French Spaniel

The French Spaniel is a tall, elegant pointing spaniel — one of the oldest French gun dog types, and taller than the word "spaniel" usually suggests.

History

It appears in French hunting literature from the Middle Ages and was a favourite of the French court, used to hunt with falcons before firearms changed the work. It declined almost to extinction by the early twentieth century and was rebuilt largely through the efforts of one Norman priest.

Temperament

The breed is known for being calm, gentle and eager to please, sociable with people and other dogs and notably good-natured with children. It is a soft dog that responds badly to harshness.

Care and training

It needs plenty of exercise and enjoys work in water and cover. The medium feathered coat needs regular brushing and the drop ears want routine attention.

Health

Known tendencies include hip dysplasia and ear infections, and some lines carry an inherited eye condition. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.