French Spaniel Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the French Spaniel?

French Spaniel history is extensive; they were originally hunting dogs during the 14th century, being developed in both Canada and France. They were also popular with French royalty throughout the Middle Ages.

Worryingly, French Spaniels almost became extinct once we reached the turn of the 20th century. However, a French priest, Father Fournier, stopped this from happening, ensuring there were remaining French Spaniels so the breed could thrive today.

Who are French Spaniel dogs best for?

Part of the French Spaniel Club and United Kennel Club, the French Spaniel is an excellent family pet. It is a medium-sized dog, with just enough fur to be cuddly and soft. 

These dogs love to play and are energetic, so if you have children who can help your dog burn off some excess energy, great! However, they may be a bit too big if you have toddlers in your household.

You can trust these dogs while you’re not home as well, as they have great patience. 

If you already have dogs in your family, a French Spaniel should have no trouble fitting in, especially if socialised as a pup. They are happy to play and run with other dogs, and they get along with other animals too, such as cats. Your French Spaniel should not bark at your cat or chase it.

While this dog does have a friendly and outgoing personality, it will need vigorous exercise. As a hunting breed, they are created to run all day.

Unless you are an avid hiker or runner, it can be difficult for one person to exercise this dog breed. You will need to have at least one hour every day for dog sports and high-energy activities. This is why other family members can be a big help!

If you won't be able to give your dog the exercise it needs, consider a different breed. A French Spaniel that does not get sufficient exercise is more likely to bark, misbehave, and gain weight, which can cause multiple health problems later in life.

Finally, a French Spaniel is not a suitable dog if you are currently living in an apartment. A garden is a must.

How much grooming does a French Spaniel need?

This type of pure-breed dog will not be difficult to groom. Brushing is required once per week to keep your puppy looking neat and get rid of any tangles. 

You may want to take your fluffy friend to a professional groomer once every six months for trimming your French Spaniel's coat. 

It is also advisable to manually brush your French Spaniel’s teeth as often as you can with dog-safe toothpaste to slow down the progression of dental disease.

French Spaniels are heavy shedders, though, so do keep this in mind. We recommend having a small wireless vacuum handy for a quick everyday clean-up.

Do French Spaniel bark much?

These Spaniels can bark occasionally but they are not known to be excessive barkers. If you have noticed that your dog is barking a lot, it is vital to get to the bottom of this.

There are several reasons why your dog may be barking, including separation anxiety, attention-seeking, feeling lonely or tired, fear, or being protective. Understanding why your dog is barking is a necessity so you can take the right course of action.

Do French Spaniel bite?

French Spaniel dogs do have a strong tendency to playbite, chew, or nip people. It is a common habit throughout puppyhood, rather than being aggressive. These “bites” are not painful, yet you do need to teach your dog to have a good attitude.

What is the temperament & personality of a French Spaniel?

French Spaniels can be described as intelligent, tough, calm, loving, energetic, and adaptable. While it does take patience to teach this breed any commands or tricks, it will be worth it. After 25 to 40 repetitions, they understand and remember new commands. 

They are also known to be quite sensitive. They do not like frequent guest visits, noisy households, or irregular daily routines. They do not handle punishment well, and the emotional level of the breed reflects the feelings of the owner. 

Aside from this, Spaniels do require a lot of social interaction. They hate being left on their own. Instead, they love to be around people.

Gentle, soft, and genuinely loyal, these dogs are very affectionate and loving toward their handles. They truly love quality time with their owners, and they are considered excellent therapy dogs for those in need.

What is the weight & size of a French Spaniel?

The weight range for this medium-sized breed is between 20 and 25 kg, with the average weight being 22.5 kg. 

In terms of height, the range is 55 to 16 cm for males, with 58 cm being the average. For females, the average height is 54 to 59 cm, with 56.5 cm being the average.

How much training does a French Spaniel need?

These dogs can be quite hard to train. They can often struggle to understand the connection between your commands and their actions. 

To get your dog to obey, you need to put a lot of time and effort into the training stage. You need to have plenty of patience and you also need to be consistent to make sure you’re not sending confusing messages.

We have some tips and pieces of advice to give you a helping hand with training your French Spaniel. Intonation, for instance, is your greatest training aid. When you applaud, use a happy tone. However, when you say “no” make sure you are firm without screaming. 

You also need to make sure you start training your French Spaniel early, i.e. from eight weeks of age. One of the biggest mistakes we see new French Spaniel owners make is allowing their puppies to do things they do not want them to do later in life simply because they are young. However, if your dog gets into this practice, it can be extremely hard to change the behaviour.

What are some of the most common health issues for a French Spaniel?

When compared with other dogs, French Spaniel dogs are a very healthy breed. To make sure they remain healthy dogs, regular vet check-ups are required.

Some of the issues that these dogs can experience include the following:

• Joint pain and arthritis

• Elbow or hip dysplasia 

• Bloating

• Eye diseases

These are just some of the most common health issues. It is important to watch your dog’s behaviour and take him/her to the vet if you do notice something that does not seem quite right.

What is the lifespan of a French Spaniel?

According to the American Kennel Club, this breed has a life expectancy of 10 - 12 years.

How much should you feed a French Spaniel?

These dogs can pile on the weight rather quickly, so you do need to be careful in this regard. There is no magic formula when it comes to the correct quantity to feed your animal. It depends on various factors, such as how much your dog weighs now, how much exercise your dog gets, the quality of the food you are feeding, and the metabolism of your dog.

What is the price of a French Spaniel in Australia?

The average price for a French Spaniel in Australia is $1,500. Of course, there are several different factors that influence the cost, such as your location and the breeder you select.