General Information

Dog NameFrench Spaniel
Other NamesEpagneul Français
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypeSpaniel
GroupGun Dog
Breed ForHunting
ExtinctNo
Country of OriginFrance, Canada

Physical And Size

SizeMedium
Min Life Span10
Max Life Span12
Min Ideal Weight for male22
Max Ideal Weight for male27
Min Ideal Weight for female22
Max Ideal Weight for male27

Ranking

Intelligent Rank
Trainability
Playfulness
Affection Level
Social Needs
Barking
Watchdog Ability
Territorial
Mouthiness
Adaptability

Characterisitics

TemperamentActive, Sociable, Smart
Prey DriveYes
Fighting DogNo

Friendliness

Stranger FriendlyHigh
Child FriendlyHigh
Cat FriendlyMedium
Dog FriendlyHigh
Office FriendlyLow
Apartment FriendlyLow
Senior Citizens FriendlyLow
Service DogLow
Search and Rescue DogLow
Biting PotentialLow
Country of OriginFrance and Canada
Nicknames and Other NamesEpagneul Français,
Canadian Setter,
French Setter
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypePurebred
GroupSporting Group, Gun DOg
Bred ForHunting dog
SizeMedium-sized
Recognized ByAKC, UKC, CKC, FCI
Life Span10-12 years
Ideal Weight50-60 pounds
Ideal Height21.5-24 inches
Fur TypeMedium length, slightly wavy or straight
Common ColorsWhite and Brown, Brown
MarkingsRoan, Spotted or Patched
AvailabilityModerately available
AchievementsNone
Suitable for ApartmentsNo
Used in World WarNo
Most Similar ToField Spaniel

The French Spaniel is an intelligent and loving dog that makes a wonderful companion in the family. They form a strong bond with their loved ones. With a sturdy look, tall, and powerfully built, they are versatile hunting dogs.

If you want a hunting dog yet fantastic with family then the French Spaniel is probably the right breed for you. But before owning French Spaniel, you should know about its origin, behaviors, and health issues.

Brief History of French Spaniel

Like other Spaniel breeds, French Spaniel is also believed to be derived from Spanish and Portuguese hunting dogs in the 14th century. They were used to hunt wildfowl and retrieving games. King Charles Spaniel and the French Spaniel began to undergo the process of selection into distinct breeds by the mid-1600s.

While King Charles Spaniel roamed around the royal palace on the other hand French Spaniels were used as both hunters and companions in Versailles and Saint Petersburg.

In the 1850s the French Spaniel was crossed between the English Setter which created Brittany which is still in existence with huge popularity. The French Spaniel was almost extinct when they were replaced with gun dogs. Father Fournier, a French Priest is known for saving the French Spaniel breed from extinction in the early 20th century.

Though this breed is still recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale, it is not still not registered in the major national kennel clubs as of 2019

Are French Spaniel Child Friendly?

Yes, French Spaniels are known to be gentle and playful with children. They are best suited for kids who can play with them and teach them new tricks. They love playing outdoors as well as spending time sitting around children.

French Spaniel loves children.
BFF.
Image Source- french_spaniel_love

French Spaniels are protective towards children and may follow where ever they go. However, you should teach your child how to approach the dog.

Gentle And Affectionate Behavior

The French Spaniels are affectionate and devoted to their master. They will have plenty of time and respect for their family and are happiest when you give them enough time and training. As we all know, tired dogs are the happiest dogs.

Photo Credit- Instagram @pixelspaniel

Despite being a hunting dog, French Spaniels don’t need long and heavy exercise. They thrive outdoor as well as indoors. They are not aggressive and have even-tempered. French Spaniels are known for their well-behaved behavior.

French Spaniels will develop separation anxiety if left alone for long period. They love human counterparts as well as the company of other pets.

Trainability

Their eagerness to please personality and intelligence makes them highly trainable dogs. French Spaniels have sensitive nature which means you should always treat your pet with love and affection. Otherwise, they will become stubborn and aggressive.

French Spaniel playing fetch games.
Image Source- Instagram @french_spaniel_love

Health Problems

General HealthHealthy
Common Health IssuesEar Infection, Hip Dysplasia, Epilepsy,
Entropian, Heart Disease
HypoallergenicNo
Vaccination RequiredCanine Coronavirus, Canine Parvovirus,
Rabies, Canine Distemper, Leptospirosis,
Canine Parainfluenza, Kennel Cough
SheddingHeavy Shedder
DroolingLow Drooler
GroomingEasy and Minimal Grooming Required
Weight Gain PotentialAverage to High
Separation AnxietyHigh Chance
AllergiesNone
Diets and SupplementsProtein: 23%
Fat: 8%
Omega-3 and 6 Fatty Acid
Multivitamins
Glucosamine

Health problems in this breed are rare as they are natural hunters and recovering from extinction makes them robustly healthy. However, there are some common health issues found in French Spaniels.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is known to be a common problem among the Spaniel breed. It is seen between the age of 6 months and 5 years.

Entropian

Entropian is the condition where the inward scrolling of one or both eyes is caused. This causes discomfort, recurrent infections, and potentially loss of sight.

Ear Infections

French Spaniel is prone to suffer from ear infections because their ears produce more amount of wax and are set close to the head as a result their ears don’t get enough air making them poorly ventilated.

Facts About French Spaniel

  • French Spaniel are among the oldest pointing breeds which dates back to the Middle Ages.
  • The French Spaniels are tallest among the Spaniels standing 22-24 inches.
  • These breed have good sense of smell.

Color Patterns

French Spaniels are found in four colors:

  • White And Brown
  • Roan
  • Brown
  • Spotted White

Puppies

The French Spaniel gives birth to 3-7 puppies at a time. The average price of the puppy is $600 – $800 depending on the breeder and the quality of the breed.

Height And Size

The French Spaniels stands up to 22-24 inches tall weighing 44-55 pounds.

Breeds Similar To French Spaniel

French Spaniel are people-oriented dogs who will thrive when surrounded by their loved ones. Having a French Spaniel in your family is never the wrong choice.

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