The
French Spaniel ...
Has been around a long time ...
If
not the oldest, the French Spaniel is certainly one of the oldest,
pointing dog blood lines. This handsome spaniel first gained fame
during the Middle Ages as a setting dog, utilized both for net hunting
and falconry. As direct descendants of the famous "chien d'oysel"
these bird dogs - described by Gaston Phébus are the progenitors
of virtually all of today's hunting spaniels.
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French Spaniel is, without a doubt, one of the oldest of the
pointing dogs |
By
the XVII century, French Spaniels had found a secure place in the
courts of the royals of Versailles where kings and princes hunted
them over partridge and pheasant. In fact, they became so popular
that their images are preserved for us in the artworks and engravings
of the 1600s.
Popular
though they were, it was another 250 years before James de Connick;
established the first breed standard 1891 - a standard that has
been revised several times to adapt to the natural evolution of
the breed, and to take full advantage of its great sires and dams.
The
first French Spaniel Club was founded in France, in 1921. Its president
was Father Fournier, a priest to whom bred fanciers owe a great
debt. Fournier recognized the utility, heritage and merits of these
dogs. He identified their salient characteristics, gathered the
finest examples available, and worked tirelessly to rebuild the
lineages that are responsible for modern French Spaniels. Because
of Fournier's meticulous selection process, and the faithful efforts
of those who followed after him, today's French Spaniel is an elegant
and athelitic dog, firm on point, and comfortable in every environment.
One can be confident that this is an intelligent, obedient faithful,
family dog, possessed of classic physical beauty.
The
typically French dog was introduced into the Canadian Province of
Quebec at the beginning of the 1970's. Almost immediately thereafter
an active breed club, the Club de l'Épagneul Français
du Canada, was formed. The Club, created in April 1978 by a
group of amateurs, worked tirelessly and methodically, and in only
eight years, managed to obtain official recognition of the breed
by the Canadian Kennel Club in May 1985. In the ensuing two decades
the breed has grown in popularity, starting as a respected favorite
with Quebec sportsmen, growing in well-deserved reputation throughout
Canada, and now much sought-after across all of Canada and the U.S.A. |
A handsome looking dog ...
The
French Spaniel is medium size dog, elegant, athletic and
exciting to observe at work, or at rest. Both males and
females are handsome and possess a confidence that comes
with well developed physiques, good health and even temperaments.
They are energetic and display endurance and toughness
in the field. But even with their strong frames, they
present an open, gentle appearance that invites approach,
and generates sincere and spontaneous compliments. The
French Spaniel has a splendid white coat, dappled with
brown spots, that range in size from slight speckles to
generous hand-sized spots and saddles. They have beautiful,
large, oval eyes of dark amber that express tenderness
and intelligence. Without doubt, the dramatic beauty of
the French Spaniel adds to the enjoyment and pride its
owner and other family members feel. All the more so because
this a fine working dog.
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A
wonderful house dog ...
The
French Spaniel is a joy to live with. Readily bonding to his
master and family he soon recognizes and "adopts"
family friends. As a puppy he quickly comes to understand that
families have schedules and he accommodates to them without
fuss. He is well balanced, gentle, and calm, but not boring.
Flexible during training, he is an avid and tireless hunter.
The French Spaniel is expected to be sociable with other animals
and a good companion in all circumstances and settings. Superb
with children, they are patient and loving. The French Spaniel
is a fine family dog and a good neighborhood dog as well. Outgoing
and known for genuine enthusiasm, they make friends everywhere
they go. French Spaniels fit in.
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A
gentle and nice nature |
Patient
and loving with children
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An
exceptional versatile pointing dog ...
The
French Spaniel is an exceptional, versatile or multipurpose
dog. In other words, he hunts, he points and he retrieves
- on dry land or in water. He is a very stylish hunter with
an array of hunting modes. He may hunt at an all out gallop,
screeching to a halt when the right molecule hits his nose,
or he may creep along with stealth freezing like a statue
at the scent of feather. Instinctively, he seems to know what
terrain and cover calls for which tactic. He tracks wounded
game well and retrieves without hesitation - on land or water.
The
French Spaniel showns an exceptional aptitude for hunting
woodcock, snipe and grouse. Though passionate about hunting
they remain calm and methodical, and sense from early age
that hunting is a team endeavor. They are medium to close
working dogs, hunting for you and with you. They are tough,
determined dogs that adapt to all types of terrain. You can
count on them in fields and forests, meadows and marshes.
Neither bull briars, nor frigid water, will dull their enthusiasm.
Known for robust health, they adapt well to cold and miserable
weather. They are flexible and malleable, making them easier
to train than many other hunting breeds. However, while easy
to train, they learn best with a patient and kind hand. Since
their sole mission is to please, brutality or rough training
will only confuse this dog. To sum up, from Jean Dampérat,
French journalist and photographer: "The French Spanield
has the aptitude a hunter wants in a versatile pointing dog.
It remains calm and is easily trained which makes it a breed
of great value. This beautiful spaniel, when well trained,
seldom poses problems."
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His
task: searching and pointing...
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he retrieves without hesitation
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