Do they use Brittany Spaniels for hunting in Argentina?

Yes. Many elite outfitter kennels maintain purebred French Brittany Spaniels specifically for guests who prefer a slower, more methodical upland hunt.

Why would I choose a Brittany over a Pointer?

Brittanys naturally hunt very close to the shooter (usually within 30 yards) at a slower trot. This makes the hunt much less physically exhausting for the hunter compared to chasing a fast-running English Pointer.

Are Brittanys good at finding perdiz in thick grass?

They are exceptional. Their small size and low center of gravity allow them to easily push under the thick canopy of dense alfalfa fields to locate hiding birds that larger dogs might miss.

Brittany Spaniels: The Close-Quarters Upland Alternative

Senior Field Editor

Roxy Gonzalez

Published: June 17, 2026

While the German Shorthaired Pointer dominates the high-speed pampas, elite Argentine outfitter kennels increasingly deploy the French Brittany Spaniel to accommodate corporate guests and older hunters who demand a methodical, ultra-close-working pointing dog for their perdiz walk.

The Close-Working Specialist

The physical demands of following a wide-casting English Pointer across a massive, uneven agricultural pasture can quickly exhaust a casual wingshooter. The French Brittany Spaniel (Epagneul Breton) resolves this friction. They are the smallest of the versatile pointing breeds, but they possess a relentless, high-energy hunting drive. Rather than sprinting 150 yards to the horizon, the Brittany is genetically wired to "quarter" the field at a gentle, methodical trot, rarely ranging more than 20 to 30 yards in front of the hunter's boots. This close-quarters style ensures that when the dog locks onto the scent of a Spotted Tinamou (perdiz), the hunter is already within lethal shotgun range and never has to sprint to catch up to the point.

Canine BreedHunting Pace & RangeExecutive / Hunter BenefitEnglish PointerSprint; ranges 100+ yards.Covers massive ground; requires hunters to be highly fit.German Shorthaired PointerTrot/Lope; ranges 50 yards.The versatile standard; balances speed with close retrieving.Brittany SpanielMethodical trot; ranges 20-30 yards.Low physical stress; perfect for older hunters or thick cover.

Dominating the Heavy Cover

The Brittany’s compact size is a massive tactical advantage in specific Argentine topographies. While large pointers excel in the short-grass winter pastures, the Brittany dominates the dense, knee-high, blooming alfalfa fields. Their low center of gravity allows them to slip underneath the thick canopy of the crop to root out tightly holding perdiz that larger dogs might overrun. At operations like AWS Lodge, the Head Guide will specifically evaluate the physical mobility of the corporate guests. If a client is recovering from a knee surgery or simply wants a relaxing, visually beautiful hunt after a brutal morning in the duck marsh, the handler will deploy the Brittanys, ensuring a slow, incredibly intimate upland experience.

Tactical Field Note: Because the Brittany works so close to the hunters, the flush of the perdiz will happen at extreme close range—often right off the tip of your boots. You must exercise immense trigger discipline. Let the bird fly out to at least 20 yards before firing, or your shotgun pattern will completely pulverize the delicate meat of the trophy.

Internal Connections

Compare this breed to the larger dogs in English Pointers vs GSP: Comparing the Argentine Upland Dogs.
Understand the heavy cover they hunt in via Alfalfa vs Natural Pastures: Reading Perdiz Habitat.
Read about the physical demands of the walk in How Much Walking is Required for Perdiz Hunting?.

Legal & Regulatory Note Hunting regulations in Argentina are established and enforced at the provincial level and may change by season, species, area, quota, weather conditions, land access, and administrative resolution. Any reference to hunting availability, seasons, bag limits, pest-control species, firearms, ammunition, transportation, or export of birds should be understood as general destination information only. Hunters must always confirm current provincial regulations, licenses, permits, firearm requirements, landowner authorization, outfitter compliance, and transport/export restrictions before booking or participating in any hunt.