Picardy SpanielSame FCI section
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French Spaniel
Health grade A- Shoulder height55–61 cm
- Weight20–30 kg
- Life expectancy10–12 yrs
- Puppy price1,500–2,500 €
- Energy4/5
The essentials at a glance
The Epagneul Français is a gentle, enduring Vorstehhund (pointing dog) — bred to track game birds in close contact with its handler, point silently, and retrieve. This cooperative genetic makeup makes it incredibly affectionate, but it also demands a real job every single day.
- Health grade A: In the Epagneul Français, orthopaedic risks such as hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED) are primarily at the forefront.
- You want to integrate scent work, dummy training, or tracking into your daily routine — a simple walk is not enough for this breed's genetics.
- You are looking for a sensitive, people-oriented companion that responds to subtle signals and neither needs nor tolerates harsh training methods.
- You expect it to simply ignore birds taking flight or a fresh scent in the woods — it is a thoroughbred hunting dog whose instincts will take over without targeted alternative training.
How the health grade is calculated
Sources for required breeding screenings. Verein für französische Vorstehhunde – VBBFL e.V.
Self-check
Would the French Spaniel really fit your life?
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Brittany SpanielSame FCI section
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Drentsche PatrijshondSame FCI section
Is the French Spaniel right for you?
At a glance
French Spaniel overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
10–12 yrs
Shoulder height
55–61 cm
Weight
20–30 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,500 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Medium-length, smooth coat with a slight wave, dense undercoat
- Origin: France
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a French 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
What colors does the French Spaniel come in?
The coat colors that occur in the French Spaniel — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
Eye colors
Amber
Brown
Coat type
Illustrative imageMedium
Smooth
Double coat
Illustrative imageSilky
Perfect for you if:
- You have direct access to nature and wide-open spaces where it can fully exercise its expansive search style.
- You appreciate a dog that is completely calm and relaxed indoors once its hunting needs have been met outside.
Less ideal if:
- You are very busy with work and would often have to leave it alone for hours — this dog literally sticks to its humans and will wither in isolation.
- You live in the middle of a big city and spend your walks mainly on a short leash on asphalt.
The real vibes check
An Epagneul Français is a soft shadow indoors that would love nothing more than to melt into the sofa with you — but outdoors, it flips the hunting switch immediately. Its nose scans the wind, its body freezes at the slightest scent, and it waits for your signal. You aren't getting a casual tag-along, but a highly specialized outdoor enthusiast that lives for genuine teamwork in the field.
Breed Profile
The Epagneul Francais is a medium-sized, strong dog with a friendly and intelligent expression. His body is well proportioned and balanced, with a broad, deep chest and a strong, muscular back. The head is round and well proportioned to the body, with ears of medium length set high at the base and carried flat. The Epagneul Francais' coat is medium long, smooth and may have a slight wave. It is dense and weatherproof, with a thick undercoat and longer fur on the ears, chest, belly and hind legs. The coat color is usually white with brown markings, although the markings can be varied. The Epagneul Francais belongs to FCI Group 7, the pointers. Within this group it is classified as a continental pointer with a spaniel character.
All measurements in detail
- Height
- 55 - 59 cm (Female), 56 - 61 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 20 - 25 kg (Female), 25 - 30 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 10 - 12 yrs
- Character
- Gentle, Adaptable, Intelligent
- Coat
- Medium-length, smooth coat with a slight wave, dense undercoat
- Coat Color
- White with brown markings
- Price
- 1500 - 2500 €
Character & Temperament
Despite its origins as a hunting dog, the Epagneul Francais is an exceptionally gentle and adaptable dog. He has a friendly, loving nature and is known for his close bond with his family. He gets along well with children and is also tolerant of other pets. By nature, the Epagneul Francais is an active dog that needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. He loves being outdoors and is a talented swimmer. Although he is happy to be a family pet, he will be happy if he has the opportunity to express his natural hunting instincts in controlled situations. The Epagneul Francais is an intelligent dog that learns quickly and adapts well to training situations. He has strong prey-catching behavior that can be used in a hunting environment, but in a household this could mean that he tends to hunt small animals such as birds or squirrels. Although he is alert and will protect his territory, the Epagneul Francais is not an aggressive dog. He will be more likely to greet visitors in a friendly manner than to scare them away. The Epagneul Francais is a social dog that loves the company of its people. He can learn to be alone for short periods of time, but he will be happiest when he can spend a lot of time with his family. Prolonged periods of loneliness can lead to separation anxiety. Although he is an active dog, the Epagneul Francais is not a hyperactive dog. With enough exercise and mental stimulation, he can be a calm and relaxed companion in the house. Overall, the Epagneul Francais is an adaptable, loving and intelligent dog that can excel as both a hunting dog and a family dog. With the right guidance, training and love, he will be a faithful and loyal companion, willing to do his best to make his people happy.
| 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 Francais is known as the "Gentleman's Hunting Dog" in its native France? He is known for his calm and balanced nature when hunting and his willingness to work closely with his people?
What Awaits You
The French Spaniel is balanced, open, gentle, calm and docile. He is an enthusiastic hunter, gets along with other dogs and is an ideal companion in all situations. He is an excellent pointer and also has a talent for retrieving.
Housing & Care
The Epagneul Francais is a versatile dog that can cope in both rural and urban environments. He is an active dog that needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation, so he is best suited to a lifestyle that allows him regular activity. The Epagneul Francais is generally friendly and gentle with children, making it a good family dog. However, it is always important to provide supervision when dogs and children are together to ensure both parties are safe and respectful of one another. This breed is also usually compatible with other pets, including cats, especially if they are raised together from an early age. However, the introduction should always be carried out carefully and under supervision.
- Family Friendly
Lives for its family — the born family companion.
Ideal family dog - Child Friendly
Extraordinarily patient and loving — a true family dog.
Excellent with children - Dog Friendly
Actively enjoys the company of other dogs.
Dog-friendly - City Friendly
City-appropriate with enough exercise and stimulation.
Manageable in cities
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.
Training & Education
The Epagneul Francais is an intelligent and docile dog that loves to please. This makes him relatively easy to train, especially if you use positive reinforcement methods such as praise, treats and games. Since he is originally a hunting dog, the Epagneul Francais brings with him a lot of energy and enthusiasm that needs to be channeled in the right direction. Activities such as agility, obedience, nose work or dog sports can be good ways to keep his body and mind occupied while satisfying his need for work and activity. It is important to be careful not to over-occupy the Epagneul Francais as he is a dog that can tend to become very engrossed in activities. It is important to give him breaks and to make sure that he has enough time to relax. Good frustration tolerance and impulse control are important skills for any dog, and the Epagneul Francais is no exception. Training in these areas can help manage his eagerness and help him be a well-adjusted and happy dog.
Nutrition & Care
The Epagneul Francais' diet should be balanced and nutritious to maintain its health and vitality. High-quality dog food rich in proteins, carbohydrates and healthy fats is recommended. The exact amount of food can vary depending on age, size, activity level and health status. When it comes to grooming, the Epagneul Francais has medium-length, dense fur with an undercoat that requires regular grooming. A weekly brushing is usually enough to prevent tangles and excessive shedding. During transition periods, shedding may increase and more brushing may be necessary. Despite its thick fur, the Epagneul Francais copes well with the climate in Germany. It can cope in both colder and warmer temperatures, but should always be protected from extreme weather conditions.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Hair everywhere, always — no white clothing survives. | Very heavy |
| 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.
Health & hereditary diseases
Health
A
Robust
Health grade
In the Epagneul Français, orthopaedic risks such as hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED) are primarily at the forefront. The Verein für französische Vorstehhunde – VBBFL e.V. therefore strictly mandates radiographic examinations for HD and ED, as well as a dental and bite evaluation, for breeding clearance. A responsible breeder only uses parent animals that demonstrably meet these criteria. Have the official test results shown to you before purchasing and make sure that for hip dysplasia (HD) the limit is at most HD A–C (C only with conditions) and for elbow dysplasia (ED) the limit is ED 0–1.
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.
In daily life this can mean
With joint-friendly rearing during the first year of life, a healthy weight, and regular eye and thyroid check-ups, most of these dogs remain fit and active for a long time.
The breeder's role
Responsible breeders test for hip dysplasia (HD), elbow dysplasia (ED), and have a dental and bite evaluation conducted to specifically prevent joint diseases and bite defects.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Health risks for this breed
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.
2
Risks tracked
2
Club standard
2
High severity
Elbows & front leg
Most affected area
Where this breed is vulnerable
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.
severemoderatemild
How thoroughly does the breeder test?
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.
Other breeding-approval requirements
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: DNA-Profil hinterlegt (2ml EDTA Blut)
Dental and bite evaluation
Required by Verein für französische Vorstehhunde – VBBFL e.V.
Acceptable result: Zahnkarte ausgefüllt durch Tierarzt
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.
Costs & where to find one
How much does a French Spaniel cost?
A French Spaniel costs around ~€180 per month (€90 – €340, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€4,990 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (11 years) it comes to about ~€26,590.
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
~€180
In the first year
~€4,990
Across the dog's life
~€26,590
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.
Calculate your personal costs1-minute self-check with your own answers
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Appearance, variants & origin
Illustrative imageIllustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative imageHistory
The full history
The Epagneul Francais, also known as the French Spaniel, is a very old breed that was already known in France in the Middle Ages. It was primarily used as a hunting dog and was very popular with nobles and royal families. The breed has been nearly wiped out several times over the years, but each time dedicated breeders have been able to revive it. In the late 19th century, the Epagneul Francais was almost extinct, but was saved by a man named James de Connick, who collected and bred the remaining purebred Epagneul Francais. The Epagneul Francais was recognized as a separate breed by the FCI in 1951.
Original Use
The Epagneul Francais was bred as a hunting dog to point and retrieve game.
Origin
France
Date
1500
Owner experiences
Many owners and breeders describe life with an French Spaniel as very harmonious, but they point out that the dog has two sides to its pe…Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
Many owners and breeders describe life with an French Spaniel as very harmonious, but they point out that the dog has two sides to its personality. Indoors, the breed is consistently seen as affectionate, calm, and sensitive. These dogs actively seek out their people, bond closely with the family, and are usually very patient and sociable with children and other dogs.
At the same time, owners stress that this calm at home depends on the dog getting enough of the right kind of exercise. As soon as it's outside, a tireless urge to move and work kicks in. If these dogs aren't challenged enough mentally and physically, they tend to get frustrated and find their own ways to keep busy. Owners also mention marked sensitivity to separation: because they're so focused on their people, many of them clearly struggle with being left alone for long periods.
Sources:forum.perrosdecatalunya.dezoomalia.depeqaboo.comzooroyal.deedogs.de
Reports on training and hunting regularly praise the French Spaniel for its love of work and methodical approach.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
Reports on training and hunting regularly praise the French Spaniel for its love of work and methodical approach. Owners and hunting handlers point out that the breed searches fields and thickets with focus, a plan, and a fine nose. Its natural retrieving instinct and strong pointing ability make many exercises much easier, and its drive to find game and willingness to cooperate are often compared to those of retrievers. These dogs also show a remarkable love of water and don't mind cold, wet weather.
The flip side is the challenge of handling the breed the right way emotionally. Experienced owners warn against harshness or loud pressure: the French Spaniel is considered sensitive and responds to rough treatment with insecurity and refusal. At the same time, handlers warn not to mistake an easy-to-handle dog for one that trains itself. For non-hunting homes, firm boundaries and active anti-hunting or impulse-control training are essential, because otherwise the dog will quickly go its own way once it sees or scents game.
Sources:forum.perrosdecatalunya.dezoomalia.desabinemiddelhaufeshundundnatur.netdogforum.deedogs.de
Owner reports and breed-specific care advice present the French Spaniel as a fundamentally robust, weatherproof hunting breed.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
Owner reports and breed-specific care advice present the French Spaniel as a fundamentally robust, weatherproof hunting breed. Its medium-length, wavy, feathered coat turns out to be surprisingly good at shedding dirt in daily life, but owners note that burrs, grass awns, and mud need to be brushed out regularly after walks through undergrowth or reeds.
Owners and veterinary guides point to the long, hanging ears as a recurring health weak spot. Especially after trips into water or wet terrain, the ear canals need to be checked and dried regularly because they're prone to infection. Breeding decisions and day-to-day care also take into account the risk of hip dysplasia (HD) and a certain tendency toward skin sensitivities, which is why owners place value on monitored bloodlines and keeping the dog at a healthy weight.
Sources:forum.perrosdecatalunya.depeqaboo.comzooroyal.deedogs.defacebook.com
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
FAQ & more
Is a French Spaniel the right dog for me?
The French Spaniel is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a French Spaniel live?
The average life expectancy of a French Spaniel is 10-12 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a French Spaniel need?
French Spaniel grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a French Spaniel good for families with children?
The French Spaniel can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
What colors does the French Spaniel come in?
The French Spaniel comes in these colors: Brown and white, Roan.
Are you a French Spaniel breeder?
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred French Spaniel.