what they are likePont-Audemer Spaniel temperament
A friendly, soft-natured gundog with a kind, open expression. It learns readily and is known in France for its playful, clownish side, while the standard calls for a dog that is neither aggressive nor overly timid.12
how to spot onePont-Audemer Spaniel coat and colours
curly to wavy coat
A coat of curls, or at least strong waves, over the body, while the face stays smooth. Curly hair gathers into a topknot and also dresses the ears, tail and even the spaces between the toes.21
Comes inbrownbrown and grey roanbrown and white roan21
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Pont-Audemer 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
Eye wipeGently wipe around the eyesevery day
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
how busy a day looksPont-Audemer Spaniel exercise needs
A hunting spaniel that loves water and marshland work; it needs regular outdoor exercise, ideally with chances to swim and use its nose.12
where they are happiestPont-Audemer Spaniel at home
Best suited to an active household with access to open country or water, reflecting its background as a marsh and duck dog.1
who they like aroundPont-Audemer Spaniel with people and other pets
An affectionate dog that enjoys close contact with its people.1
the hands-on bitsPont-Audemer Spaniel grooming and care
The curly coat benefits from regular brushing to keep curls tidy, with attention to the feathered ears and the hair between the toes.2
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Pont-Audemer Spaniel, and at what times?
Feed adult dogs at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Stomachs empty within a few hours, so consistent times help. Check the food label and ask your vet for the right amount.4
What should a Pont-Audemer Spaniel eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a complete, balanced dog food. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Never give alcohol, yeast dough, or raw meat and eggs.5
How often should I bathe a Pont-Audemer Spaniel?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 28 days, but at least once every three months is fine. Bathe more often if your dog is very active outdoors or has skin issues.6
How often does a Pont-Audemer Spaniel need brushing?
Brush every two days to keep the curly coat tidy, especially the feathered ears and hair between the toes. This prevents tangles and mats.2
How do I trim a Pont-Audemer 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. Ask your vet or a groomer to show you how.6
How much exercise does a Pont-Audemer Spaniel need?
This active spaniel needs daily walks and play, ideally with chances to swim and use its nose. It loves water and open country, so regular outdoor exercise is essential.12
How do I look after a Pont-Audemer Spaniel's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth every two days with dog toothpaste, and check ears weekly since floppy ears trap moisture. Dry ears gently and never push anything into the ear canal.6
How long does a Pont-Audemer Spaniel live?
Lifespan varies; ask your vet for breed-specific information. Senior years usually start around age 8, so regular vet checkups are important.
Is a Pont-Audemer Spaniel good with children and other pets?
Yes, this friendly, soft-natured dog is neither aggressive nor overly timid. It enjoys close contact and is known for a playful, clownish side, making it good with children and other pets when properly socialized.12
Can a Pont-Audemer Spaniel be left alone?
This affectionate dog enjoys close contact with its people, so it may not like being left alone for long periods. It varies by individual; ask a good breeder or vet for advice on your dog's needs.1
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.
what to watchPont-Audemer Spaniel health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Pont-Audemer Spaniel. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Alopecia (hair loss)
Some dogs lose hair, mainly on the ears and nose, usually starting between 7 and 18 months of age. Wikipedia breed article, citing biopsy studies in the breed ↗
Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat a Pont-Audemer Spaniel costs
Running costs for a Pont-Audemer Spaniel, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Pont-Audemer Spaniel legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Pont-Audemer Spaniel in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
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
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
In France it is nicknamed the little clown of the marshes.1
2
Its breed standard describes curly hair growing even between the toes.2
3
It was traditionally a specialist at hunting wild ducks in wetlands, and today it is also used on rabbit and pheasant.1
4
Since 1980 it has shared a breed club with the Picardy Spaniel.1
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The breed is named after the Pont-Audemer region of France, where it was developed in the 19th century.1
This morning, I woke up to the smell of fresh grass and the promise of adventure. My human took me to the marsh, where I splashed through cool water and chased the scent of ducks. I found a particularly muddy spot and rolled in it, just to make my human laugh. They did. After a good shake, we walked home, and I proudly carried a stick I found. In the afternoon, I napped in a sunbeam, dreaming of tomorrow's swim. My human says I'm a clown, but I think I'm just spreading joy.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganPont-Audemer Spaniel history
The breed was shaped in 19th-century Normandy, with English and Irish water spaniel blood in its background. Numbers fell sharply after the Second World War, so from 1949 the breed club allowed carefully chosen outcrosses, including the Irish Water Spaniel, to rebuild it. In 1980 its club joined forces with the Picardy Spaniel club.1
Standard no. 114, Group 7 (Pointing Dogs), Section 1 Continental Pointing Dogs, spaniel type. Definitively accepted 15 December 1954; current standard published 1 August 2023.3
Irish Water Spaniel
Picardy Spaniel
Blue Picardy Spaniel