Overview
The French Spaniel is one of the oldest of the continental pointing dogs, a leggy brown and white setter type that works upland birds and retrieves from water. It was almost lost in the early twentieth century and was rebuilt by a French priest who gathered the remaining dogs. Numbers in the UK are small.
Owners describe them as gentle, patient and extremely attached to their people, with none of the sharpness of some working breeds. They are soft dogs that respond badly to harsh handling and beautifully to a kind voice.
Exercise and walking needs
An hour and a half a day, including free running or a long line, is about right. They are built to cover ground at a steady gallop and quarter into the wind.
A retrieve, a swim or a scent trail adds the purpose the breed looks for. They tire mentally before physically if the walk has nothing to do.
On the walk
- Recall: Generally good. French Spaniels work close to their handler compared with some pointers, and they like to keep you in view. Birds will test it.
- Other dogs: Friendly and calm. They mix well and seldom get involved in squabbles.
- Water: Keen and confident swimmers. Expect them in any pond and bring something to dry them with.
- Pulling: Light. They are not strong pullers and settle quickly on the lead.
Tips for professional walkers
- Build the walk around the nose: let the dog work a field edge rather than walking a straight line.
- Check feathered legs and ears for mud, burrs and grass seeds before handing over.
- Keep your voice upbeat; this breed closes down when scolded.
What to ask the owner
- Is the dog in gundog training, and are there commands or whistle signals you should use?
- Any ear or skin problems after swimming that you should look out for?
- How far does the dog range off lead, and does the owner trust it near roads or livestock?