Pet Wiki

Pont-Audemer Spaniel

Also called Epagneul de Pont-Audemer, Epagneul Pont-Audemer

Rare breedFCI group 7Short profile

From France, from the area around the town of Pont-Audemer in Normandy, where it took shape in the 19th century.12

At a glance the quick version

Weight20 to 27 kg1
Height50 to 58 cm31
Sizemedium

The FCI standard gives no weight; Wikipedia gives roughly 20-27 kg.

gentle and affectionate
easy to train
keen water worker
13

Coat and looks how to spot one

curly to wavy coat

A coat of curls, or at least strong waves, over the body, while the face stays smooth. Curly hair gathers into a topknot and also dresses the ears, tail and even the spaces between the toes.31

Coloursbrownbrown and grey roanbrown and white roan31

Personality what they are like

A friendly, soft-natured gundog with a kind, open expression. It learns readily and is known in France for its playful, clownish side, while the standard calls for a dog that is neither aggressive nor overly timid.13

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A hunting spaniel that loves water and marshland work; it needs regular outdoor exercise, ideally with chances to swim and use its nose.13

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The curly coat benefits from regular brushing to keep curls tidy, with attention to the feathered ears and the hair between the toes.3

Home where they are happiest

Best suited to an active household with access to open country or water, reflecting its background as a marsh and duck dog.1

Company who they like around

An affectionate dog that enjoys close contact with its people.1

The story where it all began

The breed was shaped in 19th-century Normandy, with English and Irish water spaniel blood in its background. Numbers fell sharply after the Second World War, so from 1949 the breed club allowed carefully chosen outcrosses, including the Irish Water Spaniel, to rebuild it. In 1980 its club joined forces with the Picardy Spaniel club.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    In France it is nicknamed the little clown of the marshes.1

  2. 2

    Its breed standard describes curly hair growing even between the toes.3

  3. 3

    It was traditionally a specialist at hunting wild ducks in wetlands, and today it is also used on rabbit and pheasant.1

  4. 4

    Since 1980 it has shared a breed club with the Picardy Spaniel.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after the Pont-Audemer region of France, where it was developed in the 19th century.1

Name ideas for your new friend

GastonRemyColetteBeauMarcelFleurToulouseNormandPuddleMarshCurlySplash

A day in the life told by a Pont-Audemer Spaniel

This morning, I woke up to the smell of fresh grass and the promise of adventure. My human took me to the marsh, where I splashed through cool water and chased the scent of ducks. I found a particularly muddy spot and rolled in it, just to make my human laugh. They did. After a good shake, we walked home, and I proudly carried a stick I found. In the afternoon, I napped in a sunbeam, dreaming of tomorrow's swim. My human says I'm a clown, but I think I'm just spreading joy.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 114, Group 7 (Pointing Dogs), Section 1 Continental Pointing Dogs, spaniel type. Definitively accepted 15 December 1954; current standard published 1 August 2023.2
UKC
Recognised in the Gun Dog Group (per Wikipedia).1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Pont-Audemer Spaniel. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Pont-Audemer Spaniel, and at what times?

Feed adult dogs at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Stomachs empty within a few hours, so consistent times help. Check the food label and ask your vet for the right amount.4

What should a Pont-Audemer Spaniel eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a complete, balanced dog food. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Never give alcohol, yeast dough, or raw meat and eggs.5

How often should I bathe a Pont-Audemer Spaniel?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 28 days, but at least once every three months is fine. Bathe more often if your dog is very active outdoors or has skin issues.6 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Pont-Audemer Spaniel need brushing?

Brush every two days to keep the curly coat tidy, especially the feathered ears and hair between the toes. This prevents tangles and mats.3 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Pont-Audemer Spaniel's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 28 days, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick. Ask your vet or a groomer to show you how.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Pont-Audemer Spaniel need?

This active spaniel needs daily walks and play, ideally with chances to swim and use its nose. It loves water and open country, so regular outdoor exercise is essential.13 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Pont-Audemer Spaniel's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth every two days with dog toothpaste, and check ears weekly since floppy ears trap moisture. Dry ears gently and never push anything into the ear canal.6 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Pont-Audemer Spaniel live?

Lifespan varies; ask your vet for breed-specific information. Senior years usually start around age 8, so regular vet checkups are important. Pet Wiki plan

Is a Pont-Audemer Spaniel good with children and other pets?

Yes, this friendly, soft-natured dog is neither aggressive nor overly timid. It enjoys close contact and is known for a playful, clownish side, making it good with children and other pets when properly socialized.13

Can a Pont-Audemer Spaniel be left alone?

This affectionate dog enjoys close contact with its people, so it may not like being left alone for long periods. It varies by individual; ask a good breeder or vet for advice on your dog's needs.1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

You might also like

Irish Water SpanielPicardy SpanielBlue Picardy Spaniel

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Wikipedia: Pont-Audemer Spaniel en.wikipedia.orgused for history, weight, temperament, fun facts, UKC
  2. FCI nomenclature: Epagneul de Pont-Audemer fci.beused for group, acceptance date
  3. FCI Standard No. 114, Epagneul de Pont-Audemer fci.beused for size, coat, colours, temperament
  4. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.