French SpanielCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says the Épagneul Français descends from the bird dogs described by Gaston Phoebus and used in the Middle Ages. Its ancestors are probably at the origin of many varieties of hunting spaniel. Wikipedia says it was much loved at the royal courts, including Versailles, and that Tsarina Catherine I of Russia had a French Spaniel named Babe.

The first standard was written in 1891 by James de Connick. At the beginning of the 20th century French hunters preferred English breeds, and the French Spaniel almost disappeared. A priest, Father Fournier, gathered the last dogs in his kennel and rebuilt the lines from which today's dogs descend. The breed club was founded in 1921, with Father Fournier as its president.

How the breed developed

• 14th century – Gaston Phoebus describes the bird dogs from which the breed descends.
• 1850s – The Épagneul Breton is formed from French spaniels and English setters.
• 1891 – James de Connick writes the first standard.
• 1921 – The breed club is founded, led by Father Fournier.
• 25 June 1955 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• 1970s – The breed reaches Quebec, Canada.
• 1985 – The Canadian Kennel Club recognises the breed.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The standard describes it as a medium-sized, elegant and muscular dog of the braccoid type. Its balanced build gives it the energy and stamina it needs for hunting, and the bones are strong without being coarse. Wikipedia says it is one of the largest spaniels.

General appearance

The head is carried proudly, without heaviness. The coat is flat and silky on the body, with a few waves behind the neck and at the base of the tail, and becomes long and wavy on the ears, the backs of the legs and the tail.

The colour is white and brown, with medium-sized patches, sometimes predominant, irregular, lightly or moderately ticked and roan.

The standard describes it as balanced, open, gentle, calm and docile, an enthusiastic hunter, sociable with other dogs and an ideal companion in any situation. It is an excellent pointing dog and also has a talent for retrieving.

The AKC gives it the top score for trainability and says it is very intelligent, enthusiastic and eager to work. As it is sensitive, it learns best with rewards.

Tips for effective training

• Use rewards. It is sensitive and learns very quickly.
• Give it a job. The AKC gives it the top score for mental stimulation needs.
• Work on pointing and retrieving. It has a talent for both.
• Socialise it with other dogs. It is very sociable.

The AKC recommends play in a fenced yard, walks several times a day and activities such as swimming, hiking or fetching a ball or a frisbee. Indoors it enjoys hide-and-seek and learning new tricks.

Tips for a balanced life

• Check the ears after walks.
• Look for burrs in the coat after outings in the fields.
• It suits an active family.

Coat and skin care

The AKC recommends brushing once a week and an occasional bath. The nails grow quickly and must be trimmed regularly, and the ears should be checked for wax and dirt.

Common health problems

The AKC says most French Spaniels are healthy. Wikipedia mentions one specific, rare disease:

Other care

• Check the ears regularly.
• Trim the nails regularly: they grow quickly.
• Brush its teeth regularly.

The AKC recommends good-quality food for medium-sized breeds, suited to each stage of life and chosen together with your vet or breeder.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Give it its food in two meals a day.
• Increase the portion on hunting days.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. The body also reaches its adult form later than in small breeds.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• Saved by a priest. Father Fournier gathered the last dogs and rebuilt the breed.
• Loved at Versailles. It was a favourite of kings and princes at the French court.
• A tsarina's dog. Catherine I of Russia had a French Spaniel named Babe.
• Popular in Quebec. Since the 1970s it has been much loved by hunters in Quebec.
• Ancestor of the Brittany. The Épagneul Breton was formed from French spaniels and English setters.

At the royal courts

Wikipedia says the French Spaniel was very popular in the Middle Ages and became the favourite of kings and princes at the court of Versailles. Tsarina Catherine I of Russia (1684–1727) also had a French Spaniel, named Babe.

What is the Épagneul Français?

A French spaniel-type pointing dog, white and brown.

How big does it get?

Males measure 56–61 cm, females 55–59 cm; they weigh about 23–27 kg.

Is it a family dog?

Yes, the standard calls it an ideal companion in any situation.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 10–12 years.