centenary book.

Patricia · centenary book.

I have recieved my Centenary book from the CEB( fab) with all the history, the firsts standards, description, old photos etc...Quite a bit friom Ronan de Kermadec.
A lot of this was taken and used in Jean louvet's book.
I am presently on the chapter on heads. Interstingly, it describes the " nose" which should be on a straight muzzle, not divergent ( like a hound tracking) nor like a Pointer's either. ( convergent) it must be broad to enable the scent to travel to the brain. And that one is in a fairly rounded head, not narrow like a Setter ...to have more intelligence!
The head should not be with loose skin nor should it have prominent zygomatic arches or heavy which would make for a nasty look or stupid!!
Fascinating stuff... Very Happy

Annie

Yes, I have mine too - practicing my French is not my favourite subjuct which is why I am on here using displacement therapy Wink

But it is a l;ovely book and I predfer this size to the magazine size. Are they going to keep it like this or is this a 'one off'
Annie

Patricia

Anne, it is a " one off". I am not suprised you have are having difficulties, it is quite technical and complicated.
But it explains well some features which were important in the make up of the breed. I always remember Jean Louvet on about " tight skin" and loose skin on the head ( incorrect under neck and heavy flews). The skin on the head should be tight fitting. No heaviness or " hound" features in any way.
I also understand thew principle of the shape of nose where the scent " travels" better and quicker.
You never stop learning...

johnhod

Patricia

I am munching my way through the book. But the text from Mieur Kermadec is in phrases which turned in " old French" in a way, I am having to read, re read again to absorb the deep meaning.
I am at the chapter where horse and dog breeding are compared. Like the Arabs who sell their stallions but not their best mares.
In the case of the Brittany Cob, the " most distinguished and elegant mares" were sold. But the real hefty, heavy boned mares were always kept as they produce the goods. Like the dogs. A brood bitch will have lots of substance and bone with great hunting qualities.
Like the Breton people, the breed is rustic and tough as no matter what nature throws at them, they are willing and survivors. They never get phased by any terrain.
I think all this sums it well. This is a great book.
Even the old breeders say they don't stop learning...We only stop when we die. Wink

Ghilliegumdrop

I think I may have said this before.......out of two sisters it is often the plain one that produces the goods while the glamorous sister produces nothing of note. Us [36 year old] old timers know a thing or two about breeding even if we don't do it anymore Wink

Victoria

I treasure my copy!!!