French Spaniels are medium-sized sporting dogs that originated in Canada and France where it was commonly used to hunt various types of game birds. This is the tallest spaniel breed and is known by various names including the French Spaniel, Canadian Setter, French Setter and the Epagneul Francais. French Spaniels have been in existence since the 1600s, at which time they were commonly used as bird dogs in France and parts of Canada. They are thought to be related to various other bird dogs including the Dutch Partridge Dog, German Munsterlander and the Long-haired Chien d'Oysel.
The French Spaniel is one of the tallest spaniels with an athletic body and strong legs. Their chests are deep. The French Spaniel's muzzle is broad and, like all Spaniels, they have large, pendant ears that are covered in fur. Their coats are usually white with brown markings but may vary in color. Their coats are medium-length and either flat or wavy. These dogs need to be brushed regularly to prevent hair from tangling or matting. Adult French Spaniels can weigh anywhere between 44 and 60 pounds. These dogs have medium-length, silky hair that is longer on the ears, chest, back of the forelegs and tail. Most French Spaniels are white with liver markings; however, some have been known to have cinnamon-colored or brown markings rather than liver. The muzzle of the French Spaniel should be square-shaped with a liver-colored or light brown nose. The floppy ears are rounded, covered with wavy hair and hang to just above the shoulder blades. The eyes should be oval-shaped and amber-colored. The tail is typically left long and is heavily feathered.
Personality
The French Spaniel is friendly and outgoing dog breed. They are extremely sociable and happiest when around people. They are very good with kids and are excellent playmates. French Spaniels are very active and need lots of daily exercise in the form of long walks, runs or games to stay happy. They are eager to please and therefore easy to train. If they don't get enough exercise they may become bored or destructive. French Spaniels are usually friendly towards other pets and people they don't know. French Spaniels are mild-mannered, intelligent dogs that enjoy spending time with their owners. They are very gentle and patient making them great pets for families with kids. However, because of their strong hunting instincts, they are not recommended for households that have cats, rodents, birds or rabbits. If you are looking for a dog that can keep up with your active lifestyle yet is gentle enough for kids, a French Spaniel may be the perfect dog for you. These dogs love to play games with their owners and are sturdy enough to withstand the rough play of children. However, if you choose one of these dogs, you will want to make sure that you can provide it with plenty of room to run and play.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 10 - 12 years |
| Nicknames: | Canadian Setter, French Setter, Epagneul Francais |
French Spaniel Build Information
The French Spaniel is one of the tallest spaniels with an athletic body and strong legs. Their chests are deep. The French Spaniel's muzzle is broad and, like all Spaniels, they have large, pendant ears that are covered in fur. Their coats are usually white with brown markings but may vary in color. Their coats are medium-length and either flat or wavy. These dogs need to be brushed regularly to prevent hair from tangling or matting. Adult French Spaniels can weigh anywhere between 44 and 60 pounds. These dogs have medium-length, silky hair that is longer on the ears, chest, back of the forelegs and tail. Most French Spaniels are white with liver markings; however, some have been known to have cinnamon-colored or brown markings rather than liver. The muzzle of the French Spaniel should be square-shaped with a liver-colored or light brown nose. The floppy ears are rounded, covered with wavy hair and hang to just above the shoulder blades. The eyes should be oval-shaped and amber-colored. The tail is typically left long and is heavily feathered.
| Size: | Medium |
Behaviour and Personality
The French Spaniel is friendly and outgoing dog breed. They are extremely sociable and happiest when around people. They are very good with kids and are excellent playmates. French Spaniels are very active and need lots of daily exercise in the form of long walks, runs or games to stay happy. They are eager to please and therefore easy to train. If they don't get enough exercise they may become bored or destructive. French Spaniels are usually friendly towards other pets and people they don't know. French Spaniels are mild-mannered, intelligent dogs that enjoy spending time with their owners. They are very gentle and patient making them great pets for families with kids. However, because of their strong hunting instincts, they are not recommended for households that have cats, rodents, birds or rabbits. If you are looking for a dog that can keep up with your active lifestyle yet is gentle enough for kids, a French Spaniel may be the perfect dog for you. These dogs love to play games with their owners and are sturdy enough to withstand the rough play of children. However, if you choose one of these dogs, you will want to make sure that you can provide it with plenty of room to run and play.
| Activity Level: | Very Active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
While the French Spaniel does not shed much, you will still need to brush it at least once a day to prevent its hair from becoming tangled. Additionally, if you use your dog for hunting, be sure to check its hair for ticks and burrs when you get back home. You will also need to check its ears regularly for signs of infection and excess wax. If you need to clean your French Spaniel's ears, you can use the tip of a damp, clean rag to wipe the debris away. When it becomes necessary to clip your pet's nails, use a pliers-type nail clipper and trim only the tips of each nail taking extra care not to cut into the veins found inside of them.
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
French Spaniel Common Health Conditions
The average life span for a healthy French Spaniel is about 10 to 12 years or longer. Although this is typically a robust dog that suffers from little to no serious health conditions, there are some health issues it may be susceptible to developing. You will find these issues listed here: Acral Mutilation Syndrome, Various Eye Problems, Separation Anxiety, Epilepsy and Hip Dysplasia.
French Spaniel Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
The French Spaniel is considered a rare breed, even in its native country of France. French Spaniels have a lot of stamina and need plenty of exercise. As such, they will not do well in small homes or apartments. These dogs do best when they have some type of "job" such as hunting, tracking, obedience, agility or flyball.
| Training: | Easy to train |