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French Spaniel Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about French Spaniel so you can get to know the breed more.

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OriginFrance flagFrance
Other Names
What other names does the French Spaniel have?
Canadian SetterFrench SetterEpagneul Français
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

French Spaniel Size and Weight

Size
Is a French Spaniel small, medium or large dog?

How big do French Spaniel get?

What is the average size of a French Spaniel?

Medium
Weight
How much does the French Spaniel weigh? How much should a French Spaniel weight? What is the normal weight of a French Spaniel? How much does a full-grown French Spaniel weight?
44-55 pounds (20-25 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a French Spaniel?
49.5 pounds (22.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the French Spaniel? French Spaniel height:
Male: 22-24 inches (55-61 cm), Female: 21-23 inches (54-59 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a French Spaniel?
Male: 23 inches (58 cm), Female: 22 inches (56.5 cm)

French Spaniel Price and Availability

Price
How much does the French Spaniel puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a French Spaniel in the United States? How much money is a French Spaniel?

Where to buy a French Spaniel with a good pedigree?

$600-$800
If you choose to purchase the French Spaniel, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a French Spaniel for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the French Spaniel gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a French Spaniel? How many French Spaniel are there in the world?
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.

There are very few of them, and there have been times when they have almost drifted to the brink of extinction, so few are left.

French Spaniel Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the French Spaniel? Is the French Spaniel breed dumb or smart?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The French Spaniel ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are French Spaniel dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a French Spaniel?
French Spaniel dogs are hard to train. They don't really get the association between commands and actions. If you want them to obey, you should be very consistent and patient while teaching.
Watchdog Ability
Is French Spaniel good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
French Spaniel dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do French Spaniel dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
French Spaniel dogs are average defenders. Some dogs are very protective of their territory, while others easily let a stranger to trespass. This breed is not sure to defend its territory in every situation.

French Spaniel Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the French Spaniel have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
LovingEnergeticIntelligentAdaptableCalmTough
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? French Spaniel sensitivity:
Sensitive: French Spaniel dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a French Spaniel a good family dog?
High: French Spaniel dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Canadian Setter need? French Spaniel social needs:
French Spaniel dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the French Spaniel to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does French Spaniel roam?
French Spaniel dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command. This breed is also able to cause damage to your fence.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does French Spaniel have high prey drive?
French Spaniel dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

French Spaniel Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: French Spaniels, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Barking
Do French Spaniel dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Canadian Setter bark?
Low to Average: The French Spaniel rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is French Spaniel good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a French Spaniel in an apartment?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the French Spaniel breed. If you don't have a garden, think carefully about your decision, keeping French Spaniel indoors can cause a lot of problems.

French Spaniel Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Average: French Spaniel dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a French Spaniel be left alone? How long can you leave a French Spaniel alone?
French Spaniel dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

French Spaniel Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the French Spaniel has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a French Spaniel? How much bite force does a French Spaniel have? How strong is a French Spaniel bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

French Spaniel bite force: Ordinary. Bite force French Spaniel measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a French Spaniel is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This French Spaniel bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. French Spaniel bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a French Spaniel puppy not to bite from an early age.

The French Spaniel, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the French Spaniel bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a French Spaniel can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do French Spaniel bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Canadian Setter? What are the odds of getting bitten by a French Spaniel? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The French Spaniel has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the French Spaniel do?
French Spaniel dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but French Spaniel dogs need to be taught a good attitude. We have compiled a list of Mouthy Dog Breeds.

French Spaniel Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do French Spaniel dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
French Spaniels tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the French Spaniel breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the French Spaniel see the vet?
Frequent
The French Spaniel should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do French Spaniel dogs live? How old can a French Spaniel be? What is the age limit of the French Spaniel? How many years can the oldest French Spaniel live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a French Spaniel?

How long is the lifespan of a French Spaniel?

10-12 years
The average lifespan of French Spaniel: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

French Spaniel Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the French Spaniel have? What is the activity level of the French Spaniel?
French Spaniel dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a French Spaniel need? How much exercise do French Spaniel dogs require per day?

Do French Spaniel dogs need a lot of exercises?

French Spaniel dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the French Spaniel breed need?
French Spaniel dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

French Spaniel Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a French Spaniel need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a French Spaniel breed eat per day? What is good dog food for French Spaniel? How much food should I feed my French Spaniel?
2-3 cup a day high-quality dry food formulated for adult dogs and made with high-quality animal proteins, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? French Spaniel risk for obesity:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the French Spaniel's weight, he can easily gain weight. More than one daily walk should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the French Spaniel weight regularly.

French Spaniel Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the French Spaniel have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
WavyGlossy
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper French Spaniel coats?
White Liver
Grooming
How to groom the French Spaniel and how often? How often should I take my French Spaniel to the groomer?
Easy to groom: The French Spaniel doesn't require a lot of grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. French Spaniel is a good choice if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do French Spaniel dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Canadian Setter? Do French Spaniel dogs shed a lot?
French Spaniel dogs are heavy shedders. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Be prepared for the daily vacuum cleaning. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the French Spaniel need a bath? How often should you give a French Spaniel a bath? Can I bathe my French Spaniel every day?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Hypoallergenic
Is the French Spaniel breed hypoallergenic?
No
French Spaniel dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The French Spaniel has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the French Spaniel drool?
The French Spaniel is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the French Spaniel could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the French Spaniel.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

French Spaniel Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do French Spaniel dogs get along with other pets? Are French Spaniel dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
French Spaniel dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? French Spaniel temperament with other people:
French Spaniel dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Are French Spaniel dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? French Spaniel temperament with children:
French Spaniel dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do French Spaniel dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the French Spaniel breed live with a cat?
French Spaniel dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is French Spaniel good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do French Spaniel dogs get along with other dogs?
French Spaniel dogs are dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the French Spaniel can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is French Spaniel breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is French Spaniel breed suitable for first-time owners?
No
French Spaniel dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Office Friendly
Are French Spaniel dogs good office canines? Do French Spaniel dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
French Spaniel is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do French Spaniel dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Canadian Setter temperament with senior people? Are French Spaniel dogs good for elderly owners?
French Spaniels are usually recommended for elderly people.

French Spaniel As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can French Spaniel be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

French Spaniel is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can French Spaniel be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a French Spaniel be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

French Spaniel is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can French Spaniel be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

French Spaniel is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can French Spaniel be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The French Spaniel is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can French Spaniel be a boat dog?

Not really

French Spaniel breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can French Spaniel be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

French Spaniel is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where French Spaniel dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

French Spaniel Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a French Spaniel pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the French Spaniel breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female French Spaniel: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the French Spaniel have in a litter? How many puppies can the French Spaniel breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a French Spaniel have? How many puppies can a French Spaniel give birth to?
3-7 puppies

French Spaniel Recognition

AKC Group
Is French Spaniel recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is French Spaniel recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Recognized by FCI in the Pointing Dogs group, in the Continental Pointing Dogs section.

French Spaniel Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Grooming: Easy to groom: The French Spaniel doesn't require a lot of grooming.
  • Drooling Tendency: The French Spaniel is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Child Friendly: French Spaniel dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: French Spaniel dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: French Spaniels are usually recommended for elderly people.
Cons
  • Trainability: French Spaniel dogs are hard to train.
  • Health Issues: French Spaniels tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
  • Hypoallergenic: French Spaniel dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Friendly: Not an apartment-friendly dog the French Spaniel breed.
  • Shedding Level: French Spaniel dogs are heavy shedders.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the French Spaniel's weight, he can easily gain weight.
  • Mouthiness: French Spaniel dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: French Spaniel dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: French Spaniel dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
  • Office Friendly: French Spaniel is not the best dog breed for office environment.
  • Good For First Time Owners: French Spaniel dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.

French Spaniel History

The origin of the Spaniel goes back almost 2000 years with evidence when the name first appeared in writings such as the Irish law in 17 A.D. There is also another reference to the Spaniel in Welsh laws about the year 300 A.D. However most researchers agree that the term ‘Spaniel’ comes from the Roman name for Spain, Hispania, and the change probably came from this to spagnell, spainell, spanyell and spaniel. On the other hand, some people believe that the term may have come from the French phrase ‘Chiens de l’Espagnol’, which means the ‘dog of Spain’. Afterward, in the late 14th century several authors mentioned the breed in their writings. First of all Gaston De Foix, who was a rich and powerful lord of Southern France, wrote his “Livre de Chasse” (Book of the Chase) in which he describes this breed as a hunting dog. In the 16th century, Spaniels had become specialized in water and land breeds. After that a process of selection and refinement into distinct breeds started, the King Charles Spaniel and the French Spaniel became independent breeds by the mid-1600s.

The French Spaniel, like the other types of spaniel breeds, such as the English Springer Spaniel and the Cocker Spaniel, is likely to have been derived from Spanish and Portuguese hunting dogs of the Middle Ages. However other people believe that the French Spaniel was developed in France in the 14th century where the breed was used for net hunting and falconry. It is true however that the breed became very popular in France and the surrounding countries as a hunting dog with noble roots. For net hunting, the dog would point with a low elongated, “setting style” which would make it easier for the hunter to throw the net over the dog. The French Spaniel kept its noble patronage and was admired for its speed and gentle mouth when retrieving wounded game. After a while, there was a time in the 19th century when the breed was on the edge of the extension. Apparently, it is proved that a French priest, Father Fournier, gathered as many French Spaniel as he could to save them by breeding them in his kennel in Saint Hillaire. Thanks to him in 1921 the French Spaniel Club was founded with Father Fournier being president and since then the breed has been recognized alongside other Spaniels such as Brittany and Picardy.

Moreover, the French Spaniel started becoming popular in other countries as well when it was imported to the Canadian providence of Quebec in the 1970s. A club was created in Quebec, which quickly gained popularity with its main goal to preserve the French Spaniel breed standard. A few years later the Canadian Kennel Club officially recognized the French Spaniel.

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