French Spaniel

The French Spaniel is one of the oldest pointing spaniel breeds, a large, elegant bird dog that combines powerful field ability with a remarkably gentle and even-keeled temperament. At 50 to 60 pounds with a medium-length white and brown coat, the French Spaniel is bigger and more substantial than most spaniel breeds, closer in size to a setter. In the field, they work at moderate range with a methodical style, pointing and retrieving with natural ability that requires relatively little formal training to develop. At home, they are calm, affectionate, and notably tolerant — making them one of the better sporting breeds for families with young children. Their training disposition is genuinely easy; they are eager to please without being needy, and responsive to gentle guidance without the stubbornness common in some pointing breeds. Exercise needs are significant but manageable — an hour or more of daily activity including swimming, running, or structured field training keeps them content. The coat sheds moderately and needs regular brushing, with the ear feathering requiring extra attention. French Spaniels are social dogs that do well with other pets and dislike long periods of isolation. The breed is rare outside France and parts of Canada, so finding a puppy requires patience and potentially joining a waitlist. For hunters wanting a versatile, gentle-mannered bird dog or families seeking a calm sporting companion, the French Spaniel merits serious attention.

History

The French Spaniel is considered one of the oldest pointing breeds in the world, with written references dating to the 14th century and artwork depicting similar dogs from even earlier. It was a favorite of French and European royalty for falconry and net hunting, and it likely influenced the development of many later setting and pointing breeds. The breed nearly disappeared in the early 20th century before Father Fournier, a French clergyman, undertook a systematic revival beginning in the 1920s. The French Spaniel remains popular among hunters in France and Quebec but is very rare in the United States, where it entered the AKC Foundation Stock Service in 2012.

Size
Large
Weight
20–27 kg
Height
53–61 cm
Lifespan
10–14 years

Characteristics

Energy Level
Grooming
Shedding
Trainability
Barking

Compatibility

✓
Kids
✓
Other Dogs
✓
Strangers
✗
Apartments
✓
First-time Owners

Care Guide

Brush the medium-length coat two to three times weekly, focusing on the feathering behind the ears, on the legs, and under the tail where tangles develop. The pendulous ears are prone to infection and should be checked and cleaned weekly, with special attention after swimming or field work. Exercise should include daily outings of at least 60 to 90 minutes, ideally incorporating water retrieves or scent-based activities that engage their natural hunting instincts. Training this breed is straightforward — they respond well to consistent positive methods and rarely need corrections, but they do need variety to stay engaged over long training sessions.

Common Health Issues

  • Hip Dysplasia
    Malformation of the hip joint causing lameness and progressive arthritis. Screen breeding stock with OFA evaluations and maintain lean body weight to reduce joint stress.
  • Elbow Dysplasia
    Developmental abnormalities of the elbow joint leading to forelimb lameness, particularly after exercise. Early detection through radiographs allows timely intervention.
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
    Hereditary degeneration of the retina leading to progressive vision loss and eventual blindness. DNA testing of breeding stock is the most effective prevention tool.
  • Entropion
    The eyelid rolls inward, causing the lashes to rub against the cornea and produce irritation, tearing, and potential ulceration. Surgical correction is straightforward and reliably resolves the issue.
  • Ectropion
    The lower eyelid droops outward, exposing the conjunctiva and making the eye vulnerable to dryness, irritation, and infection. Mild cases are managed with lubricating drops, while severe cases require surgical tightening.
  • Acral Mutilation Syndrome
    A rare inherited neuropathy causing loss of pain sensation in the extremities, leading affected dogs to lick, bite, and mutilate their own paws. A DNA test exists to identify carriers, and breeding two carriers together must be avoided.
  • Ear Infections
    Large, heavy ears trap moisture and debris, creating conditions for bacterial and yeast overgrowth. Weekly cleaning and drying ears after water exposure are essential preventive habits.