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Gundog · France

Pont-Audemer Spaniel

A walker's guide to the Pont-Audemer Spaniel: how much exercise they need, what to expect on and off the lead, and what to ask the owner before the first walk.

Medium, 18 to 24 kgHigh energyWater spanielCurly coatVery rareCold tolerant
Exercise a day90 min plus
Energy4 of 5
Walk styleCheerful, heads for water
With other dogsFriendly and well mannered

Overview

The Pont-Audemer Spaniel comes from the Risle valley in Normandy, where it was bred to hunt duck and snipe in marsh and reed bed. Its curly brown or roan coat and the distinctive curly topknot give it the look of a cross between a spaniel and a Poodle, and the Irish Water Spaniel is thought to be in its background.

It is one of the rarest gundogs in Europe and a Pont-Audemer in Britain is a real find. Breed enthusiasts describe it as a clown: cheerful, gentle, a bit silly, and endlessly willing. It is also a water dog to its bones.

Exercise and walking needs

Around ninety minutes a day of active work. Walking on pavements will not do; this dog wants fields, marsh and water. Retrieving from water is the best job you can give it, if the owner agrees.

Cold and wet weather is not a problem. The thick curly coat was built for icy marshes. Heat is more of a worry; keep summer walks early and shady.

Daily minimum90 minutes
Ideal2 walks a day
Off-lead timeUsually fine, watch water

On the walk

  • Recall: Good and willing, with the water exception. If there is a pond on the route, decide whether the dog is going in before you get there.
  • Pulling: Modest. A harness is kinder when the dog surges towards water.
  • Other dogs: Friendly, playful and well mannered. Fine in groups and a good influence on nervous dogs.
  • Coat: Curls hold water and mud and mat if left wet. Towel thoroughly and let the owner know if the coat has picked up burrs.
  • Water: A Pont-Audemer in reeds is in its element. Check depth and current and know the exit points before you let the dog in.

Tips for professional walkers

  1. Carry a floating dummy or ball for water retrieves; a few throws tire the dog quickly.
  2. Dry the topknot and ears properly; they stay wet longest.
  3. Plan for a bath mat in the van and a thorough towel-off before the dog goes home.
  4. Make summer walks earlier and shorter; curly coats hold heat.
Every dog is an individual. Treat this as a starting point and go with what the owner tells you about their dog. Anything to do with health belongs with the owner and their vet.

What to ask the owner

  • Is swimming allowed anywhere on the route, or only in certain places?
  • How is the coat maintained, and should burrs be left for the groomer?
  • Any ear infections after water, and how do they want ears dried?
Picardy SpanielA calmIrish Water SpanielThe tallest spaniel and one of the oddest looking: a curly-coatedBarbetThe French water dog: a woollyFrench SpanielA tall