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French spaniel

The French Spaniel, or Épagneul Français, is an old French pointing breed dating to the Middle Ages, used by nobility for hunting with falcons and nets.

It nearly died out in the early twentieth century and was saved by a single priest, Father Fournier, who gathered the remaining dogs.

It stands 55 to 61 centimetres, weighs 20 to 25 kilograms and lives ten to twelve years, with a medium-length white coat marked in brown. It is gentle, sociable and eager to please — softer than most versatile gundogs — and it works close to the handler. One neurological condition is specific enough to the breed to have its own DNA test.

Origin
France; a medieval pointing breed, saved from extinction
Size
55–61 cm; 20–25 kg
Lifespan
10–12 years
Coat
Medium-length white with brown markings
Temperament
Gentle, sociable and eager to please
Health
Acral mutilation syndrome — DNA testable; hip dysplasia

Related: American water spaniel · Boykin spaniel · Cavalier King Charles spaniel · Clumber spaniel · Cocker spaniel

2 french spaniel photos, newest first

French spaniel feed
  • Clemence II, a french spaniel

    Clemence II

    Clemence II was promoted to photographer arranging a portrait of one potato; unfortunately, a pile of cushions slowly topples.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Clemence II, a french spaniel

    Clemence II

    Took eleven attempts. Clemence II moved for ten of them.

    SunnyHeron · 2 weeks ago

Living with a french spaniel

Ask for the acral mutilation syndrome DNA test. Affected puppies cannot feel pain in their feet and self-mutilate — licking, biting and damaging toes and pads — usually before a year old. It is recessive and testable, and no puppy should be bred without it.

Ask for hip scores and eye testing too.

They are sensitive dogs and train best with encouragement; pressure makes them anxious.

They need real exercise — an hour or more — and scent or gundog work suits them.

Ears are pendulous and need weekly checking. The coat needs brushing twice a week and picking clean after work.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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