Pont Audemer Spaniel

ATTRIBUTES: Affectionate, Gentle, Fun-loving

GROUP: Foundation Stock Service

ACIVITY LEVEL: Regular Exercise

BARKING LEVEL: Infrequent

COAT TYPE:

COAT LENGTH: Medium

SHADDING: Occasional

SIZE: Medium

TRAINABILITY: Easy Training

CHARACTERISTIC: Best Dog Breeds For Kids, Best Family Dogs, Medium Dog Breeds

Breed Overview

Ancestry Icon
Ancestry

Picardy Spaniel, Barbet, Poodle, Irish Water Spani

Origin Icon
Origin

France

Registration Icon
Registration

1996

Ancestry Icon
Size

20 - 23 Inches

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Weight

38 - 48 Males lbs

33 - 40 Females lbs

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Expected Life

12 - 14 Years

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY +
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
LOVE WITH CHILDREN +
Unwise
Good With Children
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS +
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
+
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
+
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
+
COAT TYPE
+
COAT LENGTH
+
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
+
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
+
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
+
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
+
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
+
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
+
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
+
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Loaf
Needs an Activity
+
COLORS
+
PATTERNS
+
CARING WITH FAMILY
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a breed exhibits towards family members and familiar individuals plays a vital role in understanding its nature. While some breeds may portray a reserved attitude towards everyone except their owner, other breeds enthusiastically embrace everyone they are acquainted with, treating them as their closest confidant.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN
Unwise
Good With Children
The tolerance and patience a breed exhibits towards children's behavior, as well as its overall family-friendly nature, should be thoroughly evaluated. It is important to always supervise dogs when they are around young children or children of any age who have limited experience with dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
The overall friendliness of a breed towards other dogs should always be taken into consideration. It is crucial to supervise and carefully introduce dogs to one another, regardless of their breed. However, certain breeds tend to have a natural propensity for getting along with other dogs both in domestic settings and in public environments.
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
Considering the amount of fur and hair a breed is prone to shedding is crucial. Breeds that shed heavily will require more frequent brushing, have a higher chance of triggering specific allergies and will necessitate more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling efforts.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
The grooming needs of a breed, including bathing, brushing, trimming and other forms of coat maintenance, should be taken into account. It is important to consider the time, patience and budget you have available for such care. Additionally, all breeds require regular nail trimming.
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
The tendency of a breed to drool should be considered. If you prioritize cleanliness, breeds that have a propensity for leaving drool strands on your arm or large wet spots on your clothes may not be the most suitable choice for you.
COAT STYLES GUIDE
COAT SPECTRUM
Medium
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
The level of welcoming behavior a breed displays towards strangers is a significant factor to consider. Certain breeds may exhibit reserved or cautious behavior around unfamiliar individuals in any setting, whereas other breeds are generally enthusiastic and eager to meet new people whenever the opportunity arises.
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
The level of enthusiasm a breed exhibits towards play, even beyond puppyhood, is an important consideration. Some breeds will continue to enjoy playing tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years, while others will be content spending most of their time relaxing on the couch with you. Understanding a breed's playfulness tendencies helps in selecting a companion that aligns with your own activity preferences.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
The inclination of a breed to alert you when strangers are present should not be overlooked. These breeds are more likely to react to any perceived threat, be it the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. Moreover, these breeds tend to become more welcoming 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 should be taken into account. This encompasses various factors such as changes in living conditions, noise levels, weather conditions, daily schedules and other variations in day-to-day life. Some breeds are better equipped to handle and adjust to these changes with ease, while others may find them more challenging. Understanding a breed's adaptability can help ensure a harmonious and stress-free environment for both the dog and its human companions.
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
The ease of training and a dog's willingness to learn new things are crucial considerations. Certain breeds are naturally inclined to make their owners proud and are eager to learn, while others may have a more independent nature preferring to do things on their own terms and at their own pace. Understanding a breed's trainability and disposition towards learning can greatly influence the training approach and overall success in teaching desired behaviors.
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
The amount of exercise and mental stimulation a breed requires should be considered. High-energy breeds tend to be constantly active, always ready for the next adventure, engaging in activities such as running, jumping and playing throughout the day. On the other hand, low-energy breeds are more inclined to be relaxed and content spending their time lounging and snoozing. Understanding a breed's exercise and mental stimulation needs is crucial in providing them with a suitable lifestyle that meets their energy requirements.
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
Infrequent
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Happy to Lounge
Needs a Job or Activity
The mental stimulation needs of a breed are vital for their overall happiness and well-being. Purpose-bred dogs, in particular, may require tasks or jobs that involve decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other cognitive challenges. Without sufficient mental stimulation, these dogs may become bored and create their own activities, which might not align with the owner's preferences. Providing appropriate mental exercise and engaging activities for a breed can help prevent behavioral issues and promote a healthy and fulfilled life for the dog.
COLORS

Description

Registration Code

Brown & White

063

PATTERNS

Description

Registration Code

Patched & Ticked

068

About The Breed

The Pont-Audemer Spaniel is indeed a unique and intelligent breed known for its hunting abilities and its distinctive appearance. With its curly crest and long, wavy ears, this medium-sized dog stands out and showcases its individuality. The breed is courageous and adaptable to different terrains making it suitable for hunting in various environments, including marshes and dense thickets.

As a hunting dog, the Pont-Audemer Spaniel possesses the Spaniel traits of being gentle, affectionate and easy to train. It demonstrates a strong work ethic and is well-suited for tasks such as water retrieval, pointing, flushing and tracking. The breed's dense fur enables it to withstand cold temperatures and stay comfortable while navigating water.

The Pont-Audemer Spaniel's combination of hardiness, devotion, intelligence and hunting skills make it a reliable companion for hunters and an excellent member of the sporting dog group. 

What to Expect When Caring for A PONT-AUDEMER SPANIEL

Owning a dog is indeed a significant responsibility that extends far beyond providing the basic necessities of food and shelter. Dogs as sentient beings require a comprehensive level of care that encompasses physical health emotional well-being, and mental stimulation.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Pont Audemer 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

Health

+

Null

Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club:

  • Hip Evaluation

  • Elbow Evaluation

Health

Grooming

+
Regularly brush their coat on a weekly basis making sure to examine the ears for any tangles. By keeping the coat and skin clean, you ensure their optimal health, while the curls maintain their crispness without excessive shampooing. Additionally, remember to trim their nails every week. Lastly, don't forget to check and cleanse their ears weekly, especially after engaging in field work.
Health

Exercise

+
Daily exercise is essential for these dogs and it can be fulfilled through a range of activities. They possess impressive learning abilities and greatly enjoy engaging with their family members. However, they also find immense happiness in cuddling with their loved ones. To prevent them from chasing captivating scents with their keen sense of smell, it is highly recommended to have a fully fenced yard, ensuring their safety.
Health

Training

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Pont-Audemer Spaniels are highly intelligent dogs blessed with sharp instincts. It is crucial to have a handler who comprehends and appreciates these qualities. Being natural bird dogs, their skills usually develop with minimal training, as they simply require exposure to game. For optimal results, it is recommended to introduce them to birds and shooting at a young age. They possess a sensible and cautious nature. In addition to their remarkable instincts, Pont-Audemer Spaniels are quick and agile displaying light-footedness in their movements. This breed has the potential to excel in various dog sports with numerous arenas available to showcase their talents.
Health

Nutrition

+
To ensure the overall well-being of the dog, it is essential to provide a well-balanced diet that is suitable for their specific age and activity level. This means tailoring their nutrition to meet their individual needs, considering factors such as growth, maintenance or higher energy requirements. A diet that aligns with their age and activity helps to promote optimal health and support their overall vitality.

Historiography

During the 19th century in Pont-Audemer, France, the Pont-Audemer Spaniels were developed using Setters and Pointers brought over by English sportsmen. However, the distinctive appearance and hunting style of the breed can be attributed to the inclusion of English and Irish Water Spaniels in their creation. The marshes surrounding Pont-Audemer provided the ideal environment for these dogs to hunt waterfowl, as well as upland game in the fields.

Unfortunately, in the 1880s, the Pont-Audemer Spaniel population faced a decline due to various reasons and struggled to maintain their numbers. In order to address this, the French cynologist James De Connick committed himself to improving both the quality and quantity of Pontos through selective breeding including crossings with ancestral breeds like the Irish Water Spaniel. However, like many French breeds, the Pont-Audemer Spaniels faced near extinction during the two World Wars.

By 1980, the Pont-Audemer Spaniel population had diminished to the point where there were insufficient numbers of puppies being born for the Pont-Audemer Club to maintain its status with the French kennel club. Consequently, the breed was incorporated into the Picardy Spaniel club in Europe, where it continues to be recognized and preserved today.

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