French Spaniel
Other names: Epagneul Français, French Setter, Canadian Setter
The French Spaniel is a graceful, athletic, and very intelligent dog. They bare a striking resemblance to the English Springer Spaniel and have many of the same character traits. Bred as a working dog, they thrive off human company and love to feel part of the pack. This friendly dog is always eager to please and requires up to two hours of exercise every day.
Key facts about the French Spaniel
Origins and history
The French Spaniel can be traced all the way back to Gaston Phoebus’s "Book of Hunting" in the 13th century. They were popular hunting dogs used to track and retrieve small game. Prized for their stamina, loyalty, and persistent nature, their numbers continued to grow until the early 20th century. Then, as more small villages turned into industrial towns, there was less demand for hunting dogs. Thankfully, French Spaniel clubs started to spring up in the UK, USA, and Canada during the middle of the century. They helped raise awareness of the breed and played an instrumental part in saving these very special animals.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 7 - Pointing Dogs
Section
Section 1 : Continental Pointing Dogs
Physical characteristics of the French Spaniel
Adult size
Female : Between 21 and 24 in
Male : Between 22 and 25 in
Weight
Female : Between 53 and 57 lb
Male : Between 53 and 57 lb
Coat colour
Brown (cinnamon to dark liver) and white. Speckled or roan.
Type of coat
Long to mid-length. Flat or slightly wavy. Wavy on the ears and tail.
Eye colour
From cinnamon to brown.
Description
The French Spaniel is a medium-sized, well proportioned dog. They look a little like the Brittany, but are up to 10cm taller. They have a sturdy, athletic physique with powerful hindquarters. French Spaniels tend to have flat silky coats which become wavy around the ears, underbelly, and tail, and they have a sweet expression in their oval eyes.
Good to know
French Spaniels are known for having large litters. New mums can produce as many as 8 pups. These guys need lots and lots of exercise, and a stroll around the block won’t do. They need to run free and explore.