Discover Everything About Epagneul de Pont-Audemer
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
Epagneul de Pont-Audemer overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
The Epagneul de Pont-Audemer is a robust French hunting breed with an average health profile. Important joint conditions such as hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED) are well-monitored through mandatory health tests within the breeding program. However, due to the very small population size of this breed, prospective buyers should be particularly diligent in verifying complete and transparent test results for both parent dogs.
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Height
52–58 cm
Weight
20–29 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,500 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Curly, medium length, undercoat present
- Origin: France
Typical coat colors
- Brown
- liver or liver/roan
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Epagneul de Pont-Audemer, 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 →Is the Epagneul de Pont-Audemer right for you?
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.
Perfect for you if:
- You are looking for a passionate partner for demanding dummy work, tracking, or hunting tasks—without a real job, this work-oriented genetic drive will wither.
- You are out in nature in all weather conditions and don't mind if your dog jumps into every muddy puddle it finds.
- You appreciate a gentle, deeply attached character at home who can switch into a focused working mode in a split second once outside.
- You have plenty of time for shared activities and don't need to leave your dog alone for hours on end during the day.
Less ideal if:
- You expect a dog that avoids puddles and has a low-maintenance coat—it was bred for water work and loves bringing nature back into the house.
- You live in the middle of the city without daily, easy access to wide-open spaces and bodies of water.
- You have no patience for training impulse control—its Vorstehhund nose is permanently on high alert outdoors, scanning for game.
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.
Breed Profile
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 it an excellent swimmer. The coat color varies between different shades of brown and liver, often with white patterns or gray. 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.
| Height | 52 - 58 cm (Female), 52 - 58 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 20 - 27 kg (Female), 22 - 29 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 14 years |
| Character | Attentive, friendly, active |
| Coat | Curly, medium length, undercoat present |
| Coat Color | Brown, liver or liver/roan |
| Price | 1500 - 2500 € |
History
The 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
Character & Temperament
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.
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
| 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" is known? His cheerful and playful nature is sure to bring life and laughter into your home!
What Awaits You
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.
Housing & Care
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.
| Family Friendly Loves family life and thrives in a group. | Family-oriented |
| Child Friendly Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride. | Patient with children |
| Dog Friendly Usually gets on fine with other dogs. | Generally tolerant |
| City Friendly City-appropriate with enough exercise and stimulation. | Manageable in cities |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
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.
Nutrition & Care
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 Barely any shedding — occasional vacuuming is enough. | Minimal |
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
Solid, watch carefully
Health grade
The Epagneul de Pont-Audemer is a robust French hunting breed with an average health profile. Important joint conditions such as hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED) are well-monitored through mandatory health tests within the breeding program. However, due to the very small population size of this breed, prospective buyers should be particularly diligent in verifying complete and transparent test results for both parent dogs.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
With consistent ear care after swimming, joint-friendly exercise, and regular eye check-ups, most dogs stay fit and active for a long time.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the parents' joints, eyes, and thyroids tested and pay special attention to broad genetic diversity due to the rarity of the breed.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Experiences with the Epagneul de Pont-Audemer
Dieter M., Jäger aus Rheinland-Pfalz (Rüde, seit 2021)
Als leidenschaftlicher Jäger war ich auf der Suche nach einem vielseitigen Hund, der besonders im Wasser und im dichten Unterholz glänzt. Mein 'Ponto' hat alle Erwartungen übertroffen. Er ist ein unermüdlicher Stöberer und Apportierer, der sich ohne zu zögern in die kältesten Gewässer stürzt. Seine sprichwörtlichen Schwimmhäute und das dichte, leicht fettige Fell machen ihn zum absoluten Spezialisten für die Wasserarbeit.
Was mich neben seiner Jagdpassion aber täglich begeistert, ist sein Spitzname: Er ist wirklich der 'Clown der Sümpfe'. Seine fröhliche, fast alberne Art behält er selbst jetzt im Alter noch bei. Im Haus ist er absolut ausgeglichen und ruhig, draußen mutiert er zur unermüdlichen Arbeitsmaschine. Man muss allerdings wissen, worauf man sich einlässt – in Deutschland ist die Rasse extrem selten, weshalb der Weg meist über französische Züchter führt.
Sabine K., Halterin aus Hessen (Hündin, seit 2022)
Wir haben uns für den Epagneul de Pont-Audemer als Familienhund entschieden, da wir sehr aktiv sind und viel Zeit in der Natur verbringen. Er ist unglaublich menschenbezogen, sanftmütig und war in der Erziehung extrem leichtführig. Seine Intelligenz und der Wille, uns zu gefallen, haben das Training im Vergleich zu anderen Jagdhundrassen zu einem Kinderspiel gemacht.
Eine echte Herausforderung ist allerdings die Fellpflege. Er verliert zwar kaum Haare, aber durch die dichten Locken und die langen Schlappohren bleibt nach jedem Spaziergang im Wald alles in ihm hängen – er kommt regelmäßig wie ein dekorierter Weihnachtsbaum nach Hause! Besonders an den Ohren verfilzt das Fell schnell, weshalb man hier regelmäßig vorsichtig schneiden muss. Zudem muss man wegen der Schlappohren extrem aufpassen, dass sich nach dem Schwimmen keine schmerzhaften Ohrenentzündungen entwickeln.
Thomas B., Halter aus Bayern (Rüde, seit 2020)
Ich nutze meinen Pont-Audemer zwar nicht für die klassische Jagd, lasse ihn aber intensiv über Fährtenarbeit und Dummytraining seine hervorragende Nase einsetzen. Er hat einen enormen Finderwillen und liebt es, Aufgaben im Unterholz oder im Wasser zu lösen. Man merkt einfach, dass er im Herzen ein Arbeitstier ist, das geistig gefordert werden will. Ohne eine solche Aufgabe würde ihm definitiv etwas fehlen.
Sein Jagdtrieb ist natürlich vorhanden, aber durch eine konsequente Erziehung und die starke Bindung an mich sehr gut kontrollierbar. Seine Optik mit dem Lockenschopf auf dem Kopf zieht draußen ständig die Blicke auf sich. Wer einen absolut treuen, sportlichen Begleiter sucht und bereit ist, sich auf die Bedürfnisse eines echten Jagdhundes einzulassen, findet hier einen Traumhund.
sinngemäß aus echten Halterberichten
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Frequently asked questions about the Epagneul de Pont-Audemer
Is a Epagneul de Pont-Audemer the right dog for me?
The Epagneul de Pont-Audemer 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 Epagneul de Pont-Audemer live?
The average life expectancy of a Epagneul de Pont-Audemer is 12-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Epagneul de Pont-Audemer need?
Epagneul de Pont-Audemer grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Epagneul de Pont-Audemer good for families with children?
The Epagneul de Pont-Audemer can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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