Pont-Audemer Spaniel

The Pont-Audemer Spaniel (Épagneul de Pont-Audemer) is a rare French water spaniel from Normandy, named after the town of Pont-Audemer. A medium-sized gundog of around 52–58 cm and 18–24 kg, it has a curly, woolly brown coat and a characteristic topknot of frizzy hair, and was bred to work marsh, river and dense cover as a versatile retrieving spaniel.

It is one of the rarest of all French gundogs. The Pont-Audemer is recognised by the FCI but is seldom seen in the UK and is not separately recognised by the Kennel Club. Because of its small gene pool, buyers should seek breeders who work within the FCI framework and ask about the health of the dog's relatives.

Pont-Audemer Spaniels are cheerful, affectionate and good-natured, forming strong bonds with their owners and generally getting on well with children and other dogs. They combine the friendly, eager-to-please nature of a spaniel with the enthusiasm of a working water dog, making them engaging, sociable companions in an active household.

This is a high-energy working spaniel that needs substantial daily exercise, ideally including swimming, which it loves, alongside long walks, retrieving and scent games. A garden alone will not satisfy it. It was bred to work hard in demanding terrain and is happiest with an active, outdoorsy owner who can provide vigorous exercise and access to water.

Yes, on the whole. The Pont-Audemer is intelligent and biddable and generally responds well to positive, reward-based training, particularly when it is varied and engaging. Its eagerness to please suits gundog work, retrieving games and obedience. Like other spaniels it benefits from a focus on recall and steadiness, especially given its love of water and game.

The curly, woolly coat needs regular brushing, typically a few times a week, to prevent matting and manage the dense texture, with particular attention to the topknot and feathering. Some hand-tidying keeps it in order. The drop ears should be checked and cleaned routinely, as water-working dogs are prone to ear infections, and the coat dried after swimming.

Owing to its extreme rarity, there is very little breed-specific health data, and guidance relies on the concerns common to medium-sized, drop-eared working water spaniels. Ear health is a particular consideration given its love of water. Responsible breeders prioritise sound structure, healthy eyes and good temperament, and routine veterinary preventive care is important.

In the right home, yes. It suits an active household with access to open countryside and water, and owners who enjoy outdoor pursuits and will involve the dog in daily activity. It is poorly suited to sedentary homes or to being left alone for long periods, but in an active, affectionate home it is a cheerful, loyal companion gundog. They typically live around 12–14 years.

Good with children. As a general guide, Pont-Audemer Spaniels tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.

As a healthy adult, a typical Pont-Audemer Spaniel needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.

Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is regular brushing — brush regularly to keep the coat in good condition.

Manageable for committed beginners. Pont-Audemer Spaniels are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.

Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.

Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.

Needs plenty of space. A Pont-Audemer Spaniel really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.