French Spaniel 

     

           

      

   Description

The head of the French Spaniel is held proudly, well sculptured, unburdened, without excessive sparseness, but presenting the characteristics of the breed. Head is of average length and size. The skull has a length of 1 ½ to 2 inches more than the forehead. The lateral faces of the skull appear almost parallel. The head is of medium length and width. Well-chiseled, but not excessively. Pronounced brow bones, and a sloping stop. Slightly domed nose-bridge a bit shorter than the skull. Upper lip does not cover lower lip. The brown nose is wide with good nostrils, Bite is either level as scissors. Upper lips must not cover the lower lips. The eyes are fairly large, oval dark amber with an intelligent and gentle expression. Ears are set well back and in line with the yes. Long and feathering at the top. The neck is muscular, signally arched, oval shaped of medium length. Withers are pronounced and large. Back is slightly sloping. Sustained and hard in action. Loins are large, of medium length, and well muscled. Thighs (croup) are large and muscular, well Rounded, without apparent bone structure. Chest is bursting with large capacity, high, good depth. The tail is full length, not docked, set low, tapering, held slantwise curves. The skin is flexible and close to the body. The coat is dense, close, and water resistant and has feathering along the back of the legs, belly, tail, and ears. Flat and short on the head. Coat color is white with liver markings. Markings are irregular and can be small or dominating. Speckling is acceptable. Some faults according to the written standard for this breed are; Head too short or wide, clear eyes, tail off center. Other colors except white and liver. Solid liver colored or solid white body. Solid white Head. Little or no feathering. Ears too small or set to high.

 
Origin The French Spaniel is related to the German Small Munsterlander and Dutch Partridge Dog, and like all of the spaniels who became the first pointers, the French Spaniel is a distant descendant of the longhaired Chien d'Oysel (setter), a dog of the middle ages. The breed was windel used as a game bird hunter in the 1600's. Its numbers dwindled due to the competition with English breeds, however in the nineteenth century, it was revived by Father Fournier. In 1891 the first standard was written by a man named J. de Connick. The standard described the breed as larger and more powerful than the Brittany Spaniel. The breed is still very rare, even in France. 

  

 

Temperament Calm, even-tempered and intelligent, French Spaniels become very attached to their owners. They do not like to be left alone. They are gentle with children, making great pets. Rustic looking, relatively tall and powerfully built. The French Spaniel trains well but are easily intimidated, training should be gentle, firm and consistent. They need human companionship and lots of exercise. Known and appreciated for their hunting skills, the French Spaniel work very well on rugged terrain and in the water as a flusher. French Spaniels are one of the best retrievers and point very precisely. Hunting at a gallop or extended trot, the French Spaniel has an excellent nose, but has less speed and a more limited search range than the Brittany Spaniel. They are enthusiastic hunting dogs, persistent, hardy and courageous. This breed gets along with with other dogs.

 

Height  Weight   Height: Males - 22 - 24 inches (55 - 61 cm.) at the withers
Height: Females - 21 - 23 inches (54 - 59 cm.) at the withers
Weight: 44 - 55 pounds (20-25 kg.)

 

Living Conditions The French Spaniel is not recommended for apartment life. They are very active indoors and will do best with acreage. This breed is resistant to cold and damp conditions.

 

Exercise   French Spaniel's love exercise and have great stamina. They need daily extensive exercise, including a walk or jog and do best with an active outdoor person or hunter.

 

Grooming  Regular brushing twice a week of the medium-length, flat coat is really all that is needed to keep it in good condition. Bathe or dry shampoo when necessary. It is generally a low maintenance dog. Check the ears carefully, especially when the dog has been out in rough or brushy terrain. This breed is a light shedder.

 

Faults    Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

Note **  Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles  fully descended into the scrtum.

 

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