Solitaire Difference
Our dogs are proven to steal your heart as the most honest dog you will ever own.
I believe in a close living and working relationship with each and every one of my dogs. This bond enhances the Epagneul Breton's innate drive, endurance, and the incredible desire to light a fire in your soul when the two of you together experience the thrill of that first flush. At day's end, the intelligent, affectionate Breton belongs curled up at your feet by the fire , next to you on the couch, or on the foot of your bed, he deserves to be part of your family, not on the outside looking in. My Breton's all sleep in the house, they are family, I give them all I have and in return they give me everything they have, constituting the production of independent, bold pups ready to perform at your side as a family companion or hunting partner.
When you decide to invite an Epagneul Breton,(French Brittany) into your life, you have already created in your mind the hopes and dreams you have for the newest member of your family. An exercise partner, therapy dog, a dog your family can take on all your adventures, grouse dog , duck, pheasant, quail, the list goes on. Compact in size at 30 to 40 lbs, the versatile Epagneul Breton has centuries of instinct and genetics riding behind every pup to enhance his ability to thrive, love and bring joy to your best life. Please enjoy meeting the French Brittany’s of Solitaire Kennel.
Home of your next premier upland hunting companion
Award Winning
Available Dogs
Unrivaled Care
With 30 plus years as a registered emergency department nurse, and 27 years training Alaskan huskies for mid distance racing, the dogs at Solitaire kennels receive a different approach to care, breeding and training. Our dogs are raised in the house and treated as family. Kelly carefully screens and weighs the decision of which of her dogs are worthy to breed in order to produce the best puppies set forth to thrive and achieve. These important decisions are made based on Drive, Conformation, Proven Bloodlines, Genetic Screening, and Joint stability screening through OFA and Penn Hip.
Our attention to detail is what sets us apart from larger kennels. Our scientific approach to performance and health is based on sound research. Research that leads from the nutritional balancing of omega 6 /3 ratios, to calcium phosphorus ratios, to rotational parasitic control through fecal microscopic slides, Viral titres and vaccines, last but not least physical conditioning.
Proven Loyalty
The Epagneul Breton or French Brittany performs high intensity physical drive in the field, the length of time lasting a few hours to an all day hunt. Secondary to sharing the house with all our dogs, a subtle change of gait, attitude, or demeanor is immediately noticed and resolved with a plan of care as individual as each dog's personality. This attention to detail administered with heart and soul produces trust and loyalty and a shared joy, leading to success in the field, show ring,as well as by your side ,blurring the line between dog and master, instead creating a best friend to grasp life's adventures by the tail.
Meet Kelly Engle
Kelly has spent her entire life surrounded and supported by dogs and horses. As a Registered Nurse for over three decades is a well respected member of her local medical community. An avid and accomplished outdoors woman. Kelly relishes her time with her family of three grown children , three grandchildren , her mother and brothers. Kelly is a woman of faith, whose joy is derived by developing a working relationship with animals through travel by dog sled, horseback , and is most often immersed in the upland woods accompanied by her Epagneul Breton's that she is so proud to call her best friends and partners. Kelly's ability to tell stories of her adventures in the Upper Peninsula woods will make you laugh and cry ,at times it seems all at once. we hope you enjoy and follow along as she shares her adventures with you through her blog. Please contact Kelly through Solitaire Kennel.