The French Spaniel is an energetic and hard working breed. But how do you know whether you are ready to purchase a pet and if this breed is right for you? This information is absolutely necessary in making the decision to purchase a pet.
History
While the origin of the French Spaniel remains somewhat unclear, this breed can be traced back to the 14th century, when it was beginning to gain popularity as an excellent hunting and working dog.
It is believed that the French Spaniel is a descendent of early breeds such as the Small Munsterlander, Drentse Patrijshond, and the Brittany Spaniel.
During the early 1800’s, the French Spaniel was on the verge of complete extinction. It is said that an unnamed French priest gathered what specimens he could find and began breeding these dogs privately, and then began efforts to gain popularity for the breed once more.
The French Spaniel was introduced to Quebec, Canada in the 1970’s, where the breed remains a popular hunting dog and companion today.
The Canadian Kennel Club recognized the French Spaniel in 1985.
This breed currently remains rare outside of its native France and its Canadian territory.
Personality Traits
Above all else, the French Spaniel is known for being an intelligent and quick-witted breed with an incredible ability to learn. This breed had a strong need to please and impress its master, and therefore is generally easy to train. The French Spaniel is very energetic and playful, especially when young. These dogs make excellent companions, family pets, and hunting dogs. This breed typically gets along well with children and other pets and adapts easily to being a house pet.
Train-ability
Due to its history as a hunting and companion dog, the French Spaniel has a strong need to please its owner and earn its keep. This breed typically responds very quickly to training and repetitive tasks and enjoys learning. The French Spaniel is able to learn to perform most any task its trainer is willing to take the time to teach it.
Unlike most breeds, establishing an overwhelming amount of dominance is not necessary with the French Spaniel, as this breed naturally has a respect for people and need to please.
Benefits and Disadvantages of the Breed
There are many benefits to owning a French Spaniel. These dogs are highly intelligent, quick to learn, and aim to please and impress their owners at all times, making this breed very easily trainable. This breed makes an amazing hunting and pointing dog, and is typically very energetic yet quiet. The French Spaniel makes a nice family pet and companion dog alike, often showing affection and love to its owner. This breed typically gets along well with small children and other pets.
Unfortunately, there are also disadvantages to owning a French Spaniel. This energetic breed requires large amounts of daily exercise and room to run and play. Anyone wishing to purchase a French Spaniel lacking the adequate amount of time and space to dedicate to the dog is strongly advised against doing so. A French Spaniel lacking the proper amount of exercise will often act out by destroying property, barking, whining, chewing, and ignoring basic training such as housebreaking.
Being bred as a hunting dog, an untrained French Spaniel will often indulge in a good chase. When on the run, these dogs can be difficult to keep up with and become a danger to other animals, neighborhood pets, and small woodland creatures. Proper training, leashing, and securing the French Spaniel when outdoors is necessary.
Like many Spaniel breeds, the French Spaniel has a thick, course, and way coat that requires almost constant attention, brushing, and grooming.
As previously mentioned, this breed remains rather rare outside of its native France and its newfound popularity throughout certain parts of Canada. Individuals wishing to purchase a French Spaniel will often encounter such challenges as inability to locate a breeder, high prices, and being placed on long waiting lists.
Common Health Concerns
While the French Spaniel is typically known as a healthy and hearty breed, they do fall victim to a few health problems, including: hip dysplasia, various joint problems such as arthritis, bloat, and eye problems such as cherry eye and hereditary retinal dysplasia.
Now that you know all about the breed, do you think you are ready to own a French Spaniel? Remember, purchasing a pet is a big decision and should be discussed thoroughly and seriously with your entire family.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/french_spaniel
http://www.canadasguidetodogs.com/spanielfrench.htm
