French Spaniel

FCI 175 . Spaniel type

The origins of the French Spaniel are very uncertain and many hypotheses have been raised.

Its name would come from Spain or the old French espaigner, that means “lie”. He is also considered the ancestor of the “Pointing Dogs”.

According to the most probable hypothesis, the French Spaniel would be the descendant of the Oysel dogs described by Gaston Phoebus and used in the Middle Ages.

The French Spaniel is at the origin of the different varieties of hunting spaniels. By selecting, became the elegant and athletic breed of the type of the “Pointing Dogs” very firm that today shines in work competitions.

The first standard was written in 1891 by James de Connick, and later it was reworked and adapted to the different developments of the breed.

Photo: “French Spaniel”, from the group of Pointing Dogs franceses by Alephalpha, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Fur: Plano, silky and dense. Slightly wavy behind the neck, above the tail set over the ears. Short and fine on the head but longer on the ears.

Its color: White and Brown (from cinnamon to dark liver), with regular spots, little or moderately mottled.

His head : worn with pride, with well marked reliefs, medium length and width. The stop is moderately steep.

Ears : laid back, pulled forward, with more or less long and wavy fringes.

Eyes : So big, oval, tan to brown in color, according to the coat. Soft and intelligent expression.

Her body : slightly longer than the height at the withers. The top line is straight, always well supported, the cross is dry and wide, the back is broad and muscular, the rump is rounded and harmoniously sloping, the chest is divided and the sternum region wide and curved.

Tail : Thick at the base and tapers towards the tip. It is below the top line, carried more or less curved, provided with long and silky hair, slightly wavy.

Height and weight

▷ Male size: Of 56 to 61 cm.

▷ female size: Of 55 to 59 cm.

▷ Male weight: Of 24 to 25 kg

▷ female weight: Of 24 to 25 kg

Very gentle nature, elegant and smart, the French Spaniel is eager to learn. Although hunting is his main vocation, his sociability and sweetness make him a dog that adapts to all styles.

Balanced and frank, they are calm and docile dogs that are willing and eager to hunt, during which they are flexible and robust.

Very attached to their master, its deep sensitivity requires gentle training.

They do not tolerate loneliness and require regular outings.

As a hunting dog, the French Spaniel you need to exercise and, therefore, needs wide open spaces. But, as it adapts very well to all environments, it can live very well in the city as long as its master takes it out regularly. Must be able to take long walks, if possible also in the forest or on a wooded area. It is a dog that loves water.

Regarding maintenance, the French Spaniel it should be brushed once or twice a week to detangle its fur.

Like other hunting dogs, the French Spaniel he only needs one meal a day as an adult, preferably at night. You don't need any special food. It just has to be of good quality, varied and adapted to their age, health status and physical exercise.

The French Spaniel is in fairly good health. But, can be the target of certain diseases such as cataracts, hip dysplasia or eczema. It is also advisable to monitor and clean your ears regularly..

The price of a puppy French Spaniel it will depend on the sex, the pedigree of the parents, compliance with breed standards, etc.

Average price of a male of French Spaniel: 625€.
Average price of a female of French Spaniel: 625€.

Coexistence is important that you have with your new friend. Before considering the acquisition of a dog of the breed "French Spaniel" you know certain factors. Not all breeds of dogs are apt to live in an apartment, you must take into account his character, their need for exercise, their interaction with other pets, their care and if you have small children, their level of tolerance towards them.

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Photos:
1 – “french spaniel” by Vertwatt94, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
2 – “French Spaniel” by Tux-Man, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
3 – Une femelle épagneul français à exposition by Canarian, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
4 – “French Spaniel” by http://epagneul-francais-buck.e-monsite.com/
5 – “French Spaniel” by https://www.perdrioles.com/produit/chiots-epagneul-francais-2/
6 – “French Spaniel” https://chiens.photos/epagneul-francais-chiot/

• FCI CLASSIFICATION: 175
• Group 7: Pointing Dogs
• Section 1: Continental Pointing Dogs. 1.2 Spaniel type. With proof of work..

Federations:

• – FCI – Group 7: Pointing Dogs. – Section 1: Continental Pointing Dogs. 1.2: Spaniel type ⓘ
• – CKC – Miscellaneous ⓘ
• – UKC – Gun Dog ⓘ

1. Canadian Setter, French Setter (English).
2. Épagneul français (French).
3. Epagneul Français (German).
4. (em francês: epagneul français) (Portuguese).
5. Epagneul Français (español).