Dog Breeds - French Spaniel

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a breed tends to exhibit towards family members or close acquaintances can vary. Certain breeds may appear distant with everyone except their owners, whereas other breeds embrace everyone they are familiar with as if they were their closest companion.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The extent to which a breed demonstrates tolerance and patience towards children's behavior, as well as their overall family-friendly nature, can vary. It is essential to always supervise dogs when they are around young children or children of any age who have limited exposure to dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The overall sociability of a breed towards other dogs can vary. While it is important to always monitor and supervise interactions and introductions between dogs, some breeds tend to have a higher predisposition for getting along with other dogs, whether it's within the home or in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of fur and hair that a breed is prone to shedding can significantly differ. Breeds that shed heavily will require more frequent brushing may be more likely to trigger certain types of allergies and might necessitate consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling to keep the environment clean.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
The grooming needs of a breed can vary in terms of bathing frequency, brushing requirements, trimming and other types of coat maintenance. It is crucial to consider the amount of time, patience and budget you can allocate for such care when assessing the grooming effort required. However, it's important to note that all breeds necessitate regular nail trimming.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
The tendency for a breed to drool can vary. If you prioritize cleanliness and neatness, dogs that tend to leave trails of slobber on your arm or create big wet spots on your clothes may not be the most suitable choice for you.
COAT TYPE +
Smooth
COAT LENGTH +
Medium

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
The extent to which a breed is welcoming towards strangers can differ. Certain breeds may exhibit reserved or cautious behavior around all strangers regardless of the setting, whereas other breeds will eagerly greet new humans whenever they encounter one.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The level of enthusiasm a breed exhibits towards play even beyond the age of puppyhood, can vary. Certain breeds will continue to enjoy games like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years, while others will be content to spend most of their time relaxing on the couch with you.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
Certain breeds are more prone to alerting you of the presence of strangers. They are likely to react to any potential threat, whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. However, these breeds have a tendency to warm up to strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
The adaptability of a breed to handle change can vary. This encompasses changes in living conditions, noise levels, weather conditions, daily routines and other variations that occur in day-to-day life.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The ease of training and the willingness of a dog to learn new things can differ between breeds. Some breeds have a strong desire to please their owner and are highly trainable, while others may have a more independent streak and prefer to do what they want, when they want and wherever they want!
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The amount of exercise and mental stimulation needed by a breed can vary. High-energy breeds are typically ready for physical activities and eagerly seek their next adventures. They enjoy running, jumping, and playing throughout the day. On the other hand, low-energy breeds are content with a more relaxed lifestyle and tend to enjoy lounging around and snoozing. It's important to match the exercise and mental stimulation requirements of a breed with your own lifestyle and activity level.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The tendency for a breed to vocalize, whether through barks or howls can vary. Certain breeds may bark at every passer-by or even at birds in the window, while others may only bark in specific situations. It's worth noting that even barkless breeds can still be vocal by using other sounds to express themselves.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
The amount of mental stimulation required by a breed to stay happy and healthy can vary. Purpose-bred dogs, with jobs that involve decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other qualities, tend to require ample mental exercise. Without adequate mental stimulation, these dogs may create their own projects to keep their minds busy. However, these projects may not always align with what their owners would prefer. Providing appropriate mental stimulation is important to prevent behavioral issues and ensure the well-being of the dog.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The level of affection a breed tends to exhibit towards family members or close acquaintances can vary. Certain breeds may appear distant with everyone except their owners, whereas other breeds embrace everyone they are familiar with as if they were their closest companion.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

The extent to which a breed demonstrates tolerance and patience towards children's behavior, as well as their overall family-friendly nature, can vary. It is essential to always supervise dogs when they are around young children or children of any age who have limited exposure to dogs.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

The overall sociability of a breed towards other dogs can vary. While it is important to always monitor and supervise interactions and introductions between dogs, some breeds tend to have a higher predisposition for getting along with other dogs, whether it's within the home or in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of fur and hair that a breed is prone to shedding can significantly differ. Breeds that shed heavily will require more frequent brushing may be more likely to trigger certain types of allergies and might necessitate consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling to keep the environment clean.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

The grooming needs of a breed can vary in terms of bathing frequency, brushing requirements, trimming and other types of coat maintenance. It is crucial to consider the amount of time, patience and budget you can allocate for such care when assessing the grooming effort required. However, it's important to note that all breeds necessitate regular nail trimming.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

The tendency for a breed to drool can vary. If you prioritize cleanliness and neatness, dogs that tend to leave trails of slobber on your arm or create big wet spots on your clothes may not be the most suitable choice for you.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Smooth

COAT SPECTRUM

Medium

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

The extent to which a breed is welcoming towards strangers can differ. Certain breeds may exhibit reserved or cautious behavior around all strangers regardless of the setting, whereas other breeds will eagerly greet new humans whenever they encounter one.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

The level of enthusiasm a breed exhibits towards play even beyond the age of puppyhood, can vary. Certain breeds will continue to enjoy games like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years, while others will be content to spend most of their time relaxing on the couch with you.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

Certain breeds are more prone to alerting you of the presence of strangers. They are likely to react to any potential threat, whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. However, these breeds have a tendency to warm up to strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

The adaptability of a breed to handle change can vary. This encompasses changes in living conditions, noise levels, weather conditions, daily routines and other variations that occur in day-to-day life.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

The ease of training and the willingness of a dog to learn new things can differ between breeds. Some breeds have a strong desire to please their owner and are highly trainable, while others may have a more independent streak and prefer to do what they want, when they want and wherever they want!

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

The amount of exercise and mental stimulation needed by a breed can vary. High-energy breeds are typically ready for physical activities and eagerly seek their next adventures. They enjoy running, jumping, and playing throughout the day. On the other hand, low-energy breeds are content with a more relaxed lifestyle and tend to enjoy lounging around and snoozing. It's important to match the exercise and mental stimulation requirements of a breed with your own lifestyle and activity level.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Medium

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

The amount of mental stimulation required by a breed to stay happy and healthy can vary. Purpose-bred dogs, with jobs that involve decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other qualities, tend to require ample mental exercise. Without adequate mental stimulation, these dogs may create their own projects to keep their minds busy. However, these projects may not always align with what their owners would prefer. Providing appropriate mental stimulation is important to prevent behavioral issues and ensure the well-being of the dog.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
White & Brown	204
Brown	061

PATTERNS

Description	Registration Code
Roan	036
Spotted Or Patched	106

About The Breed

The French Spaniel is described as a balanced, frank, gentle, calm and docile breed. It excels as a hunting dog, showing enthusiasm while remaining sociable with other dogs. This breed is known for being an ideal companion in various situations. With excellent pointing skills and a knack for retrieving, the French Spaniel is versatile in its hunting abilities. The breed is medium-sized, exhibiting an elegant and well-muscled physique with balanced proportions. Highly intelligent and willing to work hard, the French Spaniel is easy to train.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A FRENCH SPANIEL

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your French Spaniel: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	Indeed, while some dogs may encounter health challenges throughout their lives, the majority of French Spaniels are generally healthy. By working with a responsible breeder prospective owners can obtain valuable education regarding specific health concerns within the breed. Responsible breeders focus on breeding dogs with good overall health and conduct health screenings to minimize the risk of hereditary diseases. It is always recommended to discuss health-related matters with the breeder and seek any necessary information to ensure the well-being of the dog. Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association:

Grooming

	Maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of your French Spaniel generally involves regular weekly grooming and occasional baths. Grooming not only keeps them clean but also provides an opportunity for bonding between you and your pet. It is important to trim their strong and fast-growing nails regularly using a nail clipper or grinder to prevent overgrowth, splitting or cracking. Checking their ears on a regular basis is crucial to avoid wax and debris buildup, which can lead to infections. Additionally, it is recommended to brush their teeth regularly to promote good oral hygiene. Following these grooming practices will help keep your French Spaniel healthy and looking their best.

Exercise

	Exercise There are various options available to provide exercise for a French Spaniel. These include playtime in a fenced backyard, multiple daily walks and indoor activities such as hide-and-seek or playing with a ball rolled along the floor. Engaging in outdoor activities like swimming, hiking or retrieving balls and flying discs can be excellent ways to help the dog expend energy. Even in apartment settings, short walks in hallways can provide exercise particularly in inclement weather. Additionally, training for dog sports such as agility, obedience and rally can offer a great combination of physical and mental exercise for the French Spaniel.

Training

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Nutrition

	Feeding your French Spaniel a diet that meets their specific digestive needs is important for their overall health. Many dog food companies offer breed-specific formulas designed for small, medium, large and extra-large breeds. As the French Spaniel is a medium-sized breed, you can choose a formula tailored to their size. Determining the frequency of meals and the best adult diet for your French Spaniel to promote longevity is best done in consultation with your veterinarian and breeder. They can provide personalized recommendations based on the specific needs of your dog. Remember to always provide clean and fresh water for your French Spaniel, ensuring it is available to them at all times.

Historiography

The French Spaniel, also known as Epagneul Français has a rich history dating back to the 14th century in France. Originally developed as a hunting dog, it gained popularity among royalty during the middle Ages. However, by the early 20th century, the breed faced near-extinction. Fortunately, the efforts of Father Fournier, a French priest played a vital role in saving the breed.

The French Spaniel is one of the largest breeds of Spaniels and its lineage can be traced back to the bird dogs described by Gaston Febus. The breed's ancestors likely contributed to the development of various sporting Spaniel varieties. Over time, through selective breeding, the French Spaniel evolved into an elegant and athletic dog with a firm pointing instinct excelling in working trials.

The breed's first standard was established in 1891 by James de Connick and it has undergone revisions to adapt to the evolving characteristics and needs of the breed. The French Spaniel was later imported into Canada in the mid-1970s and made its way to the United States around 1997.