Overview
The Epagneul de Saint-Usuge is a small pointing spaniel from the Bresse region of eastern France. Numbers fell so low after the Second World War that a single enthusiast rebuilt the breed from a few surviving dogs. It is lighter and finer than a Springer, with a brown and white coat and a soft, willing nature.
Hardly any exist outside France. If one turns up on your books, think of it as a cross between a spaniel and a pointer in behaviour: keen on scent, inclined to freeze on birds and very sensitive to tone.
Exercise and walking needs
Around seventy five minutes a day with time off the lead or on a long line in cover is ideal. This is a hunting dog that works close to its handler, so it tends to stay in touch while quartering, but it needs the chance to do so.
Harsh handling shuts the breed down. Keep the walk encouraging, reward returns and let the dog work.
On the walk
- Recall: Often good, because the breed was developed to work within gun range and check in. Birds will still hold its attention, so start on a long line.
- Pointing: The dog may freeze and stare at cover. Give it a moment, then call it on. It is not stubbornness, it is the job.
- Other dogs: Gentle and easy, with little interest in dominance. Suits mixed group walks where play is not too rough.
- Water and mud: Spaniel through and through. Towels, ear checks and a look between the toes after wet walks.
Tips for professional walkers
- Keep your voice soft and your rewards generous; this breed wilts under pressure.
- Choose routes with hedgerows and rough grass so the dog has something to hunt through.
- Keep the dog on the lead near ground-nesting birds in spring.
- Dry the ears and feathering after rain and check for grass seeds in summer.
What to ask the owner
- Has the dog been trained for the field, and what cues does it know?
- How does it react to birds and rabbits, and does the recall survive a flush?
- Any ear issues, and how does the owner like the ears handled after water?