The Braque Francais Gascogne is the second type of Braque Francais (the first already discussed in a previous blog) – differentiated mostly by size and overall bulk from his cousin. This is the larger of the two breeds. An old pointing breed, he originated in southern France and is still popular there today, although less known in other parts of the world. This is an affectionate dog who can make a fantastic family companion, social and friendly partner, and also has a strong desire/drive to hunt. This is a versatile hunting dog who specializes in pointing but can also flush, retrieve and trail game.

The Francais Gascogne can be laid-back and relaxed in the home provided he is given enough exercise. Between the two types of Braque Francais, the Gascogne is slower and more methodical when hunting and sometimes has less energy in general. This does not mean that one can skate by with little exercise (this is still a gun dog, after all), however one long walk a day can usually suffice. Just make it a long walk and not a short one (45 mins minimum)! He is also capable of enjoying more exercise if desired and has the stamina for long-distance jogging or other physical endeavors. His ideal home is one which has a large yard for him to stretch his legs in addition to regular outings which will exercise both body and mind.

The Braque Francais Gascogne loves to please his owner and can be a delight to train, requiring little work for large results. Highly intelligent and with a tendency toward being more submissive, he can be easy to work with even for beginners. He usually has a soft temperament and does best with training that doesn’t incorporate overly harsh methods. Stay consistent and give plenty of motivation and this dog will learn very quickly!

Francais Gascogne enjoy being with people – almost to a fault. They love it so much that they can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. Unlike some related breeds, they don’t necessarily need to hunt in order to be happy, but if they aren’t taken hunting they definitely need a fulfilling family companion role to fill. They are able to fit into many types of families, doing great with kids and also other dogs. Some may be iffy with small pets because of their prey drive so it might not be the best idea to let your pet rabbit hop all over this breed! This said, many are ok with cats under supervision. As might be expected by this pointer’s social nature, he probably won’t make an ideal guard dog.

The Braque Francais Gascogne has a short coat which, while somewhat thick, is still easy to care for. He does shed moderately, but keeping the coat brushed will help to limit it, as will regular rundowns with a chamois. As with all dogs, trim nails regularly. Overall, this is a low-maintenance breed when it comes to coat care. The time saved on grooming can instead be directed toward mental engagement – as he definitely needs things to do so as to not become bored, destructive and loud! When it comes to health care, the breed is similarly easy. Often living between 12-14 years, the Gascogne is normally a very healthy breed with very few genetic issues attached to it. Particularly in France, breeding is very regulated and good health is prized. Make sure to provide regular veterinary care but rest assured that most members of the breed are easy-keepers when it comes to health.

Photo By Kasiablanka

The Picardy Spaniel was created by combining French Spaniels with setters, particularly English and Gordon. The first club for the breed (alongside with the breed’s cousin, the Blue Picardy) was formed in 1921. Still rare in most of the world (only about 3,000 exist), this French breed was said to have been created “by hunters, for hunters”. Working closely with his owner, this adaptive gun dog lives to hunt, and does so equally well both on land and in the water. It is a very versatile breed, able to point retrieve and track with the best of them – utilizing a no-nonsense attitude while he does so. Despite the name, Picardy Spaniels are not actually spaniels at all, but rather HPR gun dogs (standing for Hunt, Point and Retrieve).

The coat of the Picardy is dense, medium in length and with a slightly harsh texture to it. The coat can be either completely straight or with a bit of a wave to it, with some individual dogs having coats that are almost curly. The color pattern is one of the distinctive physical features of the breed, always gray mottled with brown patches and tan markings on the head and legs. This coat helps to keep them protected from brush and also serves to keep them somewhat warm although this doesn’t mean that they can be kept outside in freezing temperatures for long periods of time. Make sure to provide him with a soft warm bed when he comes back inside and he’ll be happy.

In order to do his job, the Picardy Spaniel needed to possess an attitude that would “get the work done” no matter the circumstances in his way. This means that he can occasionally be stubborn and hard-headed. While easy to train for field work, when it comes to obedience training be prepared to be just as stubborn as the dog! As long as an owner/trainer doesn’t give in easily and utilizes plenty of rewards and social engagement/praise, this breed should be relatively easy to train. With some instruction, even a novice owner should be able to train a Picardy without too much trouble. Take note that this breed doesn’t do well with very high-pressure compulsive training techniques.

Picardies are calm when given enough exercise – both structured as well as unstructured (such as free running time in a large yard). The structured exercise can include long walks or even swimming which is a favorite activity of many Picardies! Don’t let his beautiful looks fool you, this is a strong and hardy breed that enjoys intense exercise. Usually quite healthy, some individuals can have eye issues such as entropian or ectropian, and the ears are more prone to infection than other breeds – but overall this is a fit and healthy dog. Average lifespan is 13-14 years.

While some are kept as kennel dogs, Picardy Spaniels are loving and easy to manage in the home, being naturally docile and content to lounge around after a nice walk. They enjoy time with their people and are fairly undemanding. Most are gentle with children although supervision is always recommended between kids and dogs. They also get along well with other dogs. Finally, their medium size further makes them a good fit for many, as long as the person or family is active. While this is a much more laid-back dog compared to other pointing breeds, he still needs to have regular vigorous exercise and doesn’t do well in lazy households. Even apartment homes can be considered as a possible match, as long as the owners are active and ready to give the dog plenty of outdoor workouts.

The Picardy is by no means a guard dog as he is far too friendly. Neither will he guard your perimeter from predators. His major talent is hunting and this he prefers to do above all else! He does need a job to do and it’s no surprise that regular hunting excursions are at the top of this breed’s list. This said, other activities or dog sports can replace hunting as a job -for the only thing that an Picardy may like more than hunting is spending time with his owners! Tending to bond closely, without regular contact with his people he can tend to develop separation anxiety.

Photo By Pleple2000

The Old Danish Pointing Dog is a versatile gun dog, specializing in pointing. This breed came from mixing various “farm dogs” with dogs brought to the area by gypsies. It is likely that Bloodhound ancestry contributed. Medium in height but with a bulkier build than other similar breeds, the Old Danish is strong yet agile, and has an excellent nose for tracking. Like all sporting/gun dog breeds, he requires lots of exercise as well as daily activities to keep him busy – he is very hard to tire out!

Loyal and easy to adapt into the home (with lots of exercise), the Danish Pointing Dog has a balanced, stable temperament. He is very affectionate and loving to his people which makes him a great addition into family life. He gets along well not only with children, but with other pets as well (although might be dangerous around small pocket pets or birds).  He can be calm and quiet in the home, but should be kept in a property with a large backyard rather than in an apartment setting. Also of note, this social pointer prefers to spend his time with people and can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone frequently.

The Old Danish is a fast learner and desires to please his master above all, which makes him easy to train. To keep training exciting, randomize the order of commands given to keep him on his toes! This smart dog appreciates when training is kept fun and surprising. As a gun dog, he also takes very quickly to any type of retrieval command and/or task that allows him to use his gifted nose. His hardworking nature means that he is always ready for the next task asked of him, as long as it is kept fair and not overly harsh. It is recommended to start training early for best results.

ODPs love spending time outdoors – whether it be swimming, following a scent, or participating in a hunt with their owners. They need to be given hours of exercise each day in order to stay fulfilled (and keep them from becoming destructive). Luckily grooming is easy and health care is generally simple, because this will give owners more time to focus on keeping the dog active each day! It is for this reason that hunters often make the best owners for these dogs, as they are often out in the field (or training to be out in the field), however active families or individuals can make this breed work for them if they are willing to put in the effort and time.

With strangers, the Old Danish Pointing Dog can be slightly wary at first without being aloof. Make sure to socialize early so that he doesn’t become overly fearful, however most individuals are fairly brave – especially when socialized. Luckily aggression isn’t commonly seen in the breed and most dogs remain stoically good-natured around strangers. Well-socialized and trained Old Danish dogs are capable of all sorts of social tasks – whether it be hiking in a public area or competing in spectator-heavy dog sports such as nosework, agility, frisbee or flyball competitions!

The Old Danish is usually a fairly healthy breed however hip dysplasia, eye issues and elbow dysplasia can occur. Prospective puppy owners should vet the breeder to make sure health testing is done, which will lessen the chances of issues as the puppy gets older. Most members of the breed grow up without any problems, however, and average lifespan tends to be 13-14 years.

Danish Pointing Dogs are well-known in their native Denmark but quite rare in other parts of the world. Here in the United States, they are recognized by the UKC but rarely if ever seen in this country. This is not a new or developing breed either, having been created in the early 1700’s. Although many Americans would not be able to handle the exercise requirements of this breed, plenty of active and experienced homes do exist here, and there are undoubtedly many that would love to own such a loyal and even-tempered dog… if they only knew about this well-kept secret.

The Auvergne Pointer, also known as the Braque d’Auvergne, is a French breed of ancient origins. Indeed, this is one of the oldest pointing breeds in the world! He is both a fantastic hunting dog as well as a great companion animal. This rare breed is well-known and respected in Europe but almost completely unfamiliar to those in the United States. This affectionate dog enjoys attention and being around his owners – both in the field and back at home. He will constantly “check in” while hunting, and likes to stay close even when in the home. The bond that develops between the Auvergne toward his person is held in the highest regard.

Quite intelligent, Auvergne Pointers take very well to training as long as it’s fair. Too much harshness can cause a member of the breed to shut down, so it’s important to build a good relationship and establish clear and fair rules during obedience training. When there is a bond with their owner/trainer, they are extremely willing to please and can make very obedient workers.

The Auvergne Pointer gets along with well-behaved dogs as well as children, whom he is gentle with. A social and friendly guy, he is a lover and not a fighter and as such does not make a good guard dog. Normally a quiet breed, this gun dog may or may not alert to someone coming to the door. If he does, he has a deep and strong voice. The bond with his humans is so tight that he can suffer from separation anxiety in homes where he is left along frequently. He may be a little guarded and aloof with new people until he gets to know them, after which point he is fine.

The Auvergne requires a great deal of daily exercise and attention. As they generally live 13-15 years, an owner must make sure they are up to this commitment before buying a puppy! This breed was bred to hunt – with a fantastic nose for tracking and plenty of stamina, meaning that they were designed to move and work. Even if they are not used for hunting, they must get a similar workout (both body and mind). Not providing this for them can result in hyperactivity, anxiety and/or destructiveness. Because of their exercise needs they are not generally recommended for apartments or city life.

The low-shedding coat of the Auvergne is short and smooth, always in a black/white pattern that can almost come across as blue in a certain light. These pointing dogs are somewhat boxy in build, with houndy faces and a generally scenthound-type look. Despite these physical attributes, this is a versatile pointing breed which can track, retrieve, swim (and obviously point) with the best of them!

There are a few health issues to be aware of with the Auvergne Pointer, including hip dysplasia and hernias. The gene pool is relatively small so prospective owners should do their research and make sure they get their puppy from a reputable breeder. When it comes to regular care, however, this is a low-maintenance breed that requires very little grooming aside from weekly brushing and taking care to keep the ears clean.

Photo By Mrsthurlow

The German Rough Haired Pointer, also known as the Stichelhaar in certain circles, is a versatile gun dog developed in the early 1900’s. He was used for pointing, tracking and retrieving both on land and in water. This is a hardy breed with a composed nature. When all is calm, he is easy-going and relaxed. When hunting he takes on a more daring and adventurous spirit! His stable temperament is one of his best assets, making him easy to live with in the home and out in the field alike. This said, as with many gun dogs he does require plenty of exercise and work – this is not a couch potato that will fit into a sedentary lifestyle.

Roughs are intelligent dogs although slightly sensitive and stubborn, so take note of these traits when training. A good foundation in obedience is highly advised, as well as working on any mouthiness issues while the dog is still a puppy. Furthermore, make sure to train a great recall as this breed has a high propensity for wandering as well as chasing small prey-like animals. Keeping the dog in a fence when not being supervised is definitely recommended, even with training. Because they require plenty of mental stimulation it is recommended to get them involved in a dog sport such as hunt tests/trials, competitive obedience, agility or rally. Doing so will give the dog a purpose and fulfill his willing-to-please attitude. This loyal pointer loves hard work, particularly when he gets to perform it with his owner!

The German Rough is a social breed who is friendly with people, children and other dogs. He tends to be gentle while still affectionate with family and friends, often exhibiting empathetic behavior when a human is having a hard time. He can be a great Emotional Support Dog in the right home, as well as excel in therapy work. This sympathetic soul can be a little sensitive to chronically overwhelming households (such as a household that is frequently loud) so party-people and other loud individuals might want to look elsewhere.  He also has a hard time being left home alone for long periods of time, due to his social nature.

The Rough Hair is a rare breed in America which means that prospective owners from the United States will most likely need to import a puppy. Keep in mind that this process is a big commitment, as this active large dog will require lots of time and care for 12-14 years! If you are looking for a similar breed (with a comparable coat), look into the related German Wirehaired Pointer. Still a lot of commitment… but a little easier to find and talk to breeders. Both breeds have a wiry (although non-hypoallergenic) coat that comes in either solid liver or liver/white.

German Rough Hairs are fairly quiet dogs, tending not to bark without good reason. He will bark to alert to someone entering the property (although not likely to bite or attack). If the dog is barking frequently for seemingly no reason, it is a good time to ask oneself if the dog is getting enough stimulation – a bored or under stimulated dog (including both mental as well as physical exercise) can develop problem barking.

Rough Hair Pointers do best when kept in properties with a yard or, better yet – acreage. They don’t do well living in apartments. Other than this they are fairly adaptable as long as their needs are met. Unlike some other gun dog breeds, many even do well when living with elderly humans (again, as long as their needs are met)! A bit of “dog know-how” can definitely help in having a successful life with a Rough Hair. While the breed isn’t necessarily difficult, they have a few small quirks in which experienced dog owners will have an easier time managing than a first-time dog owner.

Photo By Alephalpha

The Braque de l’Ariege, also sometimes known as the Ariege Pointer, is one of the largest of the French pointing breeds. He was created in the 1800’s in southern France, primarily from other French pointing breeds such as the Braque Francais breeds and Braque Saint-Germaine. Unfortunately for a number of reasons, he almost became extinct by World War 2 but was luckily saved from the brink by fanciers of the breed. Even today this is a rare breed, and although is recognized by the UKC here in the United States, the numbers are still low and the majority of dogs are in France. Almost all breed individuals are recognized by the FCI, which is an international federation of kennel clubs throughout the world.

The l’Ariege has always been kept by hunters rather than as a pet, although he is capable of doing double-duty for both of these roles. In the home, he is an extremely affectionate dog who adores being close to his owner as much as possible, and possesses a gentle and loving demeanor. He does well in homes with children as well as other dogs, and forms strong bonds with all members of the family – with the exception of non-canine pets (because of a high prey drive). Some (read: not all) can do alright with a cat, but only if raised with them from puppy hood, and only when cats are kept indoors at all times.

The Braque l’Ariege needs firm leadership and should be started in obedience from an early age. He has been known to challenge his owner from time to time and thus requires an experienced dog owner. This an intelligent, albeit sensitive and somewhat independent breed. Without regular training or exercise he will undoubtedly find other ways to occupy his time, which is likely to be destructive in nature. Luckily he is known for being fairly easy to train, and his gun dog skills in particular are fairly natural and won’t need much work to get him into the field.

The l’Ariege has a lot of energy and does need a ton of regular exercise. While hunting is a beloved pastime for these versatile gun dogs (they are skilled at pointing, retrieving, flushing and tracking), it isn’t feasible for hunting to be a daily occurrence, so on those days they need plenty of walks/jogs or similar to keep them fit and happy when not out in the field. This quick and agile dog is hardy enough to go on hikes if desired, and loves all sorts of physical games. A large fenced yard is highly recommended, and apartment living would generally be a horrible idea.

The Braque de l’Ariege can take awhile to warm up to strangers, and he won’t accept just anyone as a friend until he has “vetted them”. This means he will be fairly aloof when meeting new people and his friendly attitude may take awhile to show itself. While not known as a guard dog, he can function quite well as a watch dog and will sound an alert in when someone enters the property.

The l’Ariege is a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming, requiring only a weekly rubdown with a brush or hound glove. They shed moderately, which means they are not a hypoallergenic dog. Make sure to check and clean ears regularly (weekly is usually fine), as long hanging ears are more likely to get infections and buildup. Baths can be given when needed although they don’t generally have a lot of odor. This is also a very healthy breed with most members living around 12-15 years. There aren’t any major health problems that are common in this pointing dog.

Photo By Canarian

The Large Munsterlander is a versatile hunting dog able to point, track and retrieve game . Unlike some sporting breeds which have split into bench (show) and working lines, most breeders of the LM aim to produce dogs that can hunt, whether or not they also show. Both in the United States as well as abroad (particularly in their home country of Germany) it is considered very important to test the dog’s hunting abilities before breeding, thereby ensuring that future generations will retain these important hunting instincts and traits.

Large Munsterlanders are most prized for their hunting abilities – including being incredibly responsive to the hunter/owner, versatile in different terrain, and exceedingly cooperative. However they are also known for their calm temperaments and bright minds in the home. They can make great family dogs as they are gentle with children and rarely hyperactive (with enough exercise). That said, just because they aren’t hyperactive doesn’t mean they are lazy! These dogs will run, jump and play with the best of them once they are let outside. They love to race, explore and swim (when possible), oftentimes with no regard to how dirty they might become in the midst of their adventures. Taking on this breed means being prepared to have an active (and occasionally messy) lifestyle with your dog! They MUST be exercised every single day, regardless of the weather.

The LM is a large breed that generally lives between 12-13 years. They remain affectionate toward their owners all throughout their lives, and also tend to do very well around other dogs as well. This social dog needs to live inside the home and not kept outside as a kennel dog. Furthermore, kennel dogs rarely get enough exercise and this breed in particular can develop destructive and obnoxious behaviors such as non-stop barking when not given enough stimulation.

The LM is actually an off-shoot of the German Longhaired Pointer. Occasionally black and white puppies would be born in a litter, however in the early 1900’s the breed club decided to no longer allow this color. These black/white dogs eventually formed their own breed which was to become the Large Munsterlander. Like their close cousins they also have a medium-length coat, although color-wise they can range from almost all-white to almost all-black, with many dogs having both colors in either patched, roaned or ticked patterns. The coat serves as protection in the cold and in heavy brush although can be somewhat hindering in very hot temperatures – not only because of bulk/length but also because black dogs “soak up the sun” more than lighter colored breeds. Be mindful if hunting in humid summers.

Although very adaptable in the field, the Large Munsterlander is less adaptable when it comes to suitable living situations and doesn’t tend to do well in apartments. He is simply too big, too playful and requires too much exercise to be happy in a small space. When living in the opposite situation – a ranch, be aware that he may try to hunt birds and small animals. Farm animals may or may not be chased so be prepared to train him not to do so. With a bit of supervision and training, however – the larger the area and the more exposure to hunting, the happier the LM.

The LM is easy to train and picks commands up quickly, which is good because he really needs a job to do in his daily life! If not being taken out hunting on a regular basis, he needs some other form of mental and physical exercise – and obedience training fits that bill. Even if he is going to be hunted with regularly, a solid recall and basic obedience are always recommended. Be aware that this breed can be a bit sensitive and doesn’t do well with harsh training methods. They are also slow to mature so be prepared to spend a little extra time when working with a young dog. Once they mature they become wonderful working dogs and loyal friends.

Photo By Pia C. Groening

The Wetterhoun was originally developed in the Netherlands as an otter hunter, and later used as a gun dog and water retriever – which explains the distinctively curly, waterproof coat. With his cheerful attitude, high intelligence and faithful demeanor, he makes both a great companion animal as well as an enthusiastic performance dog. He enjoys spending time with his owner and tends to stick around as close as possible, as long as possible.

Wetterhouns don’t require a lot of grooming however they do require regular exercise. At least an hour a day is recommended. Because they stick so close to their owners they are easier to exercise off-leash in areas where this is allowed. They are also not prone to chasing animals and don’t have the high-prey drive of some other breeds. This said, they are in the retriever family and can be trained to retrieve on both land and water – which is also a great form of exercise!

The Wetterhoun can have a stubborn and hard-headed attitude when it comes to certain types of training. He can also be sensitive to overly harsh corrections. A bit of patience will go a long way! He is said to always finish a job… but in his own time. This said, when taught by someone who understands the breed he has the potential to become a great working dog who takes his job very seriously…. even if it takes him a while to get it done. Because of his independent and hard-headed nature, it is recommended to start obedience training early.

Because of the Wetterhoun’s small gene pool, the Netherlands parent club for the breed is temporarily allowing outcrosses with other breeds to take place. The hopes are that this will widen the genetic variety of this rare breed and make it healthier in general. While many individual dogs are healthy, the concern is an eventual genetic bottleneck. Occasional cryptochidism, entropian (eye issues), elbow deformities and heart problems are currently seen in the breed. Ideally many issues can eventually be bred out, or at least reduced even further. Currently, the average age for a Wetterhoun is 13 years.

Wetterhouns are affectionate with their families and tolerant/gentle with children. In fact, it’s important to make sure kids are being fair to the Wetterhoun because he is unlikely to react if teased. While he may not always be the most dignified of dogs, he will win over hearts with his clownish senses of humor! He enjoys it when everyone is happy and can become morose if the people around him are gloomy. Overall, he is a very stable and level-headed dog with a spark of good-natured mischief. While more aloof with strangers, he will warm up in time and he also gets along with other dogs/pets quite nicely.

Wetterhouns can make good watchdogs, although don’t tend to be needlessly loud and will usually only bark if there is a reason. If someone were to break in, they would take this quite seriously. This is not a breed that will go on the offensive if they can help it but they will react defensively if a threat arises. As such, this is not a typical guard dog although will protect the family if the situation warranted it.

The Wetterhoun is not the best choice for a first-time dog owner as it is a rough-and-tumble, exuberant breed. Although only medium-sized, he is solid, sturdy and plays in a haphazard way, easily knocking over small people in his excitement. He can be a lot of dog to handle for many, at least until trained! He is not recommended for apartments either as he needs plenty of space and exercise. Make sure to research before deciding that this is the breed for you! When placed in the right home, however, he excels and can become a loyal friend and companion.

Photo By Pleple2000

The Small Munsterlander is a versatile breed developed in the early 1900’s. This longer-haired hunting breed is easy to work with in the field and is sought after by hunters for his excellent nose, strong retrieving instinct and good tracking sense (in addition to his pointing talents). Although slow to mature, this German breed makes an excellent companion once mentally developed and when in the right home.

Many SMs are trained in other avenues besides hunting, in order to keep their minds and bodies sharp. It is common for the breed to be trained for dog sports such as competitive obedience and agility when not out in the field (or in hunting trials). This dog needs a job to do and can become intense and too much to handle if not given one! They learn quickly and can get bored easily, so an owner will need to keep upping the challenge. At very least, restrain from too much repetition in training sessions. With the right owner who knows how to handle this enthusiastic, intelligent dog, he can become a very competitive animal! Keep in mind that some have a bit of stubborn streak – this is a trait that benefits them in the field but requires a bit of patience for the owner.

The Small Munsterlander also require a good dose of daily exercise. Without adequate mental or physical stimulation he can become quite destructive in the home. It should come as no surprise that this breed should not be kept in a kennel all day – he needs plenty of time to run and learn and DO! Like all pointing/hunting dogs, this is a very active breed who prefers active, outdoorsy owners. Hiking, running and swimming are favorite pastimes. Furthermore, this is a social and affectionate breed that needs to be around his owner (and chooses to be close whenever possible). Having a strong pack instinct, he does not do well when left alone for long periods.

The SM is generally fairly healthy, with most individuals living between 12 and 14 years. There are not too many health issues in the breed although hypothyroidism and hip dysplasia have occasionally been seen. The SM is mentally sound as well (provided he has been raised correctly) – with an even temperament and dependable nature. He enjoys meeting people and doesn’t tend to be rude or off-putting (again, provided he has been raised correctly!). Furthermore he is good with children and generally patient. This said, supervise all interactions with younger kids and make sure there is no teasing involved as it simply isn’t fair to the dog!

Despite the medium-length coat, Small Munsterlanders do not require a ton of grooming, just a light brushing and occasional bath when needed. As with all breeds – nail care, dental care and ear care are also important but quick to accomplish when kept on a schedule. They do shed seasonally, at which point grooming requirements will briefly go up, but overall they are easy to care for in terms of grooming maintenance.

It is highly recommended that SM go to homes that will hunt with them, as this is their most cherished activity. If this isn’t possible they need to be given other jobs, preferably ones that will engage them in similar ways. Give them plenty of supervised outdoor time in addition to the job, and be prepared to deal with those hunting instincts no matter what! Even though you might not take him on an official hunting trip, don’t be surprised if he takes himself on one instead! A properly fenced yard will keep him out of trouble when he can’t be watched.

The French Spaniel is one of the largest of all spaniel breeds. A friendly and bright pointing/retrieving spaniel, he possesses a tender heart and even temperament. He is calm and compliant in the house, tending to be fairly submissive in nature, not prone to aggression in any form. When out hunting, he is athletic and enthusiastic – he loves to do what he was originally bred for! This medium-sized breed also gets along well with other dogs and children – playing gently and with a lot of patience. He may or may not get along with cats and almost definitely shouldn’t be trusted around pocket pets or birds.

The French Spaniel tends to be easy to train and therefore makes a good dog for first-time owners. He enjoys learning and pleasing his owners. It should be noted that he is a “soft breed” that will shut down if he feels the methods are too rough. Training a sensitive breed means that owners/trainers may need to be slightly more patient, but once the dog learns a command, he is unlikely to forget. Also take note that he can be slow to mature and may also take a little longer to housebreak than some other breeds. This is a dog that needs a job to do, so after initial obedience training has been taught, it’s highly recommended to get your French Spaniel into a sport such as tracking, hunt tests and/or agility!

As with most hunting breeds, the French Spaniel doesn’t do well living in an apartment. He prefers a home with plenty of access to the outdoors (particularly during cooler weather) so that he might stretch his legs and run! This affectionate dog does need plenty of time spent with his family as well, so he shouldn’t be kept outside all day unless his owners are frequent outdoorsy-people themselves! Furthermore, because of his sociable nature, he can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for too long. He enjoys being around humans both known and new. It comes as no surprise that this is not a guard dog by any means, and his quiet nature makes him spotty at watchdog duties as well. This said, if he is convinced a stranger may be up to no good, he is much more apt to bark.

French Spaniels are healthy dogs that aren’t commonly diagnosed with congenital health issues. They do require regular exercise, however – ideally at least an hour each day. The breed is fairly active and definitely not a couch potato canine. A walk around the block probably won’t cut it – this agile athlete needs more vigorous outings such as jogging, swimming or hiking! Playing fetch with a ball and/or taking the dog out to hunt are also fun, breed-specific activities that will be supremely appreciated! Without enough exercise he can become destructive, especially in the form of chewing and digging.

The liver and white coat of the French Spaniel doesn’t shed too frequently, however does require brushing a couple times a week. Ears must be cleaned weekly and nails should be clipped every week or two. Keeping up with a healthy dental routine (brushing the teeth) will help curtail future vet costs and help the dog’s breath! Baths can be given as often as needed, taking care not to bathe too frequently unless using a gentle shampoo. Perhaps one of the more time-consuming tasks is that of pulling burrs and other “bits of nature” out of the coat, particularly if the dog has been hunting in dense cover. Aside from this, it isn’t complicated to keep the dog groomed as long as the owner set aside time regularly to do so.

Photo By Canarian