Pont Audemer Spaniel

Pont-Audemer Spaniels are a generally healthy breed, often living 12 to 14 years. Hip dysplasia and ear infections occur given their floppy ears and active build. Being an extremely rare breed helps keep careful track of the limited gene pool. Routine vet visits keep this hunting breed thriving.

That curly, distinctive topknot coat needs brushing two to three times a week to prevent matting. Their long ears require regular checks and cleaning. Professional grooming occasionally helps maintain the breed's unique curly look. Bathe as needed, drying thoroughly afterward.

Bred for retrieving waterfowl, Pont-Audemer Spaniels need close to an hour of activity daily. Walks, swimming, and field activities suit them perfectly. They have steady endurance and a genuine love of water. Mental stimulation through retrieving and scent games keeps them genuinely content.

Intelligent and eager to please, Pont-Audemer Spaniels generally train well with patient, positive methods. Early socialization rounds out their naturally gentle, affectionate temperament. They thrive with a calm, consistent handler who gives them purpose. This breed genuinely loves having a job in the field.

A quality medium-breed formula with good protein suits their active hunting lifestyle. Two measured meals daily work well for this breed. Fresh water should always be available, especially after field or water activity. Watch their weight during less active periods.

One of the rarest French spaniel breeds, the Pont-Audemer Spaniel developed in Normandy, France, bred specifically for hunting waterfowl in the region's marshy terrain. Its distinctive curly topknot sets it apart visually from other French spaniels. The breed nearly went extinct multiple times throughout its history. Today it remains exceptionally rare, even within France, cherished by a small number of devoted hunters and breeders.