French Spaniel

The Spaniel breed of dog has many sub-types; one of them is the French Spaniel. Known as the Epagneul Francais in French, its best known abilities are directing and reclaiming. It developed in the nation of France for the purpose of being an outdoors dog. It is recognized as Spaniel Type 1.2, under Group 7, Section 1, Continental Pointing Dogs, by the Federation Cynologique Internationale. The federation also says that this breed is related to the Drentsche Patrijshond, and the Small Musterlander. It is found sporadically outside France.

The breed has been used for hunting purpose since the 14th century. Used widely for a form of hunting called net hunting, the hunter could easily throw a net over the dog, as it would point in a low, extended, ‘setting’ manner. The breed would have been extinct in the 19th century, had it not been for a French priest, who gathered in his kennel all the remaining dogs of the breed, and began building pedigrees of dogs that exist till date.

The French Spaniel is said to be an outcome of this. The Brittany Spaniel is also speculated to be the offshoot of breeding between the French Spaniel and the English Setter. Relatively unknown outside its native France, the dog was initiated in Quebec, a Canadian Province, in the ‘70’s. It soon gained prominence as a dog to be used for hunting grouse and woodcock. To ensure that the French Spaniel continues to be at par with breed standards, the Canadians formed a breed club. The French Spaniel received the ‘Canadian Kennel Club’ recognition in 1985. Known to be one of the tallest Spaniel breeds, a male French Spaniel can have a height between 21-24 inches (53-61 cm), and the females vary between the same or an inch lesser. They can fluctuate between 45-60 pounds (20-27 kg) in weight.

The breed’s coat is average, thick, and has long plumes on the tail, ears, and the backs of the legs. It is generally flattened, but is slightly wavy in the chest area. It usually has a standard color of white with brown spots. The uniqueness of the coat is that it adapts according to climatic changes. The dog is of the attention seeking sort, one who will do anything to make its owner happy. Strict owners are not meant for this breed. If treated well, and taught repeatedly, it responds well.

Overtly enthusiastic at first, French Spaniels are very energetic and lively when young, and need open spaces to run about in. But they tone down and become more loving by disposition as they grow up. Then, they make for good family pets. They are multitalented and resourceful in the true senses. As hunting dogs, they perform best in forest areas. They can instinctively chase, direct and recover game birds in water bodies or on land. The dog’s pace is simple, lithe, and enthusiastic. While choosing a dog of this breed, one needs to be careful of selecting the breeder, and one should also make sure hat the puppy’s lineage has all the required health clearances, and be free of all serious genetic diseases.