Pet Wiki

French Spaniel

Also called Épagneul Français

Recognised breedFCI group 7Short profile

From France (also developed in Canada).12

At a glance the quick version

Weight20 to 27 kg2
Height, male56 to 61 cm1
Height, female55 to 59 cm1
Sizelarge
Gentle and calm
Keen, enthusiastic hunter
Sociable with other dogs
13

Coat and looks how to spot one

medium, flat to slightly wavy

Flat, silky hair on the body with a little wave at the neck and tail root, longer wavy feathering on the ears, legs and tail, and short fine hair on the head.12

Colourswhite and brown (light cinnamon to dark liver), patched, flecked or roan12

Personality what they are like

Balanced, open and gentle, with a patient, easy nature at home and real enthusiasm in the field. It likes to please, trains well and bonds closely with its handler.123

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A versatile pointing dog that needs vigorous daily exercise.12

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Regular brushing keeps the feathering on ears, legs and tail free of tangles.1

Company who they like around

Gets on well with other dogs and makes an adaptable family companion.1

The story where it all began

The French Spaniel descends from medieval bird dogs described by Gaston Fébus in the 14th century. Its first standard was written in 1891, and after it nearly vanished in the early 1900s, the priest Father Fournier kept it going and led the breed club founded in 1921. Breeders in Quebec took it up from the 1970s.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It is one of the two tallest spaniel breeds.2

  2. 2

    French Spaniels crossed with English Setters in the 1850s helped create the Brittany.2

  3. 3

    Empress Catherine I of Russia owned a French Spaniel called Babe.2

  4. 4

    Early French Spaniels were white with black markings, unlike today's white and brown dogs.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The French Spaniel is a descendant of the bird dogs described by Gaston Febus and used in the Middle Ages. Its ancestors are more than likely at the origin of the diverse varieties of sporting Spaniels.1

Name ideas for your new friend

BeauFleurPierreColetteChouJeanLavandeMimiRouxAméliePoppySoleil

A day in the life told by a French Spaniel

I wake up gently, nuzzling my person's hand. After a quiet breakfast, we head to the fields. I love pointing at birds, my tail steady as a compass. We walk for hours, the grass brushing my belly. Back home, I lie by the fire, my head resting on a soft cushion. I am patient and calm, but my heart is full of joy. Every day is a perfect balance of work and rest.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard No. 175, Group 7 Pointing Dogs, Section 1.2 Continental pointing dogs, spaniel type.1
Canadian Kennel Club
Recognised in 1985.2
UKC
Recognised.2
AKC
Foundation Stock Service.2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a French Spaniel. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Frozen Yoghurt & Berry Kong Stuffing

A cooling, low-calorie treat that’s perfect for large dogs who love to lick and work for their food. Blueberries provide antioxidants, and plain yoghurt is gentle on the stomach.

You need

  • 120g plain Greek yoghurt (unsweetened, no additives)
  • 50g fresh or frozen blueberries (chopped if large)

How

  1. Mix the yoghurt and blueberries together in a small bowl.
  2. Spoon the mixture into a Kong or similar treat-dispensing toy.
  3. Place the stuffed Kong upright in a cup or on a tray in the freezer.
  4. Freeze for at least 3-4 hours or until solid.
  5. Give to your dog as a supervised treat.

How much: One stuffed Kong per day for a large/giant dog, reducing their dinner portion accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my French Spaniel, and at what times?

Adult French Spaniels generally do best with at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. Exact times can fit your routine, so ask your vet or a good breeder for a schedule that suits your dog.4

What should a French Spaniel eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a complete, balanced dog food that matches your dog's age and activity, and follow the label and your vet for amounts. Avoid dangerous foods, including alcohol, yeast dough, chocolate, coffee and caffeine, avocado, citrus, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic and chives, milk and dairy, macadamia nuts, coconut, raw meat, raw eggs, bones, xylitol and salt. Grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts and xylitol are especially dangerous for dogs.5

How often should I bathe a French Spaniel?

Furry Diary's starting plan is to bathe about every 28 days. General guidance suggests at least once every three months, and more often if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors or has skin problems. When in doubt, ask your vet.6 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a French Spaniel need brushing?

Furry Diary's starting plan is to brush every 2 days to keep the feathering on the ears, legs and tail free of tangles. General guidance for longer silky coats is daily brushing, so you can brush more often if your dog needs it.16 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a French Spaniel's nails, and how often?

Trim nails when they just about touch the ground, a little at a time, and stop before the quick. Furry Diary's starting plan is every 28 days, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Ask your vet or groomer if you are not sure.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a French Spaniel need?

This versatile pointing dog needs vigorous daily exercise. Furry Diary's starting plan includes daily walks and play. Expect to give it plenty of active time every day.12 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a French Spaniel's teeth and ears?

Brush the teeth a few times a week, ideally daily, and never use human toothpaste. Check the ears weekly, especially because floppy ears trap moisture, and dry them gently without pushing anything into the ear canal. Furry Diary's starting plan is ear checks every 7 days and tooth brushing every 2 days.6 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a French Spaniel live?

The provided sources do not cover the typical lifespan of a French Spaniel. Lifespan varies with health and care, so ask your vet or a good breeder for breed-specific expectations.

Is a French Spaniel good with children and other pets?

Yes, the French Spaniel has a balanced, gentle and patient nature and is described as an adaptable family companion. It gets on well with other dogs. As with any breed, supervise early interactions with children and other pets.123

Can a French Spaniel be left alone?

The provided sources do not cover how long a French Spaniel can be left alone. This varies with the individual dog and routine, so ask a good breeder or your vet for advice.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

You might also like

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. FCI Standard No. 175 French Spaniel fci.beused for group, height, coat, colours, temperament, history
  2. French Spaniel - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for recognition, weight, history, fun facts
  3. French Spaniel - AKC akc.orgused for temperament
  4. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.