Bent River Bretons - Illinois Epagneul Breton, French Brittany Spaniel Breeders

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About Bent River Bretons
Our breeding stock comes from some of the best Epagneul Bretons from the United States and Europe. We strive to breed quality Epagneul Bretons focused on structure, function, and temperament. We enjoy competing with our dogs in the field and the show ring, focusing on the total dog that can do it all. Our dogs are excellent conformationally, in the field, and in the home, our focus is on producing the "Total Dog".

We have our dogs hips evaluated using OFA and PennHip to ensure our dogs are free of degenerative joint disease. We guarantee our puppies to be free of hip dysplasia. We also test our dogs for the sable AY gene and guarantee that our puppies are not carriers of this gene.
Hunting Dog Breeds Raised
Epagneul Breton, French Brittany Spaniel
Breeder Contact Info
Doug Bollin
Illinois 61275
Breeding quality gun dogs for over 5 years.
Click here to visit Bent River Bretons website
Our Pedigrees

Testimonials (12) You are viewing the 10 most recent - View all reviews for Bent River Bretons
Submitted by: Lauren Younkin on May 22, 2019
As I have been contemplating writing this review, I find it hard to find the right words to express my overwhelming happiness and satisfaction with our new baby, Rèmy.

My husband and I had been tossing around the idea of adding another Brittany to our family for years, we have an American Brittany already and felt it was time for a sissy. I started my search and read so many reviews and testimonials from French Brittany breeders and stumbled upon Doug and Julie.

Right from the start, Doug’s communication was immediate. You could tell this is his passion and his life. I was looking for primarily a pet quality baby since my husband does only casual bird hunting and we weren’t looking to show any dogs. It just so happened that Doug had just the right puppy available at the perfect time, Rèmy Ophelia.

From the moment Rèmy entered our lives, she changed them. Doug was extremely transparent and informative about why she was listed as pet quality. And while none of the reasons mattered to us, his honesty was refreshing.

Rèmy has been an outstanding companion dog and obviously has tons of natural hunting ability, constantly going on point to the robins in our yard. She is the most loving, sweetest, spunky and smart little girl. She is a full on lap dog, such a snuggle bug. She topped out at under 25 lbs which is so perfect for us. She is the calmest Brittany I have ever met, so chill. She’s welcoming to people and just loves her sissy so much.

Through it all, Doug has been in constant contact with us when we needed him. Whether it be help with potty training or just awwwwwing over pictures together, he has shown his genuine interest in us and Rèmy, not just to get her homed, but long term.

I could go on and on and on, but all you really need to know is, if you go with Bent River, you won’t be disappointed. We definitely weren’t ♥️
Submitted by: Ralph and Marie Jackson on Apr 19, 2019
We purchased our Epagneul Breton ( French Brittany) from Doug and Julie Bollin, Bent River Kennels in Port Byron, IL, in January of this year, 2019. We have owned numerous sporting breeds over our many years. Even though we have participated in innumerable activities and achieved multiple titles and recognition in the world of dogs this was our first contact with the Epagneul Breton. We cannot say enough about Doug and Julie. They were open about the breed, honest, gracious and supportive in all our contacts. They have a real commitment to the betterment of the breed. They have gone out of way to keep in touch and answer any questions we might have. Our puppy, Orin, is now 5 months old and we are very pleased. He is one the smartest and most trainable of the many pups which we have raised. He is now started on birds and is showing amazing desire, intensity and talent. In addition to all of the above we feel we have not only acquired a great pup, but some new friends in The Bollins as well. We highly recommend Bent River Kennels.
Submitted by: Brian Walters on Apr 02, 2019
If you are looking for the best dog breed to be a family member and hunting companion look no further than the Epagneul Breton / French Brittany Spaniel. Once you have made that decision and need a breeder, look no further than Bent River Bretons, Doug Bollin. My wife and I spent more time that we would like to admit researching the breed and breeders and are confident we found the best in the business. Not the biggest, not the cheapest, but the perfect mix of knowledge, passion, and transparency that is needed to be a world class breeder. We purchased our 1st EB from Doug over a year ago, a beautiful Tri-Color female and about 6 months later we purchased a O/W male. Both were started dogs around 6 months old and they are the best dogs we have ever had. They play gently with our young children, love to snuggle, and the second the hunting gear comes out they are in full “hunt mode” with natural bird dog ability that is amazing. I grew up upland hunting and have had American Brittany’s and English Pointers and I can honestly say I will always have an EB now and it will be from Doug Bollin. I have never worked with a breeder that has been so helpful, available, and genuinely wants the best for your family and the puppy.
Submitted by: Todd Butler on Mar 16, 2019
I purchased my first pup from the Doug and Julie at Bent River a year and a half ago. She is a great dog and we are having big fun learning to hunt together.

We will get our second pup in a few weeks. Doug has gone above and beyond answering my questions and helping me with training advise.

If you want a dog from a responsible breeder who is truly trying to improve the breed Bent River won’t steer you wrong. They have become friends in the process and are interested in the success of their dogs.
Submitted by: James Martin on Jan 01, 2019
I cannot speak more highly about Doug and Bent River Bretons. I never purchased a dog from a breeder and was a bit reluctant to dive in this endeavor. Fortunately Doug was both competent and honest through the whole process. I bought "Jackie Ho" a six months old semi-started French Brittany who proved to be everything Doug said she would be - great nose and point, sweet disposition, in need of work on the retrieve & recall, hunts close, etc.. I have had her now 2 months and she has proven to be excellent in the field on California Quail and Mountain Quail plus pheasants and chukar. Beyond that, she is an incredible family dog. She is every day out with me on our ranch sitting shotgun on our side by side with our Border Collie. Well behaved and just a lovely dog in every sense. Bent River Bretons is a Class A operation which I highly recommend. James Martin, M3 Ranch, Boonville, California
Submitted by: Tom Peterson on Oct 26, 2018
We decided after 35 years to get a dog. I spent a lot of time researching breeds and decided on an Epagneul Breton. They are good hunters, family dogs about the right size for me. After deciding on the breed, I talked to half a dozen breeders about the breed and the bloodlines they were offering. All of the breeders seemed very professional. I decided on Doug Bollin from Bent River. He spent 2 hours on the phone discussing the breed and his dogs. I could feel his enthusiasm for breeding and the challenge to breed only the best.

Doug is a farmer, engineer and a passionate breeder and person. I bought my puppy, Oliver, at 8 weeks and he just turned six months. As a new dog owner, I leaned on Doug a lot. He was always there to help and answer my questions. Most of the time he would text or call back in less than 5 minutes. Also, I should add that he is a very patient guy! Amazingly, he still talks to me!

Oliver is a beautiful, smart and loving puppy. He's responsive and will be a great hunter and that's not because I'm a great trainer but because he is a champion.

If you want to learn more about Epagneul Britons see Doug and his wife Julie. They are truly committed to breeding the best!

Tom Peterson
Submitted by: Phil and Susan Stachewicz on Apr 14, 2018
It has been 30 years since we had s puppy, rescuing last few times. Doug Bollin was exceptional to work with when we were ready for another pup. Open, constant communication is his strength with fantastic recommendations. Still 6 months later he checks in on her and us ! We do not hunt Naia, however are training her to point and be the best frenchie she can be ,
We were blessed to have found Bent River Bretons and our Naia
Submitted by: Michel Hebert on Apr 03, 2018
Got my puppy back in Oct 2017. She is now about 7 1/2 months old. The breeder is very attentive to our wishes. He does follow-up and stays in contact after the puppy has gone to his/her new home.
I am very happy with my puppy. She is a very fast learner loves to cuddle but always ready to go for a walk or explore the surroundings. Great potential as a hunter. Pass her TAN at 5 months. Very satisfied.
Submitted by: Megan Norris on Mar 27, 2018
We could not be more pleased with our Epagneul Breton, Norma, from Bent River Bretons. My husband I and embarked on a search for second dog and were previously unfamiliar with the breed. While we both have experience with various bird dogs, the EB was a new breed for both of us. Doug was more than helpful in educating us on this special breed and giving us all the information necessary to ensure we were making the right decision for our family and needs. He spent hours on the phone with me happily answering my questions and, through it all, demonstrated a passion for quality in his breeding program and a true love for all his dogs and puppies. Now that Norma has been a part of our family for a little over two months I can say, without hesitation, that we made the BEST decision in going with Bent River Bretons. Norma is conformationally correct, has an incredible drive and enthusiasm for birds and is as sweet at home with the family as she is talented in the field. She is the perfect mix of hunting dog and family companion which is one of Doug's main goals in his breeding program. Norma easily earned her TAN at 7 months old with minimal preparation beforehand and then spent the afternoon curled up in my lap to sleep. Doug's commitment to his puppies and ensuring their long-term success is evident in the amount of time he's spent answering our questions related to training long after Norma came home with us. Doug is proud of his dogs and their offspring and has ample reason to be. We cannot thank Doug enough for all the time he's spent educating us on this wonderful breed and would absolutely contact him again for another puppy. in our minds, Bent River Bretons produced a quality puppy that will be a cherished member of our family for many years to come!
Submitted by: Jenna Brown on Mar 14, 2018
In October of 2017, we got our precious pup Leo from Bent River Bretons out of Lanz X Jolie. Before Leo, I had not had much experience with training dogs, especially hunting/bird dogs. My husband and I wanted a companion in the field as well as in the home. Since we have had Leo, Doug and Julie have gone above and beyond providing us with countless resources to help us learn the ropes. Any time we have had a question or concern, they always respond in a timely manner and with great detail. Each of them genuinely want to produce pups that are good-looking, healthy, and great in the field. As far as our pup Leo, we couldn't be happier. We are so in love with him. He is very sweet, intelligent, energetic, and has great bird drive in the field. He is a very sensitive pup (as is the breed in general), and does best with positive reinforcement rather than any kind of punishment. Eager to please and loving would describe our Leo best. We couldn't be happier with our choice of breeder or dog. Would definitely recommend!
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