Pont-Audemer Spaniel
12-14 yrs
44-55 lbs
20-23"
France

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Pont-Audemer Spaniel

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Dog Breeds
Pont-Audemer Spaniel

44-55 lbs

20-23"

France

Setter of Pont-Audemer, Epagneul Pont-Audemer

The Pont-Audemer Spaniel is a rare dog that is battling extinction. This canine is affectionately known as Le petit clown des marais, which means 'the little clown of the marshes' due to their fun loving nature and happy temperament. This dog has incredible skills to hunt in the marshlands; their ability surpasses all other Spaniels for this type of hunting. The Pont-Audemer Spaniel is affectionate, gentle and kind and makes a great family pet. But don't let that fool you, they are hardy, vigorous and tough dogs that can withstand some fierce weather conditions. Born to work, they are happiest when tracking through the great outdoors, and for this reason, they need a home with a bit of room to move around. Because of their gentle nature, they can adapt to an apartment, but you will need to take them outside for a run and play at least twice a day to keep them happy. This dog is kind with children, and they demonstrate a rare calmness in the home. Elegant in appearance, this noble dog is sadly battling declining numbers due to the hunter's preference for an all round hunting dog rather than a specialist duck and water fowl dog which is your Pont-Audemer.

                
                Purpose
              
Gun dog, Companion

                Date of Origin
              
19th Century

                Ancestry
              
Picardy Spaniel, Barbet, Poodle, Irish Water Spaniel

Pont-Audemer Spaniel Health

Average Size

Height: 20-23 inches Weight: 44-60 lbs

Height: 20-23 inches Weight: 44-55 lbs

Major Concerns

Canine Hip Dysplasia
Von Willebrand's Disease
Hyperthyroidism

Minor Concerns

Kneecap Dislocation
Dental Problems

Occasional Diagnoses

Bloat

Occasional Tests

Buccal Mucosal Screening
Regular Full Physical Examination By Veterinarian
Blood and Urine Tests
Full Chemistry Panel Tests and Blood Count
Diagnostic Imaging
Blood Tests and Analysis
Hip and Elbow X-rays

Pont-Audemer Spaniel Breed History

Like many dog breeds, the exact ancestry of the Pont-Audemer Spaniel remains lost in the mists of time. Developed in the Pont-Audemer region of France during the 19th Century, the contenders for the ancestry are the old Spaniel indigenous to Pont-Audemer crossed with an Irish Water Spaniel, as well as the Poodle and the Barbet. Although this dog is a fine pointing dog, they excel when working the marshes for ducks. This eager, comical dog has earned the nicknamed the 'le petit clown des marais' or little clown of the marshes. The breed is popular in the Normandy and Picardy districts of their homeland, but it has not gained much favor in other areas of France, and is rarely found in other countries. European hunters tend to prefer a general purpose dog rather than a specialist. The First World War saw the breeding stock dramatically reduced, and it was teetering on the brink of extinction. The Second World War almost pushed it over the extinction brink. In the 1950's efforts began to try and save the breed by crossbreeding them with the Irish Water Spaniels. But numbers continued to decline. The Society Havraise decided to undertake a revival of the breed and has worked hard with other clubs to raise its awareness. Let us hope that this lovely dog survives and prospers as their lovely nature and elegant appearance are a rare treat. The United Kennel Club recognised the Pont-Audemer on January 1, 1996.

Pont-Audemer Spaniel Breed Appearance

Elegant in appearance, the Pont-Audemer dog is a compact, stocky dog bred to hunt ducks and waterfowl as well as rabbits which they do with a passion. They have a straight back with a slightly muscular body, with a broad, deep chest. The legs are medium in length, sturdy, and the dog has well padded paws. The head is rounded at the top, and has a very curly topknot of hair which combined with the long and fluffy ears gives the dog the appearance of wearing a rather beautiful curly wig! The muzzle is long and pointed, while the eyes are small and round, with a frank but gentle expression. Their ears are long, flat and pendant shaped covered with long silky hair. The long curly haired tail is always wagging, and their coat has a wavy almost ruffled look to it that can be brown, liver, or red chestnut in color. On the face, the hair is short and smooth, but longer hair that curls around the neck forms a lustrous mane. The dense and beautiful coat of the Pont-Audemer dog is what helps it to withstand extreme cold conditions.

Eye Color Possibilities

Hazel

Amber

Nose Color Possibilities

Black

Brown

Coat Color Possibilities

Brown

Pied

White

Coat Length

Short Medium Long

Coat Density

Sparse Normal Dense

Coat Texture

Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Pont-Audemer Spaniel Breed Maintenance

The Pont-Audemer needs their beautiful coat to be brushed regularly to avoid matting of the hair. A working dog will need a bath more often than a companion dog, as they get quite muddy working the marshes. This dog is quiet and relaxed and is happy to sit and enjoy a grooming session. The Pont-Audemer likes to be with their owner and family and bonds strongly to them, so any attention even if it is only grooming will be happily accepted. If bathing this dog, make sure to use a special dog shampoo to protect the natural oils on the coat and skin that protects the dog from the weather. Their long hanging ears will require frequent checking to avoid infection. Clean gently with a damp cloth to wipe away any debris or build up of oil. The teeth are another area to pay attention to; the Pont-Audemer should have their teeth brushed two to three times a week to maintain their health. And lastly, check that their toe nails are not too long - a gentle snip off the ends may be required for the companion dog.

Brushes for Pont-Audemer Spaniel

Pin Brush

Slicker Brush

Deshedder

Nail Clipper

Brushing Frequency

Daily Weekly Monthly

Pont-Audemer Spaniel Temperament

The Pont-Audemer Spaniel is a gentle dog by nature which seems at odds with their excellence in hunting. But aggression is not the aim of this dog, they are more of a track and trace type dog, and will collect the game after their owner has dispatched it. Dedicated and easy to train, the quiet Spaniel is surprisingly tough and can tolerate severe weather conditions, plus they have a strong work ethic. Sadly their numbers have never really increased, and they are a hard breed to find if you are interested in getting one. Due to their specialist nature (mostly ducks and wild fowl, plus an occasional rabbit), most hunters seem to prefer a dog that is a good all rounder. The Pont-Audemer are loyal and affectionate to their human family, and they crave companionship. They make ideal playmates for children and are quite comical and playful. This dog is good with other dogs in the household but may show combativeness with other dogs. Because they are bred to hunt, they will tend to chase smaller pets, but with socialising and obedience training this can be overcome. The Pont-Audemer is always eager to please, and they respond well to positive training methods. With their long curly topknot and curly ruff around the neck, this is an attractive, loving dog.

Pont-Audemer Spaniel Activity Requirements

The Pont-Audemer is hard working, dedicated dog who is only too willing to please their master. At home, they are less hyperactive than most Spaniels but are still considered active by most dog standards. They are no couch potato; they like to move around, checking things out. As a companion dog, they will require a decent walk each day, and as they love to play - games are an ideal way to wear this dog out. Ideally, they love the wide open spaces, a bit of water, and some dense undergrowth to nose around and explore. But they can adapt to the city as long as you can meet their exercise needs. The Pont-Audemer is easy to train as they bond so closely with their owners and love to please them. Friendly and affectionate, this rare but lovely Spaniel is in a class of their own.

Activity Level

                  Low
                  Medium
                  High
                
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
16 miles

Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to Pont-Audemer Spaniel

Similarly Sized Breeds to Pont-Audemer Spaniel

Pont-Audemer Spaniel Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3 cups
Daily Cost
$1.50 - $1.90
Monthly Cost
$35.00 - $45.00

Pont-Audemer Spaniel Height & Weight

6 Months

                  Height: 12.0 inches
                  Weight: 13.0 lbs
                
                  Height: 12.0 inches
                  Weight: 13.0 lbs
                
12 Months

                  Height: 18.5 inches
                  Weight: 24.0 lbs
                
                  Height: 18.5 inches
                  Weight: 24.0 lbs
                
18 Months

                  Height: 22.5 inches
                  Weight: 50.0 lbs
                
                  Height: 22.5 inches
                  Weight: 47.5 lbs

Written by a Golden Labrador Retriever lover Jean Brewer

Published: 04/27/2018, edited: 02/24/2021

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