French spaniel

Breed Description

It is said that the first mentions of French spaniels date back to the 14th century. However, during those distant times, they were not classified as a separate breed but were considered just one of the varieties of spaniels. It wasn’t until nearly two hundred years later, around 1660, that the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel granted “freedom” to the French. Since then, these agile and eager dogs have played an active role in hunting. Only the French aristocracy, who were passionate about hunting with nets and frequently engaged in falconry, could choose a puppy from the kennel. Paying homage not only to fashion but also to the unique hunting traits of French spaniels, the breed’s popularity grew year by year. Each province had its own version of the French spaniel, distinguished by certain qualities or slight differences in appearance.

In the 18th century, a fashionable magazine described the French spaniel as “a rough assistant in hunting, who attentively tracks the behavior of its owner, swiftly retrieves wounded game, and brings it to the hunter’s hands.” Given such abilities, British dog breeders developed their own version of a companion dog by crossing the French spaniel with the British setter: the British spaniel (BretГіn).

As time passed, the breed continued to evolve, and by the end of the 18th century, the first standard of the French spaniel was established. Its creator, according to some sources, was D. de Connys. However, by the 20th century, the English had almost monopolized the hunting dog market, particularly spaniels. French spaniels became quite rare, and the breed was on the brink of extinction due to competition. The situation was saved by a French priest who gathered the best specimens of the breed in his parish and established two lines of ancestors for all modern French spaniels. In the first quarter of the 20th century, the first national kennel club for French spaniels was opened.

Nowadays, advertisements for the sale of French spaniel puppies are quite scarce. Puppies can be purchased not only in Europe but also in our country, where the cost of a purebred hunting dog ranges from 40,000 to 60,000 rubles. It is not recommended to buy such a dog at a bird market; it is better to turn to reputable breeders at Zoonika. The best selection of kennels in Russia is presented on our website.

Appearance

A beautiful yet somewhat angular dog weighing around 25 kg, the French spaniel is described as an ideal hunter, a kind family companion, and a source of joy. Males are slightly larger than females, with a height at the withers of about 60 cm, while females do not exceed 53 to 55 cm.

Courage, enthusiasm, and toughness in the field stand in stark contrast to their behavior at home. Even in urban settings with cramped apartments, the cheerful disposition of the French spaniel remains unaffected. The owner’s task is to keep their loyal dog engaged during walks, thereby regulating its behavior.

The average lifespan of a French spaniel, with good care, exceeds 12 years, and there are typically no significant health issues throughout its life. The breed is quite popular in French-speaking countries. Across the Atlantic, it goes by another name: French setter or Canadian setter. Selecting a puppy from a kennel there is somewhat more challenging than in Europe. Nevertheless, the demand for active hunters is also high in Russia. Advertisements for puppy sales can be found on our website.

Отличительные черты

Голова

The profile is rectangular; some dog breeders see the silhouette of a clown's shoe in it. It is small, fairly dry, and closer to an average size compared to overall proportions. There are prominent, well-developed brow ridges, and the skull is shorter than the muzzle.

Морда

Longer than the skull, with a ratio of about 3:2. The bridge of the nose is slightly concave, and the tip of the nose is upturned, indicating purity of bloodlines and breed characteristics. The tip of the nose is very large, with wide nostrils, colored in accordance with the main coat color: black or brown.

Уши

The ears are elastic, hanging down the sides of the head, with the inner part touching the cheeks. The tips are rounded, and the outside is covered with tiny curls. They are set low and wide. They have a triangular shape and are not too long, unlike those of basset hounds, for example.

Глаза

Round, not very large, with the iris of the darkest color, almost black. However, in light-colored dogs, the presence of lighter shades is permissible. Strabismus is not acceptable. Set quite deep - this impression is enhanced by well-developed brow ridges.

Зубы

Only a complete set of teeth in a scissors bite, where the upper canines slightly cover the lower ones, is acceptable. The jaws are strong, and the teeth are aligned and tightly pressed against each other. The canines are quite large. Any enamel defects are considered a deficiency.

Корпус

Muscular, rectangular, and dry. A straight, strong, and even back. The lower back is wide and slightly inclined. The ribcage is not too wide but deep, allowing for a deep breath during movement. The abdomen is athletic and toned.

Конечности

Characteristic stance: one hind leg is slightly behind the other. The front legs are straight, with strong bones but not appearing heavy. They are parallel when viewed from the front. The hind legs have well-defined muscles in the thighs. The calves are also noticeably developed. A distinctive feature is the “pantaloons" on the thighs made of longer hair. The paw pads are rounded, the claws are black, and the toes are arched.

Хвост

There are three types: natural - straight or saber-shaped, with noticeably longer fur on the underside, held up proudly parallel to the topline, not curled into a ring; docked - about 5 cm, wagging cheerfully when the dog is excited; tailless - the dog is considered a defect.

Шерсть

Thick, fairly long, and soft, very closely fitting to the body. On the legs (especially the hind ones), it is noticeably longer than in other areas. The tail, back, and belly also have longer fur. The ears are framed by small waves or curls. Otherwise, the fur on the body is straight or slightly wavy.

Окрас

Only two-colored is accepted. On the main white background, there may be markings or large spots of black, red, or brown. The presence of spots near the tail and on the chest is considered a virtue. Light "feathers" on the muzzle are also rated positively.

Character

The French Spaniel, or Breton Epagneul, has a friendly, energetic temperament. It is very intelligent, making it a wonderful companion and distinguishing it from other hunting breeds. Generally, French Spaniels have good memories and can quickly learn commands and various tricks. Training in new skills and proper behavior tends to be quite successful. You can learn more about this in the “Training and Education” section. It is advisable to familiarize yourself with this before deciding to buy a puppy from a kennel.

Along with this, these dogs are very energetic and require plenty of physical activity. They are well-suited for active families and have a high level of enthusiasm. The breed is often recommended for those with children: choosing a puppy from a kennel helps instill a sense of responsibility in kids.

The breed is known for its strong attachment and loyalty to its owners. These dogs strive to spend as much time as possible with their families and enjoy participating in all household activities. This makes them excellent companions and friends for those who value close relationships with their pets. The French Spaniel usually gets along well with children and can be a caring companion for little ones, making them a wonderful choice for families.

The Breton Epagneul gets along well with other dogs and is usually friendly towards strangers. It has a balanced and unobtrusive nature – an excellent companion for the whole family.

The French Spaniel is renowned for its hunting skills, which are inherited. These dogs possess a strong hunting instinct, are excellent at tracking, and can point out game, making them great helpers for hunters. Their enthusiasm for hunting and endurance allow this breed to stand out among other hunting breeds. However, in everyday life in the city or outside hunting grounds, French Spaniels also display a balanced and friendly character, making them wonderful companions for active families.

These qualities make the French Spaniel not only an excellent hunting partner but also a superb companion capable of bringing joy and happiness to its owners throughout their lives. Of course, every animal may possess various character traits; this article highlights only the key features of their temperament.

Care and Maintenance

The most favorable conditions for keeping a French Spaniel reveal the full beauty of the breed. They must include a combination of physical activity, intellectual engagement, as well as love and care from the owner. It is recommended to familiarize yourself with basic guidelines before deciding to choose a puppy from a kennel.

You should always remember that French Spaniels are very energetic and active dogs that need regular physical activity. It’s advisable to provide them with walks at least twice a day, one of which should be longer to allow the dog to expend its energy. They also enjoy participating in active games at dog parks or going for hikes in the park. Idleness and lack of sufficient physical exercise can lead to behavioral issues, excessive excitability, and anxiety.

They are very intelligent and require mental activities and entertainment. They need tasks, training, and intellectual games that allow them to utilize their skills and intelligence. There’s no need to involve specialists for this purpose; even a child can hide the dog’s favorite toy. Finding it will be a fun activity not just for the puppy but also for the adult dog.

French Spaniels are very attached to their owners and need constant attention and interaction with family members. They feel happiest when spending time with their family. It’s important for them to have someone in the household who can give them attention. Share your time with them by playing games, going for walks, or simply enjoying their company. Leaving a French Spaniel alone for extended periods is not recommended, as they may start to exhibit clinginess.

Hunters always need a space for play and activities, so it’s preferable to have access to a garden if you live in the countryside, or to nearby parks where they can run and play.

Like many other breeds, the French Spaniel requires socialization. They should be familiar with other dogs and people from an early age to avoid issues with aggression or fear.Proper nutrition plays an important role in health. French Spaniels are recommended to be given high-quality commercial dog food specifically designed for medium and active breeds. Organic or natural foods are also suitable, but it’s crucial to ensure they contain all essential nutrients. The diet of a French Spaniel should include a variety of ingredients to provide a range of nutrients. It’s important to include meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, and carbohydrates in appropriate proportions. Portion sizes should be tailored to the dog’s activity level and physical condition. Maintaining a healthy weight is important to prevent obesity or deficiencies. A French Spaniel should have regular meals throughout the day, typically two or three portions. Puppies are fed more frequently, while adult dogs do well on two meals a day. However, the owner should always remember that the dog must have access to fresh and clean drinking water, especially after exercise.These general principles can help provid

Training and Education

Raising a French Spaniel requires patience, consistency, and an understanding of its mental and physical needs. Despite a strong instinct to connect with its owner, this dog is not much different from other types of hunting dogs. Just like with others, it’s important to start training with a well-structured program that includes basic commands and behavioral rules. Here are some key commands that are recommended to be mastered first.

“Sit” is a basic command that the French Spaniel should learn. It is useful for managing its energy when focus or patience is required.

By knowing the command “Place,” the dog understands that it should occupy a specific spot in the house or training area.

Mastering “Come” is essential for ensuring safety and control during walks or outside activities.

The command “Stay” helps ensure safety and discipline by instructing the dog to remain in one spot.

“Heel”: it is beneficial for a French Spaniel to walk alongside its owner on a leash without pulling.”Lie down” teaches the dog to lie down, which is helpful for managing its energy and calming excitement.It’s important for training to occur in a calm environment, without shouting or physical punishment, but instead using a positive approach and rewards. Remember that the French Spaniel is an intelligent breed that is eager to learn, so training should be engaging and stimulating for it. Consistency, patience, and love will help in successfully raising them.For an owner who engages in hunting, it is necessary to instill a desire and skill in their spaniel to assist in this hobby. There are special courses available with professional dog trainers. Training with specialists allows you to avoid incorrect approaches when honing hunting skills and reduces the time needed to learn the material. Note that on Zoopark, you can find the best breeders in Russia, where announcements about the sale of puppies and care recommendations for hunting dogs are published. Reliable breeders listed on Zoopark offer healthy puppies with documentation and pedigree.

How to Choose a Puppy

When choosing a French Spaniel puppy, it’s important to pay special attention not only to the process of selection but also to future care and upbringing.

1. Finding a Breeder.

Despite the breed’s popularity, ads for puppies at bird markets are not a safe place to buy a puppy. There is too high a risk of acquiring an unhealthy animal or a mixed breed. Make sure that the breeder has a good reputation and cares about the living conditions and training of their dogs.

2. Health of the Parents.

Getting a puppy from healthy parents with a good pedigree reduces the risk of hereditary diseases. You can find many reliable websites online where experienced breeders post information about available puppies. Zoonika offers the best selection of kennels in Russia. Check also for ads about puppies of other breeds available on our site.

3. Personal Meeting.It’s important to meet the breeder and visit the place where the dogs are kept to ensure the conditions in which the puppies live.4. Getting to Know the Puppies.Take time to interact with the puppies. Pay attention to their behavior and character. This will help you choose the most suitable animal for you.5. Health and Breed Standards.Check their health and vaccination records in the veterinary passport.When choosing a French Spaniel puppy, it’s important to consider all of the above factors. Ensure that the animal suits you in terms of character, activity level, and health, and that you have enough time and financial resources to provide it with good care, training, and an active life. Zoonika is the best place to choose from many listings.

Health and Diseases

There is no breed that is completely free of health problems. Like any living organism, the French spaniel can become ill. However, if we generalize, it can be confidently noted that the Canadian setter has a strong immune system.

If pet owners follow veterinarians’ recommendations regarding vaccinations and parasite treatments, only a few illnesses that are more common among these dogs can be noted.

Therefore, digestive organ disorders are among the most frequent issues. The functioning of the gastrointestinal tract can be successfully adjusted with diet and medications. However, it is better to initially reduce such risks by selecting the appropriate diet with the help of a pet nutritionist.

Hip dysplasia is detected through screening. But if this has not been conducted, a dog’s life can still be preserved through medications, although with some limitations on physical activity.

Ear infections arise due to owners’ negligence in not removing excess water from the inner parts of the spaniel’s drooping ears. They are more common in working dogs that participate in hunting during the autumn.

Obesity results from improper nutrition and lifestyle. Dogs that lead a sedentary life quickly gain weight and lose activity, leading to other complications. Thinking about it? There’s a wide selection of listings on the Zounika map by city.