Pet Wiki

Saint-Usuge Spaniel

Also called Épagneul de Saint-Usuge, St-Usuge Spaniel

An eager, affectionate spaniel that learns readily and likes to please.

SizeMedium
Height41 to 53 cm (16 to 21 in)1
CoatMedium, feathered coat
OriginFrance, from the Bresse region.1
Last checked2026-09-30
Rare breedShort profile
easy to train and obedient
keen, passionate hunter
affectionate family companion
1

Personality what they are like

An eager, affectionate spaniel that learns readily and likes to please. In the field it is keen and versatile, and at home it is a warm, loyal companion.1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

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

  • Brushingevery 2 days
  • Bathevery month
  • HaircutTrim feathering and feet, or keep a short cutevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

Coat and looks how to spot one

medium, feathered coat

A compact spaniel whose body coat is fairly flat, with longer feathering on the ears, chest, shoulders and tail. The tail is left at its natural length.1

Coloursbrownbrown with white markings1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A working gundog that enjoys regular, varied outings. It is used on waterfowl and woodcock across different kinds of terrain, and the breed club runs natural aptitude and hunting tests.12

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Regular brushing, with a little extra attention to the feathering on the ears, chest and tail, keeps the coat in good order.1

Home where they are happiest

Best suited to an active home with access to countryside walks and field work.12

Company who they like around

A people-oriented dog that bonds warmly with its family and responds well to kind, consistent training.1

The story where it all began

Spaniels of this kind are traced back to the 16th century in the Bresse area, but by the Second World War very few remained. From the 1950s Father Robert Billard rebuilt the breed through careful selection, and a breed club followed in 1990. French recognition came in 2003.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The breed owes its survival largely to one man, the priest Robert Billard, who spent about 33 years rebuilding it.1

  2. 2

    More than 250 dogs were bred during Father Billard's programme, and over 1,200 more have been bred since 1990.1

  3. 3

    Many Saint-Usuge Spaniels carry a small white star on the forehead.1

  4. 4

    The breed is now also found in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Canada and the United States.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after the village of Saint-Usuge in the Bresse region of France, where a dog of this type won first prize at a pointing dog competition and was identified by its owner as an 'Epagneul de la région, du village de St-Usuge'.3

Name ideas for your new friend

PlumeÉrableRuisseauFidèleBruyèreNoisetteBiscuitRonceSaugeGrisouLuronPivoine

A day in the life told by a Saint-Usuge Spaniel

I woke to the clatter of my human's boots. I wagged my tail as they grabbed the shotgun, time for a walk! We crossed the field, my nose busy with every scent. A woodcock burst from the bushes and I froze, pointing. My human smiled and gave a low whistle. Later, we splashed through a stream; I fetched a stick and shook water everywhere. At home, I collapsed on the rug, my feathery tail thumping. My human brought a bowl of water and I lapped gratefully. Now I'm dreaming of the next hunt.

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

Recognised by the official bits

Société Centrale Canine (SCC)
Recognised in France on 8 January 2003; the breed club is affiliated to the SCC.1
FCI
Not yet recognised by the FCI.1
Club de l'Épagneul de Saint-Usuge
French breed club, affiliated to the SCC; national club founded in 1990 according to Wikipedia.2

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

Blueberry and Oat Bites

These three-ingredient treats are quick to make and packed with antioxidants from blueberries and fibre from oats. They are low in fat and perfect as a training reward.

You need

  • 100g oats
  • 1 banana (mashed)
  • 40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
  • Splash of water (as needed)

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
  2. In a bowl, mix the mashed banana, oats, and chopped blueberries together.
  3. Add splashes of water gradually until the mixture comes together into a large ball.
  4. Roll out the mixture on a lightly floured surface to about 1-2cm thick.
  5. Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut into shapes.
  6. Place the shapes on a lined baking tray.
  7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until slightly browned.
  8. Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Offer one or two bites per day for a medium-sized dog. Reduce your dog's usual food portion to account for these treats.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

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 Saint-Usuge Spaniel, and at what times?

Feed your Saint-Usuge Spaniel at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. For exact amounts, follow the food label and consult your vet.4

What should a Saint-Usuge Spaniel eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food suited to their age and activity level. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, as listed by the ASPCA. Always check with your vet for a complete list.5

How often should I bathe a Saint-Usuge Spaniel?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests bathing every 28 days, but general guidance recommends at least every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues.6 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Saint-Usuge Spaniel need brushing?

Brush your Saint-Usuge Spaniel every two days as a starting plan, with extra attention to the feathering on ears, chest, and tail. For a long silky coat, daily brushing is ideal.6 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Saint-Usuge Spaniel's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 28 days or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or a professional groomer.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Saint-Usuge Spaniel need?

Your Saint-Usuge Spaniel needs daily exercise with walks and play. As a working gundog, it enjoys varied outings and field work, so aim for at least an hour of activity each day.12 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Saint-Usuge Spaniel's teeth and ears?

Brush your dog's teeth daily if possible, at least two to three times a week, using dog toothpaste. Check ears weekly and keep them dry, especially since floppy ears trap moisture. Never insert anything into the ear canal.6 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Saint-Usuge Spaniel live?

Lifespan varies by individual, so ask your vet for a general estimate based on your dog's health and lineage.

Is a Saint-Usuge Spaniel good with children and other pets?

The Saint-Usuge Spaniel is an affectionate, people-oriented dog that bonds warmly with its family. With proper socialization, it is likely to be good with children and other pets.1

Can a Saint-Usuge Spaniel be left alone?

This breed is very people-oriented and bonds closely with its family, so it may not enjoy long periods alone. Whether it can be left alone depends on training and individual temperament; ask a good breeder 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.

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Where this comes from

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

  1. Wikipedia: Saint-Usuge Spaniel en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament, history, facts (secondary)
  2. Club de l'Épagneul de Saint-Usuge epagneuldesaintusuge.orgused for breed club, SCC affiliation, hunting aptitude tests
  3. epagneuldesaintusuge.org epagneuldesaintusuge.org
  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.