French Spaniel

The history of the French Spaniel is a true drama, spanning centuries of royal recognition, the threat of complete extinction, and revival through the efforts of dedicated enthusiasts. This breed is a direct descendant of the medieval Oysel dogs (bird-hunting dogs), which were described as early as the 14th century in the famous treatise “Livre de Chasse” (“Book of the Hunt”) by Gaston Phoebus, Count of Foix.

For centuries, these dogs were favourites of French royalty. They were highly valued for their calm, methodical working style and their ability to hunt in diverse conditions. They were often found in the royal kennels at Compiègne and Fontainebleau. It is believed that the French Spaniel is the progenitor or a close relative of many modern setter and spaniel breeds.

However, with the advent of the French Revolution and the change in social structure, hunting ceased to be an exclusive privilege of the aristocracy. In the 19th century, a mass “import” of British hunting breeds began – notably English Setters and Pointers. These dogs were faster, had a wider search pattern, and better suited the new hunting fashions. As a result, the authentic French Spaniel found itself on the brink of extinction, displaced by more “efficient” competitors.

The breed’s revival in the late 19th and early 20th centuries is inextricably linked with the name of one man – the priest Abbé Fournier. He was a passionate hunter and cynologist who saw the catastrophic decline in the numbers of these unique dogs. Abbé Fournier dedicated his life to the search for and preservation of the few remaining purebred representatives. It was he who, in 1906, drafted the first official breed standard, founding the “Club de l’Épagneul Français”.

The two World Wars dealt another devastating blow to the breed, but thanks to the work of Abbé Fournier and other enthusiasts, it was saved. The French Spaniel is closely related to other regional French gundogs, such as the Picardy Spaniel and the rarer Pont-Audemer Spaniel, though it differs from them in temperament and some external features. Today, the breed is most popular in France and Canada (especially in Quebec), where it is still highly valued as a hard-working hunter and an exceptional companion.

The French Spaniel is an elegant, athletic dog of medium size, combining power with refinement. It has a sturdy, but not overly heavy, build, which indicates stamina. Its appearance is the classic “Spaniel” type, with a long, wavy coat and a kind, intelligent expression.

The head is proportional to the body, with a slightly pronounced stop. The muzzle is long, broad, with a slightly Roman (arched) nasal bridge. The large, dark amber-coloured eyes are oval and radiate a soft, intelligent expresion. The low-set drop ears are one of the breed’s hallmarks: they are long (meant to reach the tip of the nose) and covered with beautiful, long, wavy hair.

The body is strong, with a deep chest providing space for powerful lungs. The back is straight, and the loin is strong. The limbs are muscular with strong bones. The tail is long, set slightly below the line of the back, and never carried above it. It has a characteristic S-shape curve and is adorned with a luxurious “fan” of long, wavy hair.

Detailed Breed Standard (FCI No. 175)

Coat and Colour

The coat of the French Spaniel is its adornment and protection. It is long, lies close to the body, and has a silky texture. An important feature is that the coat is wavy, not curly. The most pronounced waves and “feathering” (long hair) are found on the ears, the back of the legs, the belly, and, of course, the tail, where it forms a beautiful “fan”. On the head, the coat is short and smooth.

The breed has only one colour, although it has variations: white with brown patches. The colour of the patches can range from a light shade of cinnamon to a rich dark liver. The patches can be large (forming a “mantle”) or of medium size. Roan (ticking) – small brown spots on a white background – is permissible and even desired. Other colours (black and white, tricolour) are disqualifications.

If one had to describe the character of the French Spaniel in a single word, that word would be “gentle”. These are incredibly affectionate, balanced, and socially-oriented dogs. They completely lack aggression or suspicion towards people. They bond strongly with their family and adore being at the centre of attention, following their owner from room to room.

This breed clearly shows two sides to their nature:

• At home: A calm, obedient, and very affectionate companion. He adores children and patiently endures their games, showing amazing care. He is a “Velcro dog” in the best sense of the word.
• In the field (hunting): The dog transforms. Eagerness, energy, and complete focus on the job appear. He demonstrates a confident but methodical search, courage, and a constant connection with his handler, regularly checking their location.

Sensitivity and Intelligence

The French Spaniel is a very intelligent and incredibly sensitive dog. He subtly picks up on his owner’s mood and is eager to please. This sensitivity also has a downside: the dog reacts extremely poorly to shouting, harshness, or harsh training methods. Punishment can cause him to “shut down”, become fearful, and refuse to cooperate. He needs a patient owner who uses a “soft hand” and positive reinforcement.

Socialisation: Children, Animals, and Strangers

• With children: Excellent. Thanks to their gentle and playful nature, they become wonderful nannies and playmates.
• With other dogs: Usually very well. They are non-confrontational and are used to working in a pack with other gundogs.
• With strangers: They are open and friendly. This is a poor guard dog – he is more likely to rejoice at an intruder than to scare him away.
• With other animals (cats, rodents): This is complicated. This is a hunting dog with a strong prey drive for birds and small game. Although they can live peacefully with a cat if they were raised together, they will likely view small animals (hamsters, rabbits) or domestic fowl as prey.

An important aspect: French Spaniels do not tolerate loneliness. Left alone for long periods, they suffer and can develop separation anxiety, which manifests in destructive behaviour or incessant barking. This is a dog for people who spend a lot of time at home or are prepared to take their pet with them.

Grooming: Care for Coat and Ears

Caring for a French Spaniel is not overly complex, but it does require regularity, especially in two areas: the coat and the ears.

• Coat Care: Their long, wavy coat needs to be brushed thoroughly 2-3 times a week to prevent mats and tangles. Special attention should be paid to the feathering on the ears, legs, belly, and tail – this is where burrs and dirt most often get stuck. The breed sheds moderately, usually twice a year (spring and autumn).
• Bathing: Bathe the dog only as needed, when he is genuinely dirty. Too-frequent washing strips the natural oils that protect the skin and coat.
• Ear Care: This is a critically important aspect. The combination of long, drop ears, dense hair, and a love for water creates the perfect environment for bacterial and fungal growth. The ears must be inspected daily, especially after walks or swimming. At least once a week, they should be cleaned with a special veterinary lotion to prevent otitis (ear infections).
• Other: Trim their nails regularly (if they don’t wear down naturally) and maintain good dental hygiene.

Activity Level and Living Conditions

This is a high-energy working breed. The French Spaniel is not a couch potato. He needs at least 1.5-2 hours of active physical exercise daily. And this isn’t just a slow walk on the lead. They vitally need:

• Running off-lead in a secure area.
• Swimming: Most French Spaniels love water and are excellent swimmers.
• Mental stimulation: Scent work, retrieving games, and training.

Can a French Spaniel live in a flat? Theoretically, yes, but only if the owner is prepared to dedicate several hours a day to intense walks in a park, woods, or near water. The ideal home for them is a private house with a large, securely fenced garden and owners who lead an active lifestyle (hunters, hikers, runners).

Training a French Spaniel is both a pleasure and a challenge. A pleasure because they are intelligent and extremely eager to please. A challenge because their sensitivity does not forgive mistakes in method.

Keys to successful training:

• Positive reinforcement only: Treats, praise, play. Harshness, shouting, lead-jerking, or any physical punishment will have catastrophic consequences for this dog’s psyche.
• Patience and consistency: They are smart but can be somewhat stubborn if they are bored. Sessions should be kept short, interesting, and positive.
• Early socialisation: As with any dog, this is important. But for a hunter, it is doubly important to teach him to react correctly to small animals and birds (though instinct may still take over).
• Focus on recall: The “Come!” command must be paramount, given their strong hunting instinct.

Their hunting qualities are innate. They don’t need to be “taught” to point or retrieve – it’s in their blood. The trainer’s job is to channel these instincts and teach the dog to work as a team with the human. Their working style differs from, for example, the fast and explosive Brittany Spaniel. The French Spaniel works more methodically, calmly, and always stays in close contact with their handler.

French Spaniels are considered a relatively healthy and robust breed with good adaptability to both cold and warm climates. However, like many purebred breeds, they have a predisposition to certain genetic and breed-specific diseases.

• Chronic Ear Infections (Otitis): This is the number one problem for the breed. Due to the anatomical structure of the ear (long, drop, covered with hair) and their love for water, they are extremely prone to inflammation. This requires not treatment, but constant, lifelong prevention from the owner.
• Hip Dysplasia: A common problem in many medium and large-sized dogs. Responsible breeders must test their dogs (via X-ray) before breeding.
• Elbow Dysplasia: Also occurs and should be checked by breeders.
• Eye Conditions: The breed can be prone to Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), which leads to blindness, and cataracts.
• Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat, GDV): Like many dogs with a deep chest, they are at some risk. Owners should feed the dog 2-3 smaller meals a day and not allow active play or swimming immediately after eating.
• Skin Allergies: Some lines may be prone to allergies (food or atopic), which manifest as itching and skin problems.

Overall, with proper care, nutrition, and regular veterinary check-ups, the French Spaniel is a hardy dog that will live a long and active life.

The diet of a French Spaniel must fully match its high activity level. This is a working dog that burns a lot of energy. The basis of the diet should be a high-quality food (dry or natural) with a high protein content and moderate fat levels.

Key recommendations:

• Adapt to activity: The golden rule – the amount of food must depend on the workload. During the hunting season or on days of intense training, the dog needs a high-energy food (with 28-32% protein and 18-22% fat). In the “off-season”, when the dog is less active, the portion should be reduced or switched to a less calorific diet (24-26% protein, 14-16% fat) to avoid weight gain.
• Coat and Joint Health: The diet should be rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids (fish oil, flaxseed oil) to support skin health and coat shine. Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements will also be beneficial for preventing joint problems.
• Feeding Schedule: To minimise the risk of bloat, an adult dog should be fed 2-3 times a day in small portions. Never feed the dog immediately before or straight after intense exercise or swimming.
• Access to water: The dog must always have fresh drinking water, especially during and after physical exertion.

Avoid feeding “from the table”, as this not only leads to obesity but can also cause digestive upsets in sensitive dogs.

• Ancestor of Setters: It is believed the French Spaniel is a key ancestor to many modern setter breeds, particularly the English and Irish Setters.
• Saved by a Priest: The breed was nearly wiped out in the 19th century, displaced by English breeds. Its revival is the merit of one man, Abbé Fournier, who dedicated his life to it.
• Canadian Roots: Although the breed is French, it is incredibly popular in Canada, especially in the province of Quebec. Many believe Canadian breeders made a huge contribution to the breed’s preservation and development in the 20th century.
• Only One Colour: Unlike many other gundog breeds, such as the Picardy Spaniel (which can be grey-roan), the French Spaniel has only one recognised colour – white with brown patches.
• “Soft Mouth”: As befits a high-class retriever, French Spaniels have a so-called “soft mouth” – they retrieve game (or toys) without damaging them.

Does the French Spaniel shed a lot? They shed moderately, with two distinct seasonal periods (spring and autumn). Their coat does not require trimming but needs regular brushing (2-3 times a week) to remove dead hair and prevent mats. They are definitely not “hypoallergenic”.

Is the French Spaniel suitable for a flat? It is highly undesirable. Theoretically, they can adapt, but only if the owner is an extremely active person, prepared to dedicate 2-3 hours a day to intense exercise (running, swimming, games) outdoors. Their high energy and need for space make them ideal for a private house with a garden.

Does the French Spaniel get along with cats and other animals? It’s complicated. They have a very strong hunting instinct, especially towards birds and rodents. They can live with a cat if they were raised with it from puppyhood. However, even in this case, the instinct can take over, especially outside. It is strongly advised against keeping them in the same home with pet birds or hamsters.

Can he be left alone while you go to work? No. This is one of the breeds that tolerates loneliness the worst. They are human-oriented and suffer without company. Left alone for 8 hours, they are almost guaranteed to develop separation anxiety, which can mainfest in destroying furniture, incessant barking, or howling.

Is he a good guard dog? Absolutely not. Their standard describes them as friendly and social. They will most likely greet a stranger joyfully and invite them to play. They might bark to announce a guest, but that’s where their “guarding” duties end.

What is the difference between him and an English Setter? Although they likely have common ancestors, they are different breeds. The English Setter is generally faster, with a wider and more “explosive” search pattern. The French Spaniel works more methodically, calmly, and stays closer to their handler, maintaining constant contact. In terms of temperament, the French Spaniel is generally considered softer and more sensitive.