Apartment fit
Apartment life is possible only with a strong exercise plan. The breed is better matched to active homes with outdoor access.
SportingMedium
France
FrancePont-Audemer Spaniel
Weight
44-60 lb
Height
20.5-23 in
Lifespan
11-13 yrs
Coat
Curly Medium
The Pont-Audemer Spaniel is a rare French gundog with a curly liver-brown coat, topknot, strong water ability, and cheerful working temperament.
Rare French water-oriented gundogCurly brown or brown-and-grey mottled coatDistinctive topknot and smoother faceNeeds exercise, coat checks, and ear care after wet work
Breed Names
Official, native, and commonly used variants
Epagneul de Pont-Audemer
CheerfulGentleHardworkingAffectionateWater-LovingTrainable
Weight
44-60 lb
Height
20.5-23 in
Lifespan
11-13 yrs
Coat
Curly Medium
At A Glance
Daily living snapshot
A quick read on energy, upkeep, and what day-to-day life with this breed usually feels like.
Energy
High
Barking
Moderate
Drooling
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Grooming
3/5
First-time owner
Yes
Overview
The Pont-Audemer Spaniel, or Epagneul de Pont-Audemer, is a rare French sporting breed associated with the marshy country of Normandy. It was developed as a versatile gundog, especially useful around wet ground and waterfowl.
The breed is immediately recognizable by its curly or very wavy coat, smoother face, and distinctive topknot. The FCI standard describes brown, preferably brown and grey-mottled color, rather than the generic colors found on many template pages.
At home, the Pont-Audemer Spaniel is usually affectionate and good-natured, but it remains an active working dog. It suits owners who can provide retrieving, water work where safe, long walks, and regular coat and ear checks after muddy outings.
Temperament & Personality
CheerfulGentleHardworkingAffectionateWater-LovingTrainable
This breed tends to suit homes looking for a cheerful, gentle, hardworking companion, with daily rhythms shaped by high energy, moderate barking, and low drooling.
Coat type
Curly
Coat length
Medium
Shedding
Moderate
Colors
Brown, Brown and Grey Mottled, Liver
Lifestyle Compatibility
Family Friendly4/5
Good with Kids4/5
Good with Dogs4/5
Good with Strangers3/5
Apartment Friendly2/5
Exercise Needs4/5
Grooming Needs3/5
Trainability4/5
Good fit if you want
- A family-friendly companion
- Room for routine exercise
- A more forgiving first ownership experience
Plan ahead for
- 4/5 exercise needs
- moderate shedding and coat upkeep
- moderate barking in daily life
Owner Fit & Everyday Behavior
Best for
- active owners who enjoy water and field activities
- families wanting a rare affectionate gundog
- people prepared for ear and coat checks
- homes with safe outdoor exercise access
Not ideal for
- low-exercise homes
- owners who dislike grooming after mud or water
- apartments without a daily outdoor plan
- people wanting an easily sourced common breed
Common challenges
- ear moisture after swimming
- coat matting in curls and feathering
- restlessness without work
- finding knowledgeable breeders
Barking & behavior
Barking is usually manageable when the dog has enough exercise and work. Under-stimulation can lead to noise and restlessness.
Training style
Use practical gundog training with retrieving, recall, water confidence, and calm handling.
Grooming & shedding
Brush several times weekly and inspect ears, feet, and curls after water or field work.
Care Guide
Exercise
Most Pont-Audemer Spaniels need 60 to 90 minutes of daily exercise, with retrieving, swimming where safe, scent games, and field-style training especially useful.
Grooming
Brush and separate the curly or wavy coat several times a week. Check ears carefully after water or mud, and keep the topknot, feet, and feathering free of mats and debris.
Training
Use reward-based training with work that makes sense to a gundog: retrieve games, recall, water confidence, and calm steadiness around birds and visitors.
Nutrition
Feed a measured diet for an active medium sporting dog. Adjust portions during hunting, swimming, or quieter seasons so the dog stays lean.
Behavior & Environment
Energy level
High
Barking level
Moderate
Drooling level
Low
Watchdog ability
2/5
Guard dog ability
1/5
Climate tolerance
Cold weather4/5
Heat tolerance3/5
Health Considerations
Common concerns to discuss with your vet and breeder.
Ear infectionsHip dysplasiaEye diseaseSkin irritation after wet work
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Pont-Audemer Spaniel rare?
Yes. It is a rare French sporting breed and is much less common than better-known spaniels and retrievers.
Is the Pont-Audemer Spaniel a water dog?
It is a gundog with strong water ability and was historically useful in marshy terrain and wet hunting conditions.
How much exercise does a Pont-Audemer Spaniel need?
Most need 60 to 90 minutes daily, ideally including retrieving, scent work, and safe water activity.
Does the Pont-Audemer Spaniel need much grooming?
Yes, it needs moderate grooming. The curly coat, topknot, ears, feet, and feathering should be checked often after wet or muddy work.
Is the Pont-Audemer Spaniel good with families?
It can be gentle and affectionate with families when exercised and trained, but it remains an active sporting dog.
What color is the Pont-Audemer Spaniel?
The standard describes brown, preferably brown and grey-mottled. This is much more specific than simply saying the color varies.
What is the biggest challenge of owning a Pont-Audemer Spaniel?
The biggest challenge is meeting a rare working gundog's exercise needs while keeping the curly coat and ears healthy after water and cover.
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