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Discover everything about French Spaniel
Explore the breed's characteristics, health, and history — and find trusted breeders
Looking for a French Spaniel?
At a glance
French Spaniel overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
S
A
B
C
D
E
Very healthyHigher risk
The Epagneul Français is a robust hunting breed with a manageable genetic health profile. As with many larger breeds, the primary risks involve the musculoskeletal system, specifically hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED). Since mandatory health tests exist for both conditions, you can significantly minimize the risk when buying a puppy by choosing a responsible breeder.
Lifespan
10–12 yrs
Height
55–61 cm
Weight
20–30 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,500 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Medium-length, smooth coat with a slight wave, dense undercoat
- Origin: France
Typical coat colors
- White with brown markings
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a French Spaniel, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the French Spaniel right for you?
The Epagneul Français is a gentle, enduring Vorstehhund (pointing dog) — bred to track game birds in close contact with its handler, point silently, and retrieve. This cooperative genetic makeup makes it incredibly affectionate, but it also demands a real job every single day.
Perfect for you if:
- You want to integrate scent work, dummy training, or tracking into your daily routine — a simple walk is not enough for this breed's genetics.
- You are looking for a sensitive, people-oriented companion that responds to subtle signals and neither needs nor tolerates harsh training methods.
- You have direct access to nature and wide-open spaces where it can fully exercise its expansive search style.
- You appreciate a dog that is completely calm and relaxed indoors once its hunting needs have been met outside.
Less ideal if:
- You expect it to simply ignore birds taking flight or a fresh scent in the woods — it is a thoroughbred hunting dog whose instincts will take over without targeted alternative training.
- You are very busy with work and would often have to leave it alone for hours — this dog literally sticks to its humans and will wither in isolation.
- You live in the middle of a big city and spend your walks mainly on a short leash on asphalt.
The real vibes check
An Epagneul Français is a soft shadow indoors that would love nothing more than to melt into the sofa with you — but outdoors, it flips the hunting switch immediately. Its nose scans the wind, its body freezes at the slightest scent, and it waits for your signal. You aren't getting a casual tag-along, but a highly specialized outdoor enthusiast that lives for genuine teamwork in the field.
Breed Profile
The Epagneul Francais is a medium-sized, strong dog with a friendly and intelligent expression. His body is well proportioned and balanced, with a broad, deep chest and a strong, muscular back. The head is round and well proportioned to the body, with ears of medium length set high at the base and carried flat. The Epagneul Francais' coat is medium long, smooth and may have a slight wave. It is dense and weatherproof, with a thick undercoat and longer fur on the ears, chest, belly and hind legs. The coat color is usually white with brown markings, although the markings can be varied. The Epagneul Francais belongs to FCI Group 7, the pointers. Within this group it is classified as a continental pointer with a spaniel character.
- Height
- 55 - 59 cm (Female), 56 - 61 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 20 - 25 kg (Female), 25 - 30 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 10 - 12 years
- Character
- Gentle, Adaptable, Intelligent
- Coat
- Medium-length, smooth coat with a slight wave, dense undercoat
- Coat Color
- White with brown markings
- Price
- 1500 - 2500 €
History
The Epagneul Francais, also known as the French Spaniel, is a very old breed that was already known in France in the Middle Ages. It was primarily used as a hunting dog and was very popular with nobles and royal families. The breed has been nearly wiped out several times over the years, but each time dedicated breeders have been able to revive it. In the late 19th century, the Epagneul Francais was almost extinct, but was saved by a man named James de Connick, who collected and bred the remaining purebred Epagneul Francais. The Epagneul Francais was recognized as a separate breed by the FCI in 1951.
Original Use
The Epagneul Francais was bred as a hunting dog to point and retrieve game.
Origin
France
Date
1500
Character & Temperament
Despite its origins as a hunting dog, the Epagneul Francais is an exceptionally gentle and adaptable dog. He has a friendly, loving nature and is known for his close bond with his family. He gets along well with children and is also tolerant of other pets. By nature, the Epagneul Francais is an active dog that needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. He loves being outdoors and is a talented swimmer. Although he is happy to be a family pet, he will be happy if he has the opportunity to express his natural hunting instincts in controlled situations. The Epagneul Francais is an intelligent dog that learns quickly and adapts well to training situations. He has strong prey-catching behavior that can be used in a hunting environment, but in a household this could mean that he tends to hunt small animals such as birds or squirrels. Although he is alert and will protect his territory, the Epagneul Francais is not an aggressive dog. He will be more likely to greet visitors in a friendly manner than to scare them away. The Epagneul Francais is a social dog that loves the company of its people. He can learn to be alone for short periods of time, but he will be happiest when he can spend a lot of time with his family. Prolonged periods of loneliness can lead to separation anxiety. Although he is an active dog, the Epagneul Francais is not a hyperactive dog. With enough exercise and mental stimulation, he can be a calm and relaxed companion in the house. Overall, the Epagneul Francais is an adaptable, loving and intelligent dog that can excel as both a hunting dog and a family dog. With the right guidance, training and love, he will be a faithful and loyal companion, willing to do his best to make his people happy.
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the Epagneul Francais is known as the "Gentleman's Hunting Dog" in its native France? is known for his calm and balanced nature when hunting and his willingness to work closely with his people?
What Awaits You
The French Spaniel is balanced, open, gentle, calm and docile. He is an enthusiastic hunter, gets along with other dogs and is an ideal companion in all situations. He is an excellent pointer and also has a talent for retrieving.
Housing & Care
The Epagneul Francais is a versatile dog that can cope in both rural and urban environments. He is an active dog that needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation, so he is best suited to a lifestyle that allows him regular activity. The Epagneul Francais is generally friendly and gentle with children, making it a good family dog. However, it is always important to provide supervision when dogs and children are together to ensure both parties are safe and respectful of one another. This breed is also usually compatible with other pets, including cats, especially if they are raised together from an early age. However, the introduction should always be carried out carefully and under supervision.
- Family Friendly
Lives for its family — the born family companion.
Ideal family dog - Child Friendly
Extraordinarily patient and loving — a true family dog.
Excellent with children - Dog Friendly
Actively enjoys the company of other dogs.
Dog-friendly - City Friendly
City-appropriate with enough exercise and stimulation.
Manageable in cities
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.!
Training & Education
The Epagneul Francais is an intelligent and docile dog that loves to please. This makes him relatively easy to train, especially if you use positive reinforcement methods such as praise, treats and games. Since he is originally a hunting dog, the Epagneul Francais brings with him a lot of energy and enthusiasm that needs to be channeled in the right direction. Activities such as agility, obedience, nose work or dog sports can be good ways to keep your body and mind occupied while satisfying your need for work and activity. It is important to be careful not to over-occupy the Epagneul Francais as he is a dog that can tend to become very engrossed in activities. It is important to give him breaks and to make sure that he has enough time to relax. Good frustration tolerance and impulse control are important skills for any dog, and the Epagneul Francais is no exception. Training in these areas can help manage his eagerness and help him be a well-adjusted and happy dog.
Nutrition & Care
The Epagneul Francais' diet should be balanced and nutritious to maintain its health and vitality. High-quality dog food rich in proteins, carbohydrates and healthy fats is recommended. The exact amount of food can vary depending on age, size, activity level and health status. When it comes to grooming, the Epagneul Francais has medium-length, dense fur with an undercoat that requires regular grooming. A weekly brushing is usually enough to prevent tangles and excessive shedding. During transition periods, shedding may increase and more brushing may be necessary. Despite its thick fur, the Epagneul Francais copes well with the climate in Germany. It can cope in both colder and warmer temperatures, but should always be protected from extreme weather conditions.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Hair everywhere, always — no white clothing survives. | Very heavy |
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.!
Health
A
Robust
Health grade
The Epagneul Français is a robust hunting breed with a manageable genetic health profile. As with many larger breeds, the primary risks involve the musculoskeletal system, specifically hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED). Since mandatory health tests exist for both conditions, you can significantly minimize the risk when buying a puppy by choosing a responsible breeder.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
With joint-friendly rearing during the first year of life, a healthy weight, and regular eye and thyroid check-ups, most of these dogs remain fit and active for a long time.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the parents' hips, elbows, eyes, and thyroids checked and use specific genetic tests for neurological conditions to reduce risks within the bloodline.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
What owners say about the French Spaniel
Bernd J., Jäger und Züchter aus Schleswig-Holstein (Rüde, seit 2009)
Als wir uns vor einigen Jahren entschieden haben, einen Epagneul Français aufzunehmen, wollten wir einen Hund, der sowohl im Revier als auch im Alltag glänzt. Und genau das haben wir bekommen. Im Haus ist unser Rüde ein absolut sanfter, anschmiegsamer und tiefenentspannter Begleiter, der am liebsten ganz nah bei uns ist. Er versteht sich fantastisch mit unseren Kindern und sucht immer den direkten Familienanschluss.
Aber man darf sich nicht täuschen lassen: Sobald wir draußen sind, erwacht der leidenschaftliche Jagdhund in ihm. Er arbeitet unglaublich ausdauernd, systematisch und zeigt eine hervorragende Nasenleistung, egal ob im Feld, im Wald oder im Wasser. Er ist extrem wetterresistent und apportiert leidenschaftlich gern. Wer sich für diese Rasse entscheidet, muss sich darüber im Klaren sein, dass diese Hunde eine echte, sinnvolle Aufgabe und viel Bewegung brauchen – ein reiner Couch-Begleiter ist der Epagneul Français definitiv nicht.
Sabine M., Halterin aus Hessen (Hündin, seit 2021)
Wir führen unsere Hündin nicht aktiv jagdlich, was bei dieser Rasse eine echte Herausforderung sein kann. Sie hat einen extrem ausgeprägten Jagdtrieb. Bei Spaziergängen im Wald oder auf freien Feldern bleibt sie daher konsequent an der Schleppleine, da sie sofort auf jede Fährte anspringt. Man muss sich bewusst sein, dass man diesen Trieb außerhalb der Jagd intensiv und kreativ kompensieren muss – wir nutzen dafür viel Dummytraining und Fährtenspiele.
Im Haus ist sie dagegen die Sanftmut in Person. Sie ist unglaublich anhänglich, sucht permanent den Körperkontakt und ist absolut verträglich mit anderen Hunden. Eine Zwingerhaltung wäre für diese sensible, menschenbezogene Seele eine Katastrophe, da sie die Nähe zu ihren Bezugspersonen wie die Luft zum Atmen braucht.
Paraphrased from real owner reports
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Frequently asked questions about the French Spaniel
Is a French Spaniel the right dog for me?
The French Spaniel is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a French Spaniel live?
The average life expectancy of a French Spaniel is 10-12 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a French Spaniel need?
French Spaniel grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a French Spaniel good for families with children?
The French Spaniel can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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