French Spaniel

The French Spaniel is one of the largest of the spaniel breeds. Developed as a hunting dog in its native France and Canada, it has a long history. Favoured over other sporting dogs by many French nobles and royals. Despite this, they are another breed that almost faced extinction in the 20th Century. 

Among the spaniel breeds, it distinguishes itself with its even, often gentle temperament and its strong build. It’s not as large as the Irish Water Spaniel, but it is amongst the largest of the spaniel breeds, with a build perfectly suited for retrieving and pointing in diverse terrains.

Despite it’s long and well documented history, the French Spaniel is not recognised by the Kennel Club (KC) in the UK, and has only recently been acknowledged by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as part of its foundation stock service. It is however, recognised by the Canadian Kennel Club, the French Kennel Club (Société Centrale Canine SCC) and the International Federation of Kennel Clubs (Fédération Cynologique Internationale FCI). It is listed by the FCI as part of Group 7 for ‘Pointing Dogs’ and Section 1.2 for ‘Continental Pointing Dogs’ of the Spaniel type.

Read on to learn more about the unique history, characteristics, and daily life of living with a French Spaniel.

History Of The French Spaniel

The Spaniel type of dog was mentioned in literature as far back as the 14th Century and it was from these older dogs that the French Spaniel came to be. By 1660, the breed was recognised as it’s own type of Spaniel, distinct from others and it’s popularity started to grow. 

During these later Middle Ages, the French Spaniel became increasingly popular amongst the noble families, for its prowess in hunting game birds, but also for it’s gentle temperament. They were kept as hunting dogs by the Royal Elites at the courts of Versailles and also by Peter the Great and wife Catherine in Russia. In Russia, they symbolized the great love and import of European art, culture and luxury that Peter wanted to bring into the country. 

The French Spaniel, so proficient in its hunting, have been part of the foundation for many other modern sporting breeds. But during the late 19th Century and early 20th Century, they nearly became extinct due to competition from other sporting dogs. Thankfully the breed was revived through the efforts of dedicated breeders, most notably Father Fournier, a French priest. Fournier was the first president of the French Spaniel Club which was founded in 1921.

The breed remained relatively unknown outside of it’s native France, until the 1970’s when they were introduced to Quebec in Canada. In the 1980’s the Canadian Kennel Club officially recognized the breed, and in 2006 the FCI published the official breed standard.

Breed Origin

The French Spaniel’s lineage includes influence from the now-extinct Old Spanish Pointer and possibly the English Setter. Originating in France, the breeds development was pivotal in the evolution of many pointing breeds across Europe.

Despite their record going back to the 1600’s, it was only in 1821 that the breeds standard were first established, by James de Connick. Breeding was only really formalized after a crash in population due to lost interest in favor of other, imported sporting breeds.

As mentioned before, Father Fournier really started the wheels in motion for reviving the breed by introducing the first breeding club and promoting the French Spaniel across France. 

Quick Facts About The French Spaniel

• Well-Balanced Size – The French Spaniel stands out with a well-proportioned frame. They are not the largest by mass within the spaniel breeds, but they hold a solid presence.

• Intelligent and Amiable – Renowned for their intelligence, French Spaniels are eager learners with a calm and loving personality. They are known for their loyalty and have a gentle nature, making them great with kids and other pets.

• Active and Skilled – With a history steeped in hunting and retrieving, French Spaniels are vivacious and skilful. They perform really well in activities that challenge both their mind and body, and they need this regular mental and physical exercise to stay healthy and well balanced.

• Distinctive Coat – The French Spaniel has a very charming dense, water-resistant coat, which provides excellent protection against the elements. Their coat is typically white with brown markings, easily recognized amongst the other French Spaniels – Brittany Spaniel, Picardy Spaniel and Blue Picardy Spaniel.

• Natural Hunters – Born with strong hunting instincts, they are proficient in pointing and retrieving. It’s their skill in this that made them so popular in the Middle Ages. With these well-rounded abilities, they can be excellent partners for outdoor adventures, particularly sporting activities or competitions. They have energy for days and a strong prey drive, but this can be well managed with good training and socializing. 

Characteristics Of The French Spaniel

The French Spaniel is often affectionately called the ‘Épagneul Français,’ which is its native name. As it is mostly known in France and Canada, this should come as no surprise. You might also hear it called the French Setter or Canadian Setter, but these are exactly the same breed. The dog was introduced and bred in Canada in the 1970’s but is still a French Spaniel. The ‘setter’ part of the name comes from its hunting heritage. This can be confusing but all these names are for exactly the same breed.

French Spaniel Puppies

French Spaniel litters typically consist of 4 to 6 puppies, and the new arrivals should be ready to join new families no earlier than about 8 weeks old. The cost of a French Spaniel puppy can vary depending on many factors including the lineage of the puppies and the reputation of the breeder.

However, as a guide, prices generally range from £500 to £600 for a well bred pup in the UK, or around $1500 to $2000 USD in the USA. In Canada you can expect to pay between $2000 to $4000 CAD with a higher local demand for the breed, but also more availability.

Appearance

In a nutshell, French Spaniels are medium-sized dogs with a beautifully proportioned and muscular body. They typically stand between 21 to 25 inches tall at the shoulders, with weights ranging from 45 to 60 pounds. Males tend to be slightly larger than female dogs. 

This breed does not possess the webbed feet of water-loving spaniels, but its strong legs and solid build make it adept at navigating various terrains. The French Spaniel’s expressive eyes and dignified frame contribute significantly to its noble bearing. It’s thick tapered tail and distinctive coat complete the charming look.

Coat

The French Spaniel’s coat is one of its most distinctive features. Dense and flat to the body, except around the chest where it is a bit more wavy, and the backs of the legs which may be more feathered. The coat provides excellent protection from the elements and the brush it would encounter in the field. Not to warm and cumbersome, but dense enough to keep them protected.

Color

Before selective breeding in the 19th Century, the French Spaniel would only be found in white with black markings. The modern breed standards now recognise only white & brown, or brown as the color, with either roan, spotted or patched markings. The shade of the brown markings can vary between dark livers to lighter tans. 

Temperament

French Spaniels have lots of great qualities and their gentle, friendly nature is amongst the best. They are highly sociable dogs and form strong bonds with their families. Their even temperament and patience make them particularly good with children and other pets too. They are affectionate, playful, adaptable and do very well with strangers too. 

They are a delight to train, with a real eagerness to please and they take their lessons well. Keeping them entertained and active maintains their well balanced nature, and when they are well looked after they have one of the best temperaments going in a canine friend. 

Lifespan

The typical lifespan of a French Spaniel is around 10 to 12 years, with proper care and diet. This is about average for a dog of it’s heritage and breeding.

Known Health Issues

Like many breeds, the French Spaniel may be susceptible to a few known health issues, such as:

Acral Mutilation and Analgesia – This neurological disorder causes insensitivity to pain in the extremities, leading French Spaniels to self-mutilate their paws and limbs unknowingly.

• Treatment – There is no cure for this condition, but managing it involves protective measures to prevent injury, regular inspections of the affected areas, and pain management strategies.

Hypothyroidism – This hormonal disorder caused by an underactive thyroid gland, leads to symptoms such as obesity, lethargy, skin conditions and hair loss.

• Treatment – Hypothyroidism is treatable with medication and diet management, often involving lifelong therapy and regular monitoring by a professional.

Hip Dysplasia – This condition is prevalent in French Spaniels, where the thighbone doesn’t fit properly into the hip joint.

• Treatment – Managing hip dysplasia includes weight control, regular exercise, and in some cases, surgery. Regular vet check-ups are crucial to diagnose and manage this condition early.

Ear Infections – Their floppy ears make French Spaniels susceptible to ear infections, which can be chronic if not managed properly.

• Treatment – Regular cleaning and where infection takes hold, antibiotics or antibacterial medication may be required.

Eye Conditions – French Spaniels may develop eye issues such as entropion or retinal diseases, which can affect their vision.

• Treatment – Eye conditions often require surgical interventions or medication depending on severity. Routine eye exams are recommended to catch issues early.

Daily Life with A French Spaniel

Now that we’ve covered the different characteristics of a French Spaniel, let’s take a look at what daily life with one of these energetic and loving dogs looks like.

Food and Diet

French Spaniels, with their active and athletic lifestyle, need a high-quality diet that supports their energy needs. A formula blended for an active medium sized breed from a reputable dog food company will generally do. But just make sure the food isn’t stuffed with filler and lacking in vital nutrients. 

An average, active adult should consume about two to three cups of premium dry kibble or an equivalent amount of nutritious wet food daily, divided into two or three meals. Adjustments should be made based on the dog’s activity level to prevent obesity.

Puppies, being more active and in a growth phase, need smaller and more frequent meals through the day to support their development. As dogs age, their dietary requirements also change, often needing less food with a different nutritional profile to maintain health. As they transition to old age, a good blend for senior dogs will provide the nutrition they need, but you might want to adjust portion size depending on how active the stay.

Exercise

As a breed brimming with energy, French Spaniels need plenty of physical exercise to stay healthy and content. That doesn’t mean long walks several times a day, but I’m sure they would love you for that! Daily walks can be complemented by play sessions in the home, or in a backyard. If you don’t have a fenced yard, then you will need to make time for a couple of good daily walks. 

They do enjoy interactive play sessions and really benefit from the mental stimulation. Activities like fetch, or hide-and-seek are favorites and can help them burn energy without a big effort on your part. Other engaging toys and games such as snuffle balls, can help keep their minds sharp and satisfy their instinctual hunting skills. They also do well with task related training like obedience and tracking. 

It may be harder to give them ample exercise if you live in an apartment, but not impossible. They will adapt to apartment life reasonably well as long as they get plenty time outdoors and plenty of play. 

Family Compatability

I know by now I sound like the breed’s biggest fan, but you might struggle to find a more excellent family pet. French Spaniels are definitely amongst the most friendly and gentle. They bond strongly with all family members, with a capacity for great patience and kindness, making them a great dog for families with children. Their sociable personality also extends to other pets, and not just those that are introduced early. If you already have other dogs or cats, it won’t take long for them to get along and see everyone as a friend. 

If you keep them engaged and involved in family activities they will deepen the familial bond, not just as pets but as beloved members of the family unit. They certainly do better with active families, or large families where everyone can contribute to their need for exercise and attention. But they are adaptable, so they fit well into various family settings.

Training

French Spaniels are known for their intelligence and eagerness to please, making them highly trainable. It is best to start early though, particularly when it comes to obedience training so that, unless used in hunting, their prey drive can be well managed. They respond best to positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise and play. Consistency in commands and routines helps them learn effectively, though you may need to be patient at first. To keep them interested and keen, training sessions should be kept engaging and relatively short.

Socializing

Early socialization and obedience training are really important for French Spaniels to develop into well-adjusted dogs. introducing them to various people, environments and situations from a young age helps prevent behavioral issues such as shyness or aggression. It also encourages their adaptable nature to develop. 

Regular, positive interactions during puppyhood are key, so invite your friends round, and take your pup out to a public park where they can meet other dogs. Structured play dates are also a good way for young pups to visit to different places and get used to identifying friends. Ongoing socialization supports their growth into confident and sociable adult dogs.

Grooming

They are a medium shedding breed, but despite this their coat isn’t particularly demanding. A weekly brush and regular bath will be plenty to keep them looking and smelling neat and tidy. Regular ear checks are also essential for the French Spaniel’s floppy ears though, to prevent infections or catch them early. They do also have pretty quick growing nails, and these should be checked regularly and trimmed as and when required. 

Breed Traits

Breed FAQs

Summary

Overall, French Spaniels are a rare, loving breed, who do best in an engaging and caring environment. They are not a stubborn or independent breed and should be suitable for owners of all experience levels, as longs as you can provide plenty time, training and activity. 

They are a great choice for families and hunting enthusiasts alike, that can provide plenty of activity to keep their keen bodies and minds in tip top shape. With their gentle temperament they integrate well into various family settings and get along very with children and other pets. Could you ask for any more in a dog?