Pont-Audemer Spaniel
Also known as Pont-Audemer
- Height at the withers
- 52 to 58 cm
- Weight
- 18 to 24 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 14 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- France
- FCI group
- 7 · Pointing dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with young children
- living with a cat
- close neighbors: it barks little
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
Overview
A stocky, vigorous spaniel with a curly, slightly tousled coat in liver or liver and gray roan with dead-leaf highlights, the Pont-Audemer Spaniel has a distinctive topknot on its skull. A Normandy pointing dog that specializes in marshland and waterfowl, it is cheerful, affectionate and easygoing, but remains one of the rarest French breeds.
History and origins
From the Pont-Audemer area, in the Eure department, it is thought to have arisen in the 19th century from crosses between old local spaniels and water dogs, probably the Irish Water Spaniel, from which it kept its curly coat. Decimated by the wars, the breed was narrowly saved in the second half of the 20th century by a controlled infusion of Irish Water Spaniel blood, under the guidance of the club it shares with the Picardy Spaniel and the Blue Picardy Spaniel. Recognized by the FCI (standard no. 114), it has only a few registered births each year in France (8 LOF registrations in 2025, 19 in 2024).
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Ear infections
- Hip dysplasia
- Skin problems (dermatitis)
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length, curly coat. Low shedding, average coat care. Coat colors: liver, liver and gray roan, dead-leaf highlights.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With cats
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- None, 1 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Shedding
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Pont-Audemer Spaniel FAQ
How big does the Pont-Audemer Spaniel get?
The Pont-Audemer Spaniel stands 52 to 58 cm at the withers and weighs 18 to 24 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Pont-Audemer Spaniel shed a lot?
It sheds little and its coat needs average care.
Can the Pont-Audemer Spaniel live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.
How much exercise does the Pont-Audemer Spaniel need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Pont-Audemer Spaniel good with children?
Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Pont-Audemer Spaniel live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are ear infections and hip dysplasia.
