A purebred dog found in both France and Canada, the French Spaniel is a member of the spaniel family. Some of the best attributes in a dog are their sociability, intelligence, and gentleness, all of which are exhibited by these canines.
Epagneul Francais, French Setter, and Canadian Setter are just a few of the names by which the French Spaniel is known.
For the physically active, these stunning dogs are the perfect companions. They need room to roam and burn off energy, making them unsuitable for apartment life. They make fantastic pets for families of various sizes and compositions, especially those with young children. This breed may be perfect for you if you're looking for a lively canine companion. Learn about the characteristics and background of French Spaniels in the list shown below.
Highlights
- The French Spaniel often has a coat that is brown and white, with the brown ranging in hue from cinnamon to dark liver. A dog's markings are erratic and can be subtle or striking. Some of them have a body color that is either completely white or completely liver. Some people can have completely white heads.
- The French Spaniel can tolerate wet weather because their coat is water-resistant to some extent. It has not been established that they are allergy-free.
- Though the French Spaniel had royal favor during the Middle Ages, the breed was nearly wiped off by the turn of the twentieth century. It was a French priest named Father Fournier who ultimately rescued this breed in the nineteenth century. The French Spaniel is now an extremely rare dog, even in its native France.
- They tend to be sociable with newcomers unless they feel threatened, in which case they may bark. Aside from that, they tend to keep to themselves.
- Care must be taken when handling a French Spaniel around children to prevent injury. However, the French Spaniel may be a wonderful, energetic companion for smaller children who learn early how to approach and play with dogs.
Characteristics
Social Appearance
Adaptability
It's a common misconception that a little dog is better suited to living in a limited space. Many tiny dogs have too much energy and are too yappy to live in an apartment building. An apartment dog's best attributes include being quiet, low energy, somewhat peaceful indoors, and respectful to the other inhabitants. Your dog's personal space in your apartment can be improved by purchasing one of these fantastic dog cages.
Sensitivity Level
Depending on the dog, a strong rebuke can be taken in stride by some, while others regard even the tiniest hint of disapproval as a personal attack. If you have a loud or pushy owner, a chaotic home, or a routine that is unpredictable or variable, your low-sensitivity dog, often known as "easy-going," "tolerant," "resilient," or even "thick-skinned," will be able to handle it better. Do you have young children, host a lot of parties, or have a hectic lifestyle? Choose a dog that isn't overly sensitive.
Intensity
You can't tell from looking at them whether or not they're hyperactive, but when they do anything, they do it vigorously. They tug at their leashes (unless you teach them not to), they push their way through barriers, and they down their meals in huge, gobbling gulps. A home with young children or an elderly or feeble person may not be the best place for these dynamos to learn proper etiquette. On the other side, a dog with poor vitality adopts a more reserved demeanor.
Potential for Playfulness
The playful nature of certain dogs never fades away, and they're always ready for a game, whereas the reserved and serious tendencies of other dogs develop through time. Think about how many times a day you want to play fetch or tag with your dog, and whether or not you have children or other dogs who can act as substitutes.
Personality Appearance
Intelligence
In the same way as working dogs, such as those that herd sheep, are bred for intelligence and decision-making, working dogs like those who run all day need to exercise their bodies. The two most common activities that a bored pet engages in are digging and chewing, both of which require mental stimulation. There are several ways to keep a dog's brain active, including obedience training, interactive dog toys like tug of war, and dog sports like agility and search and rescue.
Energy Level
Energy-draining dogs are always on the lookout for a new activity. There are several jobs that require a lot of stamina from dogs, such as herding livestock or recovering prey for hunters. Children are more likely to engage in activities such as jumping, playing and exploring new sights and smells as a result of this change in their environment
A low-energy dog is more like a couch potato than a dog that needs a lot of exercise. Think about your level of physical activity and whether or not you find a hyperactive dog irritating before making your final choice.
Easy To Train
Easy to train dogs can more easily form associations between a cue (like "sit"), an action (like sitting), and a reward than dogs that are more difficult to train. Dogs that require more time, patience, and repetition are more difficult to train.
Getting your dog interested in training will require incentives and games because many breeds are intelligent but have a "What's in it for me?" mentality when it comes to learning new things.
Family Affection Level
Affectionate With Family
Since puppyhood, some breeds remain aloof and independent; others form deep bonds with one individual but are uninterested in the rest of the family; still other types shower their entire family with affection. Canines raised in homes with people tend to be more open to human interaction and develop stronger ties, regardless of their breed or upbringing.
Kid-Friendly
Kids-friendly dogs are calm, strong enough to bear the hefty hugs and pets kids can dish out, and have an unfazed attitude about rushing, scream-inducing children. There are several names you may not expect to see on the list: Fierce-looking Both Boxers and American Staffordshire Terriers are regarded as family dogs (which are considered Pit Bulls). Chihuahuas, which are small, sensitive, and potentially sharp, are not always family-friendly.
Dog Friendly
Dog friendship and human friendship are two entirely different things. The fact that a dog is friendly with humans doesn't mean it's immune to aggression or aggression from other dogs; some canines choose to play rather than fight; others will just run away. The type of animal isn't the only consideration. Dogs who have spent a lot of time playing with their littermates and their mother at the age of six to eight weeks are more likely to be socially competent.
Physical Appearance
Amount of Shedding
Having a dog in the house means that you'll have to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothing and in the home. It's worth noting, however, that shedding varies widely among breeds. Some dogs shed all year long, while others ``blow" just during specific times of the year, and still others don't shed at all. If you're a stickler for cleanliness, you'll need to choose a breed that sheds less or lower your expectations. You can use a deshedding tool to keep your house a little cleaner.
Drooling Potential
While greeting you, some dogs may cover their arms with ropes of drool and create large, wet patches on your clothing. If you don't mind a little drool, go for it; but if you're a stickler for cleanliness, you may want to look for a dog with a low drool rating.
Easy To Groom
Some breeds of dogs can simply be brushed and left alone, while others require frequent washing, trimming, and other grooming in order to maintain their health and appearance. If you don't have the time or money to take care of a dog that requires a lot of grooming, you may want to look into hiring a professional.
Exercise Needs
Evening walks around the neighborhood are perfectly acceptable for some breeds. Others, particularly those trained for physically demanding vocations like herding or hunting, require regular, rigorous exercise.
They can gain weight and release their pent-up energy in ways you don't like, including barking, chewing, and digging, if not given enough exercise. Those looking to train their dog for an energetic canine activity, such as agility, should consider getting a dog that needs a lot of exercise.
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed
Height:
21 to 24 inches.
Weight:
45 to 60 pounds.
Life Span:
10 to 12 years.
History
Like the English Springer Spaniel and Cocker Spaniel, the French Spaniel probably descended from Spanish and Portuguese hunting dogs in the Middle Ages. It has been suggested, however, that French Spaniels originated in France in the 14th century, where they were bred specifically for hunting.
Though the French Spaniel had royal favor during the Middle Ages, the breed was nearly wiped off by the turn of the twentieth century. It was a French priest named Father Fournier who ultimately rescued this breed in the nineteenth century. James de Connick wrote the first standard in 1891, and it has been updated numerous times since then. The French Breed was first brought to Canada in the 1970s, and later to the United States in the 1990s. They are so uncommon that they are considered a rarity in France.
The French Spaniel was officially recognised by the United Kennel Club in 1996. The American Kennel Club also recognises them as a member of its Foundation Stock Service. Some of them wind up in shelters or with rescue organizations, despite being a rather rare breed. If you've decided that this is the breed for you, you should really think about adopting.
It's important to find homes for French Spaniels, therefore it's worth it to check with local shelters and rescue groups.
Personality and Temperament
As a breed, French Spaniels are known for their placid demeanor and kind demeanor around kids. It gets along splendidly with both other dogs and people. The friendly temperament that makes it so attractive to its owners also makes it one of the worst guard dog choices.
Its hunting instincts mean it will create a particularly close attachment with one member of the family, whom it will do anything to please due to its natural pointing and retrieving ability. Aside from the affection it has for its human family, this dog also has lots of time and respect for the other members of the household.
Care
As a whole, French Spaniels are an easy-going breed. When caring for a French Spaniel, there are a few things you should be mindful of. The French Spaniel does poorly in hot, exposed environments. The French Spaniel should be kept indoors throughout the summer. Its ears are another area of concern. You should clean them twice a week at the very least. To disinfect its ears, use a cotton swab dipped in sterile solution. Last but not least, it needs a great deal of care and affection to thrive in the real world.
Health
The breed as a whole has a very low incidence of disease, and this is true despite the fact that it has come back from the brink of extinction in the last century. Certain diseases have been observed in French Spaniels with some regularity, much as how certain health issues seem to run in families.
Acral Mutilation & Analgesia
The German Shorthaired Pointer and the English Springer Spaniel are not the only breeds to suffer from this unpleasant illness. The affected dogs severely self-mutilate by licking, chewing, and biting, and the underlying cause appears to be a loss of sensation in the lower limbs.
Thirteen occurrences in Canada have been documented when dogs caused themselves fatal injuries. It strikes infants between the ages of three and twelve months, and there is currently no cure.
Epilepsy
This seems to run in particular families of spaniels and affects a wide variety of breeds. Seizures, loss of consciousness, and involuntary tics can all be early indicators, and they often appear between the ages of 6 months and 5 years. The disorder is treatable with anticonvulsants, although they should only be used if the epileptic attacks are particularly severe or frequent.
Entropion
A condition in which one or both eyelids drift inward, exposing the eye to irritation from the rubbing of lid hairs. If addressed, this can lead to pain, repeated infections, and perhaps blindness. The improper conformity can be corrected with a simple and highly effective surgical procedure that includes removing a wedge of tissue from the outer lid.
Hip Dysplasia
A developmental anomaly of the hip joints, it manifests itself in dogs between the ages of 5 and 12 months, and causes immobility, stiffness, and pain, especially after prolonged periods of lying down. While this is mostly a genetic illness, it can be prevented by feeding a high-quality dog food and not over-exercising a young, growing French Spaniel, especially in its first year.
Otitis Externa
Chronic ear infections in the French Spaniel may be caused by yeasts or bacteria. This is likely due to the tight proximity of its ears to its skull and the lack of ventilation that results. Prolonged infections are notoriously difficult to treat and are best avoided whenever possible. One of the most effective ways to achieve this goal is to establish a regular cleaning schedule, as will be shown below.
Recommended Health Test
- OFA
- CERF
- Neurological Testing
Nutrition
The high activity level of your French Spaniel means it needs a high-protein food for healthy muscles and stamina. You can choose appropriate fare by checking the label for the first ingredient and selecting brands that provide a protein like turkey, chicken, or fish. We also suggest selecting goods that have been enriched with healthy omega fats and avoiding ones that use chemical preservatives or artificial colors, which have been linked to a variety of health issues.
Grooming
Grooming your French Spaniel is simple; all he needs is a once-weekly brushing to get rid of mats and keep his coat looking nice. An annual or semiannual trip to the groomer is a popular choice for some owners. Also, as dental disease is an issue for dogs, it is recommended that you manually brush your French Spaniel's teeth as often as possible using a dog-safe toothpaste.
Exercises
The French Spaniel was bred to run for long periods of time on the hunt. Unless you're an avid runner or hiker, it can be difficult for just one person to give this dog enough exercise. We suggest devoting at least an hour a day to high-intensity games of fetch, frisbee, tug of war, and other such exercises. Family members, including children, can also be a great asset. Your dog will misbehave, bark, and gain weight if it doesn't get enough exercise, which can lead to serious health problems down the line.
Training
Because of its intelligence and want to please, training your French Spaniel won't be too much trouble. Your dog will be more prepared to learn if you hold brief training sessions at the same time every day. Your dog will be more concentrated and less interested in playing after a good workout. Always have a supply of treats on hand, and never be shy about lavishing your dog with praise when he performs what you want. You'll need patience, since even intelligent dogs can take a while to learn new tricks, and it may take several weeks for them to become fully memorized.
Children And Other Pets
Because of their mild demeanor and patience, French Spaniels get along well with kids of all ages. However, if not treated properly, French Spaniels might be hurt by boisterous kids. However, the French Spaniel may be a wonderful, energetic companion for smaller children who learn early how to approach and play with dogs.
The French Spaniel's placid and mild demeanor makes it a good fit for households with other pets, as well as for trips to the dog park. French Spaniels are warm and affectionate pets unless they perceive an immediate threat, at which point they will bark.
A French Spaniel's compatibility with other pets, including dogs and cats, depends on how well they've been socialized, how well they've been trained, and how lucky you got.
Puppies
French spaniels typically have litters that contain between three and seven young. In order to slow the puppy's growth and reduce the stress on his developing joints, a large-breed puppy formula should be offered to this breed. Training and socializing should begin at a young age for this breed.
Breeds Similar to French Spaniel
- Sprollie
- Silkyhuahua
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Aidi
- Harrier