“Un maximum de qualities pour un volume minimum.”
– Gaston Pouchain, Late President Club Epagneul Breton-France
About the Breed
Gaston Pouchain, President of the ‘Club l’Epagneul – France’ in the mid-20th century and author of the book, L’Epagneul Breton, made the quote above which translates to state “a maximum of quality in a minimum of volume.” This expresses in minimum language why Hannahatchee Kennels works predominantly with the Epagneul Breton (French Brittany) as our breed. Gaston also stated, “If our Bretons are exported too far from their original country, they lose, little by little, their original type.” Based on and in agreement with his view, we are committed to producing the best Epagneul Breton hunting dogs and companions possible. Our breeding stock comes from some of the best Epagneul Bretons from the United States and Europe. Our kennel strives to maintain and improve the breed based on temperament, intelligence, prey drive, scenting ability, and other physical attributes and conformation. We have our dogs confirmed at the National Conclave of CEB-US by French and U.S conformateurs to ensure they rate excellent per the standards before breeding them. Further, we hunt and field trial our dogs to show evidence of high quality hunting characteristics. We are against and do not support breeding dogs that are exclusively show dogs. These dogs are shown to lose their hunting instincts. We have our dogs’ hips evaluated using OFA or PennHip criteria to ensure the hips are free of degenerative joint disease. Further, we have our dog’s embark tested for undesirable health and other traits. We try to be as transparent as we can with our clients about all qualities of our dogs. We partner with those who purchase our puppies to provide guidance as their puppies grow and develop in to pets and working dogs.
To learn more about the Epagneul Breton, follow this link https://www.ceb-us.com and read, “A Brief History of the Epagneul Breton: The Breed’s Origins in France and More Recent Development in America” by C. Frederick Overby an accomplished breeder and friend of mine.
Additional information on the Epagneul Breton can be found in the article by Tom Davis on July 9, 2014 titled, “The French Brittany,” in the Sporting Classics Daily at http://sportingclassicsdaily.com/issue/august-2014/article/gundogs-the-french-brittany
About the Breeder
Here at Hannahatchee Kennels the Hutwagners spend a life full of adventure. They enjoy hunting from Florida to Alaska to Canada and everywhere in between. They compete in trials nationally as well as handle dogs in the European Cup in France. They have built Hannahatchee Kennels from the ground up and are one of the most well known and trusted French Brittany breeders in the United States. Jackie is a licensed pet dealer and has recently upgraded the kennels, whelping room, and dog run. They have imported many world class dogs from Europe and produced numerous champions. Their dogs are nice hunting dogs who also become exceptional pets for their owners. Lori and Jackie have trained and competed dogs in Upland UKC and AKC field trials for over ten years. At this time they have conducted and gained titles for 6 Grand Champion of the Field titled dogs within the UKC and several CEB-US national champions. They have also participated in other venues such as NSTRA and NAVHDA with their stud, Atos, gaining a prize 2 UT. They have placed Atos as runner-up in the ABC national championship in 2021 and have placed in nationals in the years past. They have been awarded Amateur Field champion titles and Open Field champion titles and American Field champion titles. Jackie also enjoys participating in Iron Man competitions. They enjoy participating in dock diving competitions and Canine Biathlons. Lori and Jackie are always working towards producing the finest hunting dogs and pets for their customers.
About the Farm and Farm Services
The farm where Hannahatchee Kennels resides is on a hilltop in Lumpkin, GA. Jackie and his wife Lori work tirelessly to upkeep and maintain the farm and kennels. Recently Jackie added two horses to the farm to keep up with the dogs while on their daily workout routines. A portion of the farm is dedicated to seasonal produce and muscadines. Other portions of the farm are dedicated to quail and game bird habitat.
The farm also offers local land clean up and preparation to re-establish Quail and bird habitat. As well as a beautiful farmhouse farm stay for clients picking up puppies.
