or the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA), where our dogs demonstrate the essence of their breed: a versatile hunting dog. Our breeding males and females have also had their compliance with the breed standard confirmed through our breeding club. We also show our dogs in the conformation ring.

We chose this breed based on its versatility and our passion for small game hunting. The French spaniel excels both as a family and as a working dog. The breed is considered to be an exceptional and versatile multi-purpose dog. In addition to being an outstanding field dog, their gentleness and sociability allow them to be a perfect family companion. Its average size and physical abilities allow it to excel in large range of activities (canicross, hunting, conformation, obedience, agility, scent detection, etc.). This sensitive breed is close to humans. As far as training is concerned, our dogs respond very well to a “firm hand in a velvet glove.” They require regular exercise and education, like any other breed. They have an adaptable temperament, in that they can be calm and relaxed at home, but have a high level of energy in a work or competition situation. This breed is the best of both worlds for our family with three children and our passion for hunting.      

 The French Spaniel breed

        Historically, the French spaniel has been described as one of the oldest, if not the oldest, breed of field dogs. Its origins come from the famous “chien couchant” (“laying dog”) of the Middle Ages, descended from the dogs of Oysel (birds) described by Gaston Phoebus, Count of Foix, in the 1300s. It was originally used for net hunting and falconry. Mr. Phoebus (1331–1390) is said to be the forefather of hunting spaniels. The bloodlines of the various breeds of modern day spaniels can be traced back to his dogs.

The first standard was established in 1891 by James de Coninck through his mandate to safeguard and harmonize the breed. In fact, following a large influx of wealthy British hunters wishing to hunt in France, the French spaniel was set aside in favour of British dogs (Setters and Pointers). These British hunters would exile their dogs to French soil, thus avoiding the mandatory quarantine. Our breed came very close to being extinct.

          Thanks to the exceptional efforts and overhaul of the breed by the Abbé Fournier, the Club de l’épagneul français was created in 1906. The breeding subjects from this Club are at the origin of our current dogs. It was first breed club recognized by the Société Centrale Canine in 1921. The first specimens of the breed were imported into Canada by a passionate group of people in 1974. Our breed club in Quebec was then created in 1978. However, it was only recognized and approved by the Canadian Kennel Club in 1985, thanks to the efforts of dedicated breeders.

Physical and Mental Characteristics

       The French spaniel is a medium-sized dog with a brownish brown (cinnamon to dark) mottled white coat with slight flecks. It is amongst the oldest breeds of field dogs and is known for being an elegant, athletic and methodical working dog. It is also an exceptional family pet and an extremely versatile dog. At home, it is a calm and docile family member, very gentle and patient with children. Neither reactive nor aggressive, the breed is friendly and close to his humans, yet it will not hesitate to alert them to the arrival of a stranger. Friendly and playful with other dogs, it generally shows no signs of reactivity. Over the years, French spaniels have been recognized as exceptional multi-purpose dogs given the vast range of possible activities they can excel at. Although it was originally bred for hunting; nowadays, more than half of French spaniels bred are adopted for other projects. When given the opportunity by their owners, these dogs have stood out in hunting, canicross, obedience, agility, conformation, pulling sports (dog scootering), rally, as well as scent detection competitions .

Our breeding program, a family tale

         We first embarked on this adventure by thoroughly researching highly sought-after hunting qualities. I wanted an exceptional dog to accompany me in my greatest passion, hunting small game. In our home, we say that it is the man who is widowed by the hunt, and not the woman. I did my homework and went to see several breeders on both the British and North American side of the ocean. My evaluation was based on several criteria, including pointing, questing, tracking, retrieving, genetics, trainability, etc. I watched dogs of different breeds work in fields and swamps, which gave me a first impression of the strengths and weaknesses of the selected breeds. It made me realize that every breed has flaws and that I had to choose which one I was willing to work with.

         It was in a real-life situation that I made up my mind about the French spaniel when I was able to witness all the hardiness and caution of the breed in front of wild birds. I saw these dogs working their noses with intelligence and precision, firmly point at the game at the right time, without raising the bird, and allowing us to shoot at the right time, followed by the ultimate reward: retrieving and delivering in hand. I remember seeing dreamworthy hunt scenes where the dog would track the game for a long time, then, by the time we got to the dog, the grouse, being quite wild, would try to flee on foot, forcing us to shoot from afar and sometimes, it would escape wounded. And then, without any hesitation, the dog would leave to retrieve the bird, regardless of the conditions of the terrain or the bird. The French spaniel is a very talented field dog breed for hunting partridges (ruffed grouse, Canadian grouse) as well as woodcocks, snipes and waterfowl. The only downside of having a French spaniel in the wood is its spectacular ability to accumulate sprigs of wild raspberries and thistle in the fringes of their coat and their ear hair.

Our First French Spaniel

            My adventure began in 2018 with my first French spaniel, Megan ProHunter from Élevage Des Appalaches, a kennel renowned for their working lines. I went to get my dog on May 3, 2018, after completing the behaviour tests, as well as the hunting test with a partridge feather. Megan had pointed at sight instinctively without any hesitation and showed excellent willingness to work with me. With high hopes of showing and performing at NAVHDA and CKC events, I brought her home and got to work. I am described by my peers as an intense and passionate young woman in everything I do. It’s with that same spirit that Megan and I started training in private coaching sessions at the Club de chien de chasse de Rivière-du-Loup. I wish to really underline the welcoming and open-minded attitude shown by the coaching team, a very rare case in this discipline. I’m thankful every day for meeting this people on my path and for their willingness to help me with my projects. New handlers to the sport have limited understanding and learning ability at first, especially when they lack experience in general, which can truly test the coaches’ patience.

My Journey

  Our journey was not all smooth sailing, but in the end, Megan and I still performed very well. Through lots of tears of joy and disappointment, I quickly realized that water dog or field dog trials, both at the NAVHDA and the CKC, are only a day in the dog’s life. Trials are a simulation exercise and although the dog may be exemplary in a training situation, all environmental factors can influence their success at a trial. We started our first season by failing our first NAVHDA natural ability test. It was entirely my fault. We did well on our second try, finishing with a Prize II and a score of 107/112. It was at this test that I got my first lesson on the full influence of the environment. The following year, we did CKC trials, and we got our three qualifying scores for Field Dog (FD) and Water Dog Junior (WDJ) titles. Megan was awarded “judges’ and shooters’ favourite.” Then, she had her first litter, and we got her three qualifying scores for her Water Dog (WD) title. I also worked with other dogs from different breeders to improve my skills as a handler and launch a private training program. I got my first Breeders Awards. The following year, as I love challenges, I handled other dogs and successfully obtained a first Field Dog Excellent (FDX) title and got my second Breeders Awards with Megan’s second litter. I started taking in outside dogs for obedience and hunt training. Megan also participated at the Nationale des bécassiers, a hunting dog competition on undrawn wild game where she finished second.

Last season, Megan demonstrated her exceptional versatility by completing two NAVHDA Utility Titles (Prize III, followed by a Prize I), allowing us to be invited to show in the United States next year, as well as a Field Dog Advanced (FDA) title, a mandatory requirement in my CKC judge apprentice training path and two Water Dog Excellent (WDX) titles with a score of 100%. These may be just titles, but for me, they represent the full extent of what this magnificent breed can offer a family.

Creating of a New Ethical Breeding Program

       Finally, the creation of our family’s breeding program represents the culmination of these achievements. Specializing in hunting and working dogs, the Élevage des Hunters de l’Est is an ethical kennel established in Mont-Carmel, Bas-Saint-Laurent. We have set very high quality standards for ourselves. Our breeding males and females are free from genetic diseases and dysplasia (hip and elbow). They were all tested negative for heart diseases, as well as congenital cataracts. Our upcoming prospects have at least passed a NAHVDA natural ability (NA) test, demonstrating the hunting skills of their bloodlines, but also their willingness to work with their handlers. In addition, a confirmation from our breed club with the mention Prometteur is essential, certifying that our dogs perfectly meet the physical standard of the breed. We make sure in our choice of males that they also comply with all our quality requirements, which allows us to produce puppies with similar characteristics: wonderful family dogs with exceptional versatility.

Our Dogs

        Here are some descriptions of the dogs of the Élevage des Hunters de l’Est. Click on the image to see the details. Megan ProHunter is our foundation female. She has a golden temperament at home, and unparalleled desire and willingness when it comes to work. Our two males are Megan’s sons from two different European males, limiting any risk of inbreeding. They both have the same qualities as their mother. Miss Stella is an energetic and elegant young female purchased from another Quebec breeder. She has the same qualities required to improve the breed.

Our puppies

                All puppies are registered with the CCC as well as with the NAVHDA. Of course, they are all vaccinated, dewormed and microchipped. Puppies are all sold with a bill of sale, a non-breeding agreement and a 2-year guarantee on all diseases that might affect their lives. New owners can pick up their new companion starting at eight weeks of age (and up to a maximum of 12 weeks of age). A preselection may be made upon request.

The health of our females

        We have set ourselves very high breeding standards at the Élevage des Hunters de l’Est. Our females will not have more than three litters during their lifetime. They are members of our family in their own right and are treated as such. Pregnancy and whelping care are done according to the veterinary recommendations of Dr. Emmanuel Fontaine and the Maguire veterinary clinic. We do ongoing training in order to stay up to date on new scientific findings and recommendations. Our dogs all receive regular veterinary care at the Rivière-du-Loup veterinary hospital.

The Whelping Area

         Our puppies are born in a stimulating home environment and follow through a program of desensitization to noises and surrounding factors, such as firecrackers, a wading pool, whistles, etc. The pups are entirely raised within the comfort of our home. Starting at four weeks old, we invite people of all types and origins to come and handle the puppies, thus promoting an optimal socialization. For transparency and integrity, we have a video surveillance system (Lorex) above the whelping area and offer adoptive families the ability to view puppies and their mother in real time 24 hours a day, from birth to adoption.

Dog training and education

         Training a hunting dog when you are a beginner and amateur is not without its pitfalls and challenges. The handler has certain expectations, which can sometimes be too high and unrealistic given the desired timeframe. Through coaching, we get back to the basics. Learning is difficult for the novice owner. There is a fine line between knowing, understanding and mastering an exercise. The dog, on the other hand, reacts to our actions and emotions like a mirror of the soul, allowing us to adapt ourselves. Training a dog is more than just physical and mental exercises. It also involves working on oneself, having the right mindset, and staying in the now no matter what happens in the rest of your life. The “timing” when performing the exercises and adherence to the steps are extremely important for the ultimate understanding of a finished hunting dog.

At the Élevage des Hunters de l’Est, we have established a training and development program for each dog in our breeding program according to their age, temperament and ability. Although we are not professional trainers, we are able to guide you in educating and training your companion step by step. Occasionally, we take dogs from private individuals in obedience or hunting training. Obedience training mainly includes the three-action, basic commands and heeling, if desired. The three-action introduction consists of learning three distinct actions, namely the recall, the “whoa,” and the “go-to,” which forms the basis of the obedience training specific to the hunting dog. All this is done by positive and negative conditioning. Hunting training involves multiple stages of learning, such as asking the dog to stop, promoting the quest, and introducing it to tracking and water exercises. Then, in combination with the three-action, the notions of “steadiness” and retrieving will be established. During the first year of life, hunting education begins with establishing the pointing behaviour in the dog, promoting the questing behaviour, and introducing tracking and water exercises. It is a time of discovery, stimulation and self-learning. Home education, socialization and discovering the environment are fundamental elements to your companion’s physical and mental balance. The three-action model will be taught at the end of the first year or a little before, depending on the temperament of the dog. Then, during the second year, we will solidify the lessons from the first year and introduce the “steadiness” on the bird, as well as the conditioned retrieve. Clients wishing a force fetch are referred to a professional trainer, due to the complexity of this training.

 We have learned from experience that training requires constant adaptation. These days, the trend amongst canine behaviourists is in favour of a 100% positive reinforcement, similar to some of what we see with the children of generation “Z.” However, the long-term disadvantages for the dog are considerable, since dogs are not built mentally to be the “leader” of the group. Furthermore, the emotional transfer from human to dog is not desirable for his well-being and mental health. This can lead to various behavioural and anxiety issues. In life in general, as with our canine companion, balance is key. There is a foundation to be established and respected. It is necessary to be consistent between everyday actions and long-term objectives. For example, if you want a dog to master heeling, we will recommend that you avoid walking the dog a harness that promotes pulling. Another obvious example for people wanting a hunting dog is to require heeling before having acceptable field questing skills. These are some of the several inconsistencies that can hinder the learning process of your canine companions.

    To properly educate and learn to read the dog, it is imperative to understand some basic concepts. Canine language is subtle and doesn’t have the same meaning for them as it does for us. At the Élevage des Hunters de l’Est, we can coach you on the education and training of your dog. Here are some things to consider:

• -      The dog does not understand human emotions;

• -      The 3-second rule (to intervene, correct or reward) applies;

• -      The dog has no concept of the passing of time (being in his crate for 2 or 6 hours is the same for him);

• -      Give attention or reward only the dog only when it displays the desired behaviour or state of mind;

• -      Perform short, but more frequent training sessions (5 minutes);

• -      Three repetitions of the same well-done exercise are sufficient;

• -      Ignore unwanted behaviours when the dog does it to attract attention (e.g., ignore a dog howling in the crate to get out, then reward the dog when it calms down);

• -      Reward good behaviour.

• -      Strive for no more than 5 minutes of exercise per month of age up to a maximum of 30 minutes for the first year.

• -      Avoid steep slopes and stairs for the first two years of life.

      Due to the complexity of canine psychology, this list is not meant to be exhaustive. Please contact us at the Élevage des Hunters de l’Est for more information or if you have special requirements.

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