Pont-Audemer SpanielCharacteristics, history, training and care
Pont-Audemer Spaniel. · Alephalpha / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Cropped and resized.
The Pont-Audemer Spaniel is a rare French spaniel, thickset and vigorous, with a curly coat, brown or brown and grey, and a curly topknot on its head. It was created in the 19th century in the marshes around the town of Pont-Audemer, for hunting waterfowl. The AKC describes it as gentle, affectionate and easy to train.
Quick facts
| Common name | Pont-Audemer Spaniel (Épagneul de Pont-Audemer) |
| Scientific name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Country of origin | France |
| Official recognition | FCI, definitively since 15 December 1954 (group 7, continental pointing dogs, spaniel type, with working trial; standard no. 114); has a breed profile at the AKC |
| Lifespan | 12–14 years, according to the AKC |
| Size (males) | 52–58 cm at the withers; 17–22 kg according to the AKC |
| Size (females) | 52–58 cm at the withers; 15–18 kg according to the AKC |
| Coat type | Curly, slightly tousled |
| Common colours | Brown, preferably brown with grey flecking, with dead-leaf highlights |
| Energy level | Moderate |
| Suited to an apartment? | Yes, with daily exercise |
| Temperament | Gentle, affectionate, playful, easy to train |
| Tendency to aggression | Very low |
| Good with children | Good, according to the AKC |
| Good with other animals | Very good with other dogs, according to the AKC |
| Genetic predispositions | No breed-specific diseases are known |
- Primary category:Dog breeds
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History and origin
The AKC says the breed was created in the 19th century around the town of Pont-Audemer, from setters and pointers brought over by English hunters, but its looks and hunting style come from the English and Irish water spaniels used in its development. The surrounding marshes gave it the chance to become a water specialist.
Wikipedia says that after the Second World War the number of dogs fell so low that the club allowed crosses with other breeds, for fear of inbreeding. In 1980, the breed club merged with that of the Picardy Spaniel.
How the breed developed
- 19th century – The breed appears in the marshes around the town of Pont-Audemer.
- 15 December 1954 – The FCI recognises the breed.
- After 1945 – The number of dogs falls sharply.
- 1980 – The breed club merges with that of the Picardy Spaniel.
Breed rating
| Feature | Stars |
|---|---|
| Training and intelligence | ★★★★☆ |
| Easy to train | ★★★★☆ |
| Intelligence | ★★★★☆ |
| Independence | ★★★☆☆ |
| Stubbornness | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Behaviour and temperament | ★★★★★ |
| Affectionate with family | ★★★★★ |
| Friendly with children | ★★★★☆ |
| Good with other dogs | ★★★★★ |
| Good with cats and other animals | ★★★☆☆ |
| Loyalty | ★★★★★ |
| Tendency to be aggressive | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Tendency to bark | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Needs and care | ★★★☆☆ |
| Shedding | ★★★☆☆ |
| Needs frequent grooming | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Activity and lifestyle | ★★★☆☆ |
| Energy level | ★★★☆☆ |
| Daily exercise needs | ★★★★★ |
| Suited to apartment life | ★★★☆☆ |
| Health and longevity | ★★★★☆ |
| Life expectancy | ★★★★☆ |
| Predisposition to genetic diseases | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Working abilities and uses | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Good hunting dog | ★★★★☆ |
| Good companion dog | ★★★★★ |
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.
Physical characteristics
The standard describes it as a thickset, vigorous dog. The skull is rounded and well developed at the top, with a characteristic topknot of curly hair.
General appearance
The coat is curly and slightly tousled. The AKC says the curls keep their shape if the dog is not bathed too often.
| Feature | Pont-Audemer Spaniel |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium to large |
| Height at the withers | 52–58 cm |
| Weight | males: 17–22 kg; females: 15–18 kg (AKC) |
| Coat | Curly |
| Head | With a curly topknot |
| Use | Marsh dog |
The colour is brown, preferably brown with grey flecking, with “dead leaf” highlights.
Training and socialisation
The AKC says it is, above all, a hunting dog, hardy and hard-working, but with the traits of a spaniel: gentle, affectionate and easy to train. It is intelligent and has keen instincts, so it needs an owner who understands it.
The AKC says it learns quickly, likes being with the family and has blind trust in its people.
Tips for effective training
- Introduce it to birds early. The AKC says this is how it develops its skills.
- Be gentle. It trusts its owner blindly.
- Use rewards. It learns quickly.
- Provide a fenced yard. Its nose can lead it after a scent.
Activity needs and lifestyle
The AKC says daily exercise is ideal and can come from many activities. It enjoys an early-morning hunt, but also staying at home afterwards, close to the family.
| Activity | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Walks | daily | Exercise |
| Swimming | as often as possible | A water specialist |
| Search games | several times a week | A keen nose |
Tips for a balanced life
- It can also live in an apartment.
- Dry its ears after swimming.
- Do not bathe it too often.
Care and health
Coat and skin care
The AKC says the coat should be brushed weekly, paying attention to tangles in the ears. The curls stay attractive if it is not bathed too often. The nails should be trimmed weekly, and the ears checked and cleaned weekly and after hunting.
Common health problems
No diseases specific to the breed are known. As with any water spaniel with drop ears, it is worth watching for:
| Condition | Description | Common symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Ear infections | Infections of the ears, especially after time in water | Head shaking, unpleasant smell, red ears |
| Hip dysplasia | The hip joint forms incorrectly and, over time, arthritis develops | Limping, difficulty getting up or jumping, hip pain |
Other care
- Check the ears weekly and after hunting.
- Trim the nails weekly.
- Go for regular check-ups.
Diet and nutrition
An active hunting dog needs good-quality food suited to its workload.
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.
| Dog's weight | Calories per day (neutered) | Calories per day (not neutered) | Dry food per day (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 kg | 850 kcal | 960 kcal | 210–270 g |
| 18 kg | 980 kcal | 1,100 kcal | 240–310 g |
| 22 kg | 1,140 kcal | 1,280 kcal | 280–370 g |
- Split the food into two meals a day.
- Treats count towards the daily portion.
- 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.
Reproduction and development
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.
Interesting facts
- A curly topknot. It has a topknot of curly hair on the crown.
- Dead-leaf highlights. The brown coat has highlights like autumn leaves.
- It barks very little. The AKC gives it the lowest score for barking.
- A marsh dog. It was the favourite of duck hunters.
- A rare breed. After the war, the number of dogs fell sharply.
Frequently asked questions
What does it hunt?
Mainly waterfowl, in marshes.
How big does it get?
It measures 52–58 cm; the AKC gives 15–22 kg.
Is it good for a family?
Yes. The AKC says it is gentle, affectionate and playful.
How long does it live?
The AKC gives 12–14 years.
