French Spaniel

Also called Épagneul Français

Recognised breedFCI group 7Short profile

From France (also developed in Canada).1 2

At a glance the quick version

Weight20 to 27 kg2

Height, male56 to 61 cm1

Height, female55 to 59 cm1

Sizelarge

Weight not given in the FCI standard; range from Wikipedia.

Gentle and calm

Keen, enthusiastic hunter

Sociable with other dogs

1 3

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.1 2

Colourswhite and brown (light cinnamon to dark liver), patched, flecked or roan1 2

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.1 2 3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A versatile pointing dog that needs vigorous daily exercise.1 2

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.1 2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
It is one of the two tallest spaniel breeds.2
2
French Spaniels crossed with English Setters in the 1850s helped create the Brittany.2
3
Empress Catherine I of Russia owned a French Spaniel called Babe.2
4
Early French Spaniels were white with black markings, unlike today's white and brown dogs.2

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 Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a French Spaniel. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

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 7every year

Start a free diary

Brittany

Small Münsterländer

Picardy Spaniel

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Where this comes from

Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.

FCI Standard No. 175 French Spaniel fci.beused for group, height, coat, colours, temperament, history
French Spaniel - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for recognition, weight, history, fun facts
French Spaniel - AKC akc.orgused for temperament

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