Pont-Audemer Spaniel: Complete Guide

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Posted Oct 22, 2024

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The Pont-Audemer Spaniel is a rare and ancient breed that originated in France. It's a medium-sized dog with a sturdy build and a short, dense coat that sheds very little.

They are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, making them great family pets. This breed is relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming.

Their short coats require minimal grooming, but they do need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Regular walks and playtime are essential for this breed.

Physical Characteristics

The Pont-Audemer Spaniel is a sturdy and robust breed with a stocky build. They typically stand between 52cm to 58cm tall at the withers.

Their curly coat is their most notable feature, with long, flat ears that are set low and furnished with trademark curls. The coat is also feathered, similar to setters, and can be brown, liver, or red chestnut in color.

Their head is rounded at the top, with a long and pointed muzzle, and small, round eyes with a frank but gentle expression. The facial fur is short, but they have a profuse 'top knot' that curls around the neck, forming a lustrous mane.

Weight

Hunter and Dog on Meadow
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Weight is a crucial aspect of physical characteristics, and it's essential to understand how it affects our overall health and well-being.

On average, a healthy adult's body mass index (BMI) is between 18.5 and 24.9.

A person's weight can be influenced by their muscle mass, bone density, and body composition.

According to a study, a person who is 5'9" (175 cm) tall and weighs between 125-170 pounds (56.7-77 kg) has a BMI in the normal range.

Carrying excess weight can increase the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can significantly reduce this risk.

Breed Appearance

The Pont-Audemer Spaniel is a sturdy dog with a medium build, typically standing between 52cm to 58cm tall at the withers.

Their stocky build is a result of their breeding to hunt ducks and waterfowl, which requires a strong and compact physique. Their broad, deep chest is also a notable feature, indicating a robust respiratory system.

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Their curly coat is one of their most distinctive physical traits, with a wavy almost ruffled look that can be brown, liver, or red chestnut in color. The coat is long and flat, with feathered tails similar to setters.

The Pont-Audemer Spaniel's head is rounded at the top, with a long and pointed muzzle and small, round eyes that give a frank but gentle expression. Their ears are long, flat, and pendant-shaped, covered with long silky hair.

Their facial fur is short, but they have a profuse 'topknot' that almost looks like a brown judge's wig when it merges with their wavy ears. The topknot should not merge with their forehead.

The breed standard requests that hind dew claws are removed for showing, and their limbs are strong and muscular. Their forelimbs are actually quite short, but they end in round paws with wavy fur in between the toes.

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Temperament and Behavior

The Pont-Audemer Spaniel is a happy, fun-loving breed with a gentle nature, bred to hunt but also making wonderful family pets.

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They're agile, adaptable, and possess an adept sense of smell, excellent swimming and retrieving abilities. These qualities combined with their friendly manner around children make them a great choice for families.

The Pont-Audemer Spaniel is a loyal and affectionate companion that craves companionship and loves to play. They're also known for their silly personalities and marked sense of humor.

Traits

The Pont-Audemer Spaniel is a gentle dog by nature, which seems at odds with their excellence in hunting.

They are more of a track and trace type dog, and will collect the game after their owner has dispatched it.

This breed is surprisingly tough and can tolerate severe weather conditions, plus they have a strong work ethic.

The Pont-Audemer Spaniel is always eager to please, and they respond well to positive training methods.

They are good with other dogs in the household, but may show combativeness with other dogs.

Their distinctive physical traits include a long muzzle, a somewhat pointed nose, and long, flat ears that are set low and furnished with trademark curls.

A Hunter with a Hunting Dog
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Most Pont-Audemers have feathered tails similar to setters, although some can naturally have short-haired "rat-tails" reminiscent of the Irish Water Spaniel.

They crave companionship and make ideal playmates for children, being quite comical and playful.

The Pont-Audemer Spaniel is loyal and affectionate to their human family, and will tend to chase smaller pets if not socialised and trained properly.

Character and Temperament

The Pont-Audemer Spaniel is a happy, fun-loving breed with a gentle nature, bred to hunt and possessing excellent swimming and retrieving abilities. They're also known for having silly personalities and a marked sense of humor.

These dogs are very affectionate companions that enjoy spending time with their people, making them wonderful family pets. They're also friendly around children, but it's essential to provide them with plenty of exercise and space to run.

The Pont-Audemer Spaniel is a gentle dog by nature, which seems at odds with their excellence in hunting, but aggression is not their aim. They're more of a track and trace type dog, and will collect the game after their owner has dispatched it.

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They're dedicated and easy to train, and are surprisingly tough, able to tolerate severe weather conditions. They have a strong work ethic and are loyal and affectionate to their human family, craving companionship.

The Pont-Audemer Spaniel is good with other dogs in the household but may show combativeness with other dogs. They will tend to chase smaller pets, but with socialising and obedience training, this can be overcome.

Their sweet nature and gentle disposition make them easy to transition between companion animal and hunting Spaniel. They blend well into families, particularly those with young children, who they will befriend for life.

Aggression is not commonly seen in this laid-back breed, and their personality makes them sub-par watchdogs and guard dogs. They would be more likely to befriend an intruder than warn them away.

The Pont-Audemer Spaniel is renowned for its stamina while tracking and the dedication it has for its job. They're diligent when at work, which is essential for their hunting role.

The Pont-Audemer Spaniel is very friendly and loves the company and playing with other dogs, making socialization a breeze. They can learn to react accordingly and understand that they don't need to be scared of strangers and other dogs.

They can be socialized to handle other pets, although they might never learn to "play nice" with other pets due to their high prey drive.

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Activity Requirements

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The Pont-Audemer Spaniel is a hardworking dog that's only too willing to please their master. They're not hyperactive at home, but they do need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

To meet their needs, a daily walk is a must. Games are an ideal way to wear this dog out, and they love to explore wide open spaces, sniff out dense undergrowth, and even get in the water.

They can adapt to city living as long as you can provide them with the exercise they need. This means finding ways to give them the physical and mental stimulation they crave, whether that's a long hike or a fun game in the park.

The Pont-Audemer Spaniel is easy to train because they bond so closely with their owners and love to please them. Their friendly and affectionate nature makes them a joy to be around, and they'll thrive on the attention and interaction they receive.

Care and Maintenance

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The Pont-Audemer Spaniel's beautiful coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting of the hair. This should be done a couple of times a week to keep them looking their best.

Their long hanging ears are prone to infection, so it's essential to check them frequently for dirt or wax build-up. You should clean them as needed with a damp cloth to wipe away any debris or oil.

Bathing your Pont-Audemer Spaniel is necessary when they get dirty, typically after spending time in the mud and water. Use a gentle dog shampoo to protect their natural oils and skin.

Their teeth should be brushed two to three times a week to maintain their health, and nail trims should be done regularly to prevent overgrowth.

Nutrition

To keep your Pont-Audemer healthy, it's essential to feed them a diet that's tailored to their activity level, breed size, and life stage. This could be puppy, adult, or senior.

The Snout of a Spaniel Dog
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Pont-Audemers are at a higher risk for bloat, so it's crucial to break their food into several meals a day. This can help prevent the condition.

Using a food bowl designed to slow their eating rate can also be beneficial. This helps to prevent gobbling down their food quickly.

Avoid feeding your Pont-Audemer immediately before or after any vigorous activity, as this can increase their risk of bloat.

Monitoring their food intake is also vital, as all dogs are at risk for obesity.

Breed Maintenance

The Pont-Audemer Spaniel's beautiful coat needs regular brushing to prevent matting of the hair. This breed requires a lot of care to keep their coat healthy and looking good.

Regular brushing is essential to prevent mats and tangles, especially for working dogs who get muddy while working in the marshes. Brushing should be done a couple of times a week.

Their long hanging ears are prone to infection, so it's crucial to check them regularly for dirt or wax build-up. Cleaning them as needed will help prevent infections.

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Nail trims and dental cleanings are also essential parts of their routine care. Brushing their teeth two to three times a week will maintain their health.

Their natural oils on the coat and skin should be protected when bathing, so make sure to use a special dog shampoo. This will help protect them from the weather.

The Pont-Audemer Spaniel is a relatively low-maintenance breed, but their floppy ears do require regular checking and cleaning to keep them free of waxy build-up.

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Exercise and Activity Levels

The Pont-Audemer Spaniel is a hard-working dog that requires regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They need a decent walk each day to keep them satisfied.

As a companion dog, they love to play games, which is an ideal way to wear them out. This can be a great way to bond with your dog and provide them with the physical activity they need.

Ideally, they love wide open spaces, a bit of water, and some dense undergrowth to nose around and explore. This allows them to use their natural instincts and stay engaged.

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They can adapt to city living as long as you can meet their exercise needs. This means providing them with regular walks and playtime to keep them happy and healthy.

The Pont-Audemer Spaniel is easy to train because they bond so closely with their owners and love to please them. This makes them a great companion for active families or individuals.

Other Animals

If you have other pets at home, the Pont-Audemer Spaniel can get along with them, but it's essential to socialize them properly to avoid any aggression issues.

With proper socialization, your Pont-Audemer Spaniel will enjoy the company of other dogs.

They can start chasing smaller animals, especially if they're bred for hunting.

You'll need to keep a close eye on them around smaller pets to ensure everyone's safety.

Similarly Sized Breeds

If you're looking for breeds similar in size to the Pont-Audemer Spaniel, you're in luck. The Hygenhund is a great match, with a similarity of 98% in terms of size.

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The Aussie Siberian is another breed that's almost identical in size to the Pont-Audemer Spaniel, with a 98% similarity score.

The Husker, Italian Hound, and Portuguese Podengo are all close in size to the Pont-Audemer Spaniel, with a similarity of 97% each.

If you're considering one of these breeds, here are some key similarities to keep in mind:

Lucy Orn-Mills

Writer

Lucy Orn-Mills is a versatile writer with a passion for canine culture. With a keen interest in the world of dogs, she has penned articles on a wide range of topics, from the charming Border Terrier to the rich history of dog breeds originating in Scotland and England. Lucy's expertise extends to the fascinating realm of Terriers, a group of breeds known for their feisty and affectionate nature.

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