

The Epagneul de Pont-Audemer is a rare, curly-coated, and tireless worker—a water-loving Vorstehhund (pointing dog) bred for demanding hunting in the marshes of Normandy, where mud is essentially paradise.
How the health grade is calculated
Sources for required breeding screenings. Verein für französische Vorstehhunde – VBBFL e.V.
Self-check
Answer 6 quick questions about your everyday life and see how well the Pont-Audemer Spaniel fits you — including an honest cost estimate per month, per year, and across the dog's lifetime.
At a glance
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Shoulder height
52–58 cm
Weight
20–29 kg
Practical
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Pont-Audemer Spaniel, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Colors & coat
The coat colors that occur in the Pont-Audemer Spaniel — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
Eye colors
Coat type
The real vibes check
Don't let its shaggy, almost clownish hairstyle fool you—under those curls lies a highly specialized swamp hunter that lives for tough assignments. If you give it a real task in or near the water, you'll get a gentle, extremely loyal companion; if not, this clever nose will simply find its own projects outdoors.
The Epagneul de Pont-Audemer is a medium-sized dog with a robust and harmonious body structure. His expressive head is covered in curly fur and his ears are long and wavy. The tail is usually naturally short or docked, a process that is illegal in many countries, including Germany. Its fur is thick, curly and water-repellent, making him an excellent swimmer. The coat color varies between different shades of brown and liver, often with white markings or roan. As a member of FCI Group 7 (Pointing Dogs), the Epagneul de Pont-Audemer is known for its abilities in the water. He is a passionate and skilled retriever and is often used for water hunting. No distinction is made between show and working lines, which ensures the uniformity of the breed standard.
The Epagneul de Pont-Audemer is known for its attentive and friendly nature. He is an active dog who likes to keep busy, especially when water is involved. His original purpose as a hunting dog has meant that he still has a strong need to use his nose and brain. Be it nose work, retrieving or just discovering new places, the Epagneul de Pont-Audemer loves to explore his surroundings and learn new things. He is a very people-oriented dog who loves the company of his family and integrates well into everyday family life. With his playful and outgoing character, he is also a great playmate for children. Despite his keen alertness, he doesn't tend to bark, which makes him a pleasant companion. The Epagneul de Pont-Audemer is an independent thinker, which means he also likes to act on his own initiative. It is therefore important that you show him clear rules and boundaries. He can learn to stay alone, but he prefers to be with his family. Therefore, being alone should be trained gradually and positively. Although not a typical hunting dog, the Epagneul de Pont-Audemer has a natural interest in game and can tend to give in to its instincts. It is therefore advisable to keep him on a leash or let him run in a safe area. His alertness and attentiveness make him a good guard dog, but he is not prone to being aggressive or overly protective. The Epagneul de Pont-Audemer is a versatile and adaptable dog suitable for both active families and individuals who enjoy the outdoors and lead an active lifestyle. With his friendliness, charm and ingenuity, the Epagneul de Pont-Audemer will surely win your heart and be a valuable family member.
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the Epagneul de Pont-Audemer is also known as "the clown of the spaniels"? His cheerful and playful nature is sure to bring life and laughter into your home!
The Epagneul de Pont-Audemer is a lively and friendly hunting dog, particularly suited for water work. This breed is characterized by its endurance and strong retrieving instinct. Epagneuls de Pont-Audemer are intelligent and eager-to-learn dogs that require consistent training and plenty of activity. They are loyal companions and are well suited for active families with hunting or sporting ambitions.
The Epagneul de Pont-Audemer is definitely suitable as a city dog, as long as it receives enough exercise and mental stimulation. He gets along well with children and can live with other pets as long as he has been properly socialized. However, since it has a strong hunting instinct, caution is advised around smaller pets such as cats or rabbits.
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Usually gets on fine with other dogs.
City-appropriate with enough exercise and stimulation.
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.
The Epagneul de Pont-Audemer is an intelligent and willing dog to learn, but requires clear and consistent leadership. He tends to act independently, so early socialization and training is essential. Since he is originally a hunting dog, it can be helpful to offer him activities that utilize this instinct, such as tracking or games of fetch. However, since he can also tend to be a "ball junkie." It is important that he learns to control his impulses and develop frustration tolerance. The Epagneul de Pont-Audemer needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to be happy and balanced. Long walks, playing with other dogs, and training games can help him channel his energy in a positive way. However, it is also important to watch out for over-busyness, as this can lead to stress and anxiety.
Your Epagneul de Pont-Audemer's diet should be high quality and balanced. Depending on age, size, weight and activity level, the amount of food required may vary. It is important to avoid overfeeding as excess weight can affect your dog's health. The coat care of the Epagneul de Pont-Audemer is moderate. He has a dense, curly undercoat that protects him from cold water. That's why he gets along well with the climate in Germany. However, since he tends to shed a lot, regular brushing is necessary to keep the coat clean and tangle-free.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.
Solid, watch carefully
Health grade
In the Epagneul de Pont-Audemer, there are breed-typical risks for hip dysplasia (HD) as well as elbow dysplasia (ED), which can permanently impair the musculoskeletal system. The Verein für französische Vorstehhunde – VBBFL e.V. therefore mandatorily prescribes X-ray examinations for hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED) as well as a dental and bite evaluation for breeding. A health-oriented breeder only mates parent animals that meet these strict criteria. Have the official veterinary reports shown to you before purchasing and ensure that the findings for hip dysplasia (HD) are at most in the range of A to C and that the threshold of 0 to 1 is complied with for elbow dysplasia (ED).
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
What matters most for this breed
Tap any item to see details.
With consistent ear care after swimming, joint-friendly exercise, and regular eye check-ups, most dogs stay fit and active for a long time.
Responsible breeders test their dogs for hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED) before breeding and perform the required tooth and bite evaluation.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
What matters most for this breed — what's common, how much it affects the dog's life, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
Tap a body region to see the inherited conditions linked to it.
The three most important risks
Pick a region on the map to explore other areas.
Tier 1 reflects the tests Verein für französische Vorstehhunde – VBBFL e.V. actually mandates. Tiers 2 and 3 show how responsible breeders go beyond.
Club standard. Verein für französische Vorstehhunde – VBBFL e.V. requires these tests for breeding approval. Ask any reputable breeder for the results.
Not health tests, but required for breeding: the club asks for these results too. They don't count toward the risks or the rating.
DNA-Identitätsnachweis
Required by Verein für französische Vorstehhunde – VBBFL e.V.
Acceptable result: Genabgleich erfolgreich durchgeführt
Dental and bite evaluation
Required by Verein für französische Vorstehhunde – VBBFL e.V.
Acceptable result: Keine zuchtausschließenden Gebissfehler (z.B. Vor-/Rückbeißer). Fehlen von max. 3 Zähnen toleriert (M3 nicht berücksichtigt, Canini, P4 oben, M1 unten dürfen nicht fehlen). Zangengebiss nur mit Gutachten.
No entries in this tier.
No entries in this tier.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
A Pont-Audemer Spaniel costs around ~€190 per month (€100 – €360, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€5,080 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (13 years) it comes to about ~€32,140.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€180 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€190
In the first year
~€5,080
Across the dog's life
~€32,140
Estimated purchase price from a breeder: €1,500 – €2,500
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.
HonestDog Concierge
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Illustrative imageThe exact origin of the Epagneul de Pont-Audemer is unknown, but it comes from the Pont-Audemer region of Normandy, France, after which it is named. Originally bred as a water dog, it has made a name for itself as an excellent waterfowl retriever. Some sources suggest that the Epagneul de Pont-Audemer is the result of a cross between French Spaniels and Irish Water Spaniels, but this theory is not confirmed. The Epagneul de Pont-Audemer was recognized as an independent breed by the FCI in 1907. In the 1980s the breed was threatened with extinction, but thanks to the efforts of dedicated breeders it was saved. Today, Epagneul de Pont-Audemer dogs are still rare, but their numbers are steadily increasing. They are particularly valued for their excellent hunting skills and for their friendly and adaptable temperament.
The Epagneul de Pont-Audemer was bred to hunt waterfowl in swampy areas.
France
1800
Accounts from hunting and dog sports keep underlining this dog's strong passion for water and wet ground. Owners describe it as a tireless flushing dog and retriever that heads into reeds or ponds without hesitation, even in icy water. Its sense of smell is exceptionally keen, which in daily life means a strong hunting drive has to be kept under control on walks in the woods or near water.
In training, the Pont-Audemer is considered very biddable, cooperative, and softer in temperament than some other pointing breeds. Owners stress that it reacts sensitively to harsh pressure or strict drilling and needs friendly, consistent handling. If it gets targeted nose work such as tracking or dummy training on top of standard obedience, its drive to work can be channeled well.
Sources:go4vet.comtipaw.comhalali-magazin.dewelpen.vdh.dezooroyal.de
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
The Pont-Audemer Spaniel is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
The average life expectancy of a Pont-Audemer Spaniel is 12-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
Pont-Audemer Spaniel grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
The Pont-Audemer Spaniel can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
The Pont-Audemer Spaniel comes in these colors: Brown, Roan, Brown and white.
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred Pont-Audemer Spaniel.